🐾 Spot & Tango vs. Sundays for Dogs
For pet parents seeking premium, human-grade alternatives to traditional kibble, Spot & Tango and Sundays for Dogs stand out as two of the most aggressively marketed DTC options. But beneath the glossy branding and vet-backed messaging lie major differences in nutritional formulation, convenience, safety records, ingredient philosophy, and the real-world delivery experience.
🔑 Quick Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
| ❓Critical Question | ✅ Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Which brand is more affordable overall? | Spot & Tango UnKibble, but watch for portioning issues that may inflate the true cost. |
| Which brand is better for picky eaters? | Sundays, thanks to its jerky-like texture and high palatability. |
| Is either brand safe for puppies? | Only Spot & Tango has all recipes approved for All Life Stages, including large-breed puppies. |
| Which has a cleaner safety record? | Sundays has no recalls, but mold complaints may suggest quality control blind spots. |
| Which is more convenient for daily use? | Sundays, hands down. Shelf-stable, no fridge needed, zero prep. |
| Is one more transparent than the other? | Spot & Tango handled a recall publicly; Sundays avoids disclosures despite customer concerns. |
🥩 Which Brand Uses Better Ingredients—and Do “Human-Grade” Claims Really Hold Up?
Both brands scream “human-grade,” but ingredient quality diverges behind the scenes. Look past the labels and you’ll notice the true difference lies in the formulation intent.
📋 Ingredient Integrity Comparison
| 🧾Ingredient Area | 🧬Spot & Tango | 🥩Sundays for Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| USDA-certified meat | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Non-GMO produce | ✅ Claimed | ✅ Claimed |
| Organic ingredients | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| No Chinese-sourced ingredients | ❓ Not stated | ✅ Explicitly stated |
| Whole-food nutrients | ❌ Uses synthetic blend | ✅ No synthetic vitamin mix |
| Common “filler” ingredients | Barley, quinoa | Pumpkin, sweet potato |
Critical Insight:
Sundays takes a “whole food as nutrition” approach—no added vitamin premixes, which purists love but may risk inconsistency.
Spot & Tango uses a custom nutrient blend to guarantee AAFCO compliance—reliable but more clinical.
🐶 Which Brand is Truly Puppy-Safe?
This is a huge and often overlooked point. The AAFCO life stage designation tells you whether food is safe for:
- Growing puppies (especially large breeds)
- Pregnant or nursing mothers
- Senior dogs with different nutrient absorption needs
🍼 AAFCO Compliance Overview
| 📦Product | 🏷️Life Stage Approval |
|---|---|
| Spot & Tango Fresh | All Life Stages ✅ |
| Spot & Tango UnKibble | All Life Stages ✅ |
| Sundays Beef Recipe | All Life Stages ✅ |
| Sundays Turkey Recipe | All Life Stages ✅ |
| Sundays Chicken Recipe | Adult Maintenance Only ⚠️ |
Expert Tip:
If you have a puppy, large breed, or pregnant dog, avoid Sundays Chicken. The lack of growth-stage adequacy could lead to developmental deficiencies.
🧾 Which Brand is More Cost-Effective in the Real World?
When factoring in price per meal, portion control issues, and delivery reliability, the picture changes significantly from surface-level quotes.
💰 Estimated Monthly Cost Comparison (One Dog, Realistic Intake)
| 🐕🦺Dog Size | Spot & Tango UnKibble | Sundays |
|---|---|---|
| 15 lbs (Small) | $70–$90 | $100–$140 |
| 40 lbs (Medium) | $145–$180 | $160–$200 |
| 65 lbs (Large) | $190–$240 | $200–$250+ |
Hidden Costs to Watch For:
- Spot & Tango users frequently report running out of food early, requiring emergency top-ups.
- Sundays pricing is consistent, but its higher fat content may not suit sedentary or sensitive dogs, potentially leading to additional vet costs.
📦 Which Brand Has Better Delivery, Storage, and Day-to-Day Usability?
This category is where Sundays dominates. The jerky-style food is ready to serve and requires no refrigeration—ideal for busy owners or travelers.
🚚 Convenience Showdown
| 🧰Feature | Spot & Tango | Sundays |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf-stable option | ✅ (UnKibble only) | ✅ All recipes |
| Needs fridge/freezer | ✅ Fresh food only ❄️ | ❌ Never |
| Portioning ease | ✅ Custom scooper with UnKibble | ❌ Must eyeball or weigh |
| Ships to AK/HI | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Prep time | 🕒 5–10 min/day for Fresh | ⏱️ 0 min—scoop & serve |
Expert Tip:
For frequent travelers, urban dwellers with limited storage, or those managing mobility issues, Sundays is logistically superior in every way.
⚠️ Which Brand Has a Better Track Record on Safety and Quality?
Neither brand escapes scrutiny. While Sundays has no official recalls, complaints about mold and inconsistent batches raise red flags. Spot & Tango had a public Salmonella recall, but handled it with structured customer alerts.
🛑 Safety & Transparency Snapshot
| 🔍Issue Type | Spot & Tango | Sundays |
|---|---|---|
| Official Recalls | ✅ 1 (Salmonella, 2022) | ❌ None reported |
| Communication Transparency | ✅ Email-based notification | ❓ Case-by-case response only |
| Mold or spoilage complaints | ❌ Few reported | ⚠️ Multiple anecdotal reports |
| Customer trust in crisis | 🟡 Moderate | 🔴 Inconsistent |
Veterinary Insight:
If your dog has a weakened immune system, the documented recall from Spot & Tango may concern you. But Sundays’ mold risk could present equal or greater danger in humid or poorly ventilated homes.
🍽️ Which Brand Is More Palatable for Fussy Dogs?
This is the single area where Sundays earns universal praise. The jerky-like texture and aroma trigger a treat-style response, which makes it a lifesaver for owners of food-refusing pups.
🐕🦺 Palatability Feedback Summary
| 😋Aspect | Spot & Tango | Sundays |
|---|---|---|
| Texture appeal | Mixed feedback (UnKibble dries out) | Consistently praised |
| “Treat-like” aroma | Fresh only | ✅ Yes |
| Long-term acceptance | Some dogs lose interest | High consistency |
| Doubles as a training treat | ❌ Not ideal | ✅ Yes, widely used |
Behavioral Tip:
For picky eaters, senior dogs with appetite issues, or owners struggling with training motivation, Sundays wins by a wide margin.
Final Expert Verdict by Dog Type or Owner Preference
| 👤User Type | 🏆Recommended Brand | 💡Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious, multi-dog household | Spot & Tango UnKibble | Nutritionally flexible, more affordable if portions align |
| Puppy or large-breed puppy parent | Spot & Tango | Full AAFCO compliance across all recipes |
| Busy professional or frequent traveler | Sundays | Zero prep, no refrigeration, highly portable |
| Owner of a picky eater | Sundays | Unmatched palatability, treat-like consistency |
| Risk-averse, safety-focused consumer | Spot & Tango (despite recall) | Transparent recall, official oversight vs. anecdotal mold reports |
| DIY ingredient purist | Sundays | Whole food nutrition, no synthetic additives |
| Nutrition pragmatist | Spot & Tango | Guaranteed micronutrient balance via added blend |
💬 FAQs
❓“If Sundays doesn’t use synthetic vitamins, how do they ensure it’s nutritionally complete?”
Sundays relies entirely on whole foods to meet nutritional targets, which is an ambitious and appealing approach for many owners. They use a blend of organ meats (like liver and heart), nutrient-dense vegetables, and fruits to deliver essential vitamins and minerals. The only supplement used is selenium yeast, a naturally occurring compound considered safer than synthetic selenium.
However, this “food-only” model comes with formulation risks:
- Nutrient levels can vary by batch, harvest, or ingredient source.
- Some micronutrients (like vitamin D3, zinc, and copper) are difficult to provide consistently in bioavailable quantities via whole foods alone.
- Over-reliance on liver for nutrients like vitamin A can, if not tightly controlled, lead to excessive intake over time.
🧪 Whole-Food Formulation: Pros & Cons
| 🌿Approach | ✅ Advantage | ⚠️ Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Food-based nutrients | Easier to digest, less risk of synthetic contamination | May vary in potency batch-to-batch |
| No synthetic packs | Appeals to ingredient purists | Lacks controlled micronutrient fortification |
| Organ meat-driven | Delivers iron, B12, fat-soluble vitamins naturally | Vitamin A and copper accumulation risks |
Bottom line: Sundays achieves AAFCO compliance by formulation, not feeding trials. For healthy adult dogs, this is likely fine. For puppies, seniors, or dogs with chronic health conditions, we suggest consulting with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before committing long-term.
❓“What if my dog has pancreatitis or needs a low-fat diet? Can either brand accommodate that?”
This is a critical and often overlooked issue. Sundays’ beef recipe contains roughly 29.4% fat (dry matter)—which is well above the threshold typically recommended for dogs with pancreatitis, GI sensitivity, or a history of fat intolerance. The chicken formula is somewhat lower but still sits above 20% DMB.
Spot & Tango’s UnKibble, particularly the Chicken & Brown Rice, offers a more moderate fat profile (~16.8% DMB), which is within the tolerable range for dogs with fat-related issues.
🥩 Fat Content Comparison (Dry Matter Basis)
| 🍖Recipe | 💧Crude Fat % (DMB) | 🩺Pancreatitis-Safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Sundays (Beef) | ~29.4% | ❌ Too high |
| Sundays (Chicken) | ~21.2% | ⚠️ Borderline |
| Spot & Tango UnKibble (Beef) | ~23.2% | ⚠️ Caution needed |
| Spot & Tango UnKibble (Chicken) | ~16.8% | ✅ Generally safe |
Veterinary Tip:
For dogs recovering from pancreatitis, diets with <18% fat (DMB) are typically recommended. Always get a vet’s green light before choosing either brand for medically sensitive dogs.
❓“I noticed Spot & Tango uses safflower oil. Isn’t that inflammatory for dogs?”
Yes, this is a valid concern. Safflower oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid. While omega-6s are essential in small amounts, they can become pro-inflammatory when not balanced with sufficient omega-3s like EPA and DHA (typically from fish oil or marine algae).
Overconsumption of omega-6s may contribute to:
- Skin inflammation
- Joint irritation
- Allergic responses
🌻 Oil Source Risk Matrix
| 🧪Oil Type | 🔥Omega-6 Load | 🐟Omega-3 Balance | 🧠Impact on Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safflower Oil | Very High | ❌ Low | Potentially inflammatory if not balanced |
| Fish Oil | Low | ✅ Very High | Anti-inflammatory, supports coat/brain health |
| Sunflower Oil (Sundays) | High | ❌ Low | Same concerns as safflower |
Critical Insight:
Spot & Tango does offset safflower oil with added fish oil, which helps correct the ratio. Sundays uses sunflower oil, with no listed marine omega-3s, making the inflammatory potential higher if not supplemented elsewhere.
❓“Why do both brands seem to fall short on customer service and delivery?”
This is one of the most frustrating pain points for premium subscribers. These brands operate on subscription-based fulfillment models, which rely heavily on predictive shipping algorithms and automated inventory systems. The main breakdowns occur due to:
- Underestimated daily caloric needs in the algorithm = Not enough food to last till next shipment
- Understaffed fulfillment centers = Shipping lags, especially during seasonal surges
- Poor internal tracking = Delayed notification when shipments are running behind
- Reactive—not proactive—customer service = Long email response times, lack of emergency resolution support
📦 Service Shortfall Chart
| ❌Issue Type | 🕑Common Delay Time | 📢Reported By Users |
|---|---|---|
| Late delivery | 3–10 days | Both brands |
| Portion underestimation | 10–30% short | Mostly Spot & Tango |
| Mold/damaged goods | Inconsistent | Sundays (Reddit + Facebook) |
| Customer service response | 2–5 business days | Both brands |
Expert Recommendation:
Until fulfillment systems are improved, always have 5–7 days of backup food—whether that’s freeze-dried, homemade, or emergency kibble. It’s a buffer you will need eventually.
❓“Why is Spot & Tango’s UnKibble so much higher in carbs than Sundays?”
Excellent observation. UnKibble’s recipes average 40–49% carbohydrates (DMB) depending on the flavor. The primary carb sources include barley, brown rice, and quinoa—all nutrient-rich but starchy.
Sundays, by contrast, comes in much lower (20–27% carbs) because the formulation is meat-first, organ-heavy, and omits grains entirely.
🍚 Carbohydrate Load Comparison
| 🥗Brand & Recipe | 🌾Estimated Carbs (DMB) | ⚠️Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Spot & Tango UnKibble (Chicken) | ~48.9% | May be too high for diabetic dogs |
| Spot & Tango UnKibble (Beef) | ~40.4% | Moderate-high carb profile |
| Sundays (Beef) | ~20% | Low carb, high meat |
| Sundays (Chicken) | ~27.1% | Low-moderate carb |
Clinical Context:
High-carb diets can be problematic for:
- Diabetic dogs
- Dogs with yeast-prone skin issues
- Pets requiring lower glycemic load
In such cases, Sundays may be the better fit, despite the price, due to its lower glycemic index and reduced starch content.
❓“Is there a risk feeding only one protein source long-term from either brand?”
Yes—and this is a serious, under-discussed topic. Rotational feeding (switching proteins periodically) is often recommended to:
- Prevent sensitivities or intolerances from forming
- Provide a broader amino acid and micronutrient profile
- Support gut microbiome diversity
Both brands offer limited protein variety:
- Spot & Tango UnKibble: Chicken, Beef, Turkey, Cod (limited rotation available)
- Sundays: Beef, Chicken, Turkey (but Chicken is adult-only)
🧬 Protein Variety & Rotation Potential
| 🍗Brand | 🔄**# of Protein Options** | 🐾Rotation Ease | 🚩Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot & Tango UnKibble | 4 | ✅ Yes, across life stages | Cod sometimes unavailable |
| Sundays | 3 | ⚠️ Limited (Chicken adult-only) | High-fat profile may limit switching for sensitive dogs |
Pro Feeding Tip:
Introduce a new protein gradually over 7–10 days, especially when rotating between brands or across fat levels. Use digestive enzymes or probiotics to ease the transition.
❓“Why do both brands say they’re AAFCO-compliant but still don’t conduct feeding trials?”
AAFCO compliance has two distinct paths:
- By nutrient formulation, where the brand submits lab analysis showing that their food meets the nutrient requirements established by AAFCO.
- By feeding trial, where dogs are actually fed the food under controlled conditions to demonstrate it sustains health over time.
Neither Spot & Tango nor Sundays performs AAFCO feeding trials, which are considered the gold standard. Instead, both rely on the formulation method—meeting nutritional thresholds on paper through lab testing of the final product.
🎓 AAFCO Nutritional Compliance Methods
| 🧪Method | 🧾Used By | 🧠What It Means | ❗What’s Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Profile / Lab Analysis | Spot & Tango, Sundays | Meets AAFCO on paper | No real-world digestive or long-term impact data |
| Feeding Trials | Larger brands (e.g., Hill’s, Royal Canin) | Proves digestibility & performance in live dogs | Expensive & time-consuming ✅ |
Critical Insight:
AAFCO formulation is not inherently bad, but without trials, no one can confirm how bioavailable the nutrients actually are or how the dog’s body responds over time. For healthy dogs, this may be fine. For dogs with sensitive digestion, allergies, or chronic illness, trial-based foods may be safer.
❓“Are either of these companies vet-owned or backed by veterinary schools?”
Sundays was co-founded by Dr. Tory Waxman, a practicing veterinarian. This gives them a clinical foundation, and they cite consultation with board-certified veterinary nutritionists (ACVN diplomates) and animal nutrition PhDs.
Spot & Tango, while not founded by a vet, states their recipes are formulated with the input of veterinary nutritionists, though they don’t specify names or credentials on their site—a transparency shortfall compared to competitors.
🏥 Veterinary Involvement Matrix
| 👩⚕️Criteria | Spot & Tango | Sundays |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Founder | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Dr. Tory Waxman) |
| Board-certified nutritionist input | ✅ Claimed, not named | ✅ Yes, listed publicly |
| Clinical trials or studies published | ❌ None known | ❌ None known |
| WSAVA transparency page | 🟡 Partial | ✅ Full disclosure |
Professional Note:
While a vet co-founder adds credibility, it does not guarantee nutritional superiority. However, publicly naming board-certified nutritionists (as Sundays does) is a mark of transparency that should not be overlooked.
❓“What about allergens? Which is better for dogs with food sensitivities?”
Both brands position themselves as clean-label and grain-conscious, but for dogs with allergies or intolerances, ingredient specificity and simplicity are paramount.
🔍 Allergen Load Snapshot
| ⚠️Potential Triggers | Spot & Tango UnKibble | Sundays |
|---|---|---|
| Grains (barley, rice) | ✅ Present | ❌ Grain-free |
| Seed oils (safflower/sunflower) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Eggs | ❌ Not in current recipes | ✅ Included |
| Legumes (peas, lentils) | ❌ None listed | ❌ None listed |
| Dairy | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Synthetic additives | ✅ Nutrient pack | ❌ None used |
Breakdown by Allergen Sensitivity:
- For grain-sensitive dogs, Sundays is the better choice (all recipes are grain-free).
- For egg allergies, Spot & Tango may be safer.
- For dogs with skin or GI inflammation, watch out for high omega-6 seed oils in both brands, unless balanced with added omega-3s (Spot & Tango includes fish oil; Sundays does not).
Recommendation:
When feeding an allergy-prone dog, opt for the most limited-ingredient formula possible and introduce it gradually with a 10–14 day transition window.
❓“How does the moisture content affect the food’s digestibility or satiety?”
This is often missed in standard comparisons. Moisture content has a direct impact on how full your dog feels, how easily they digest food, and how much water they need to drink with meals.
Spot & Tango’s Fresh meals are high in moisture (≈70%), which contributes to:
- Improved satiety (bulk volume)
- Better hydration, especially for senior dogs
- Easier digestion in dogs prone to constipation
Sundays and UnKibble are dry, so their low moisture means:
- More calorie-dense per bite
- Dogs may drink more water
- Not ideal for dogs with kidney disease or UTIs, where hydration is key
💧 Moisture Comparison & Digestive Impact
| 🥣Format | 💦Moisture % | 🐶Effect on Digestion |
|---|---|---|
| Spot & Tango Fresh | ~70% | Soft stool, helps hydration, higher satiety ✅ |
| Spot & Tango UnKibble | ~10% | Requires water access, may cause dry stool |
| Sundays | ~12% | Highly concentrated, easy to overfeed without measuring carefully ⚠️ |
Digestive Strategy Tip:
If feeding Sundays or UnKibble, you can rehydrate it lightly with warm water for dogs prone to constipation or eating too fast. This also enhances aroma and mealtime excitement.
❓“Do these foods help with coat condition or skin allergies?”
Skin and coat improvements are among the most cited benefits from switching to fresh or whole-food diets. However, actual impact depends on:
- Fatty acid profile (esp. EPA/DHA)
- Protein digestibility
- Avoidance of allergens or processed fillers
Spot & Tango includes fish oil, which adds omega-3s. This can help reduce:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Excessive shedding
- Dull coat appearance
Sundays, despite using sunflower oil (high omega-6), does not list any marine omega-3 sources, which limits its anti-inflammatory benefit unless the owner adds a supplement.
🦴 Skin & Coat Support Comparison
| 🧴Nutritional Component | Spot & Tango | Sundays |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Oil (EPA/DHA source) | ✅ Included | ❌ Not listed |
| Sunflower/Safflower Oil (Omega-6) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Biotin | ✅ In nutrient blend | ✅ Via whole food (eggs, liver) |
| Zinc (skin healing) | ✅ Synthetic | ✅ From beef/organs |
Owner Tip:
If you feed Sundays and notice no improvement in coat quality after 6–8 weeks, consider adding a high-quality omega-3 supplement like salmon oil or krill oil to balance the fatty acid profile.
❓“How long does it take to see benefits after switching to either brand?”
You’ll typically see digestive changes first (within 3–7 days), especially stool consistency and frequency. Coat improvements, energy levels, and allergy reduction may take 4–8 weeks, depending on the dog’s prior diet and health status.
📆 What to Expect Timeline
| ⏱️Time Frame | 🐾Observable Change |
|---|---|
| Days 3–7 | Softer stool, reduced gas (or temporary GI upset) |
| Week 2 | Increased water intake (dry food), better appetite |
| Weeks 3–5 | Shinier coat, less itching (if food allergy related) |
| Week 6+ | Sustained energy, weight normalization, reduced shedding |
Monitoring Tip:
Track stool quality, scratching frequency, and coat texture weekly for the first two months. Use photos or a health journal to evaluate objectively rather than just by memory.
❓“Do either of these foods support joint health for aging dogs or large breeds?”
Neither brand offers a dedicated joint support formula, but there are ingredients in both that may support musculoskeletal health indirectly. Spot & Tango UnKibble includes fish oil, which provides omega-3 fatty acids—anti-inflammatory agents known to support joint lubrication and slow cartilage degradation.
Sundays, while rich in animal-based protein (including organ meats), lacks added EPA/DHA or glucosamine/chondroitin—common joint health additions. This makes it nutritionally dense but not specifically therapeutic for joint concerns.
🦴 Joint Support Profile
| 💊Nutritional Component | Spot & Tango | Sundays |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Oil (EPA/DHA) | ✅ Included | ❌ Not present |
| Glucosamine/Chondroitin | ❌ None added | ❌ None added |
| Turmeric (anti-inflammatory) | ❌ Not listed | ✅ Present (minimal) |
| Organ meats (collagen, glycine) | ⚠️ Some present | ✅ Liver & heart in recipes |
Veterinary Perspective:
For seniors or large-breed dogs, adding a joint-specific supplement like green-lipped mussel, turmeric with black pepper, or veterinary-grade glucosamine/chondroitin is highly recommended regardless of brand choice.
❓“Why does Spot & Tango include barley and quinoa? Are those actually healthy or just fillers?”
This touches on a common misconception about grains. Barley and quinoa are not used as “fillers” in the traditional sense—they’re included as complex carbohydrate sources with additional micronutrient value. Unlike corn or soy, which are more processed and calorically dense, quinoa offers amino acids, magnesium, and manganese, while barley provides beta-glucans, a fiber known to support blood sugar regulation and gut health.
🌾 Grain Quality Analysis
| 🌿Ingredient | 🧬Nutritional Purpose | 🐕🦺Effect on Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Barley | Complex carb, beta-glucan source | Supports gut flora, stabilizes glucose |
| Quinoa | Pseudo-grain, high in lysine | Enhances protein quality, non-allergenic |
| Oats (not used here) | Soluble fiber | Common in skin/coat-focused formulas |
Bottom Line:
These grains are included in whole-food, minimally processed forms, providing nutritional function, not empty calories. However, dogs with suspected grain sensitivities may still do better with Sundays’ grain-free formulation.
❓“Are there any risks to feeding high-protein diets like Sundays long-term?”
Yes, depending on your dog’s health status and activity level. High-protein diets (like Sundays, with >40% protein DMB) can be beneficial for:
- Highly active dogs
- Working or athletic breeds
- Dogs needing muscle support or recovery from injury
However, for:
- Sedentary, indoor pets
- Senior dogs with reduced renal function
- Dogs prone to urate stones or liver disease
Excessive protein can stress renal filtration, contribute to dehydration, and worsen certain metabolic conditions.
🥩 High-Protein Diet Consideration Matrix
| 📊Factor | ✅Sundays Suitability | ❗Caution Required |
|---|---|---|
| Young, active dog | ✅ Ideal | — |
| Overweight senior | ⚠️ May cause weight gain | Monitor fat levels |
| History of kidney issues | ❌ Not recommended | Consider low-phosphorus diets |
| Prone to bladder stones | ❌ High purine risk | Low-purine alternatives preferred |
Pro Tip:
If feeding Sundays long-term, ensure ample water intake and discuss urinalysis monitoring with your vet during wellness exams—especially in dogs over 7 years old.
❓“Do Spot & Tango or Sundays test for heavy metals or toxins in their ingredients?”
Neither brand publishes third-party heavy metal testing results, nor do they provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) on their websites. This is a missed opportunity for transparency in the human-grade pet food space, where consumers expect more.
Why it matters:
- Fish and organ meats are known to accumulate heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, and cadmium.
- Grains and leafy greens can absorb lead and pesticide residues if grown in contaminated soil.
- Without batch testing, there’s no guarantee that the final product is low in toxins, pesticides, or molds.
⚠️ Contaminant Risk Categories by Ingredient Type
| 🧾Ingredient | 🧪Potential Risk | 🧼Best Practice (Not Publicly Verified) |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Liver | Cadmium, copper excess | Test each batch; rotate proteins |
| Fish Oil | Mercury, PCB | Purify and micro-filter (not disclosed) |
| Kale, Spinach (used in Sundays) | Lead, pesticide residue | Should be organic or lab-screened |
| Grains | Glyphosate | Source from non-GMO, organic fields (not stated) |
Transparency Recommendation:
Brands that aim for clinical-grade or therapeutic positioning should publish third-party testing summaries. Until then, it’s advisable to rotate brands/proteins to reduce cumulative exposure risk.
❓“Does freeze-dried raw offer better nutrition than these cooked or air-dried options?”
Freeze-dried raw has some advantages:
- Preserves most of the original nutrients and enzymes
- Maintains high bioavailability of amino acids and vitamins
- Typically very palatable
However, it also comes with:
- Higher bacterial risk if not handled or stored properly
- Often lacks consistency in micronutrient balance
- May not be AAFCO complete without added blends
🔥 Processing Method Impact Chart
| 🍽️Method | 🧬Nutrient Retention | 🦠Microbial Risk | ⚖️Complete Diet? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh-cooked (Spot & Tango) | Moderate (some loss in water-soluble vitamins) | Very low | ✅ Yes |
| Air-dried (Sundays) | Higher than baked kibble, slightly oxidized fats | Low | ✅ Yes |
| Freeze-dried raw | Excellent nutrient retention | Moderate–High | ⚠️ Often incomplete |
Expert Note:
If you want raw-like benefits but need digestive safety and convenience, air-dried products like Sundays offer a middle-ground solution. For immunocompromised pets (or humans in the household), cooked or air-dried is safer than freeze-dried raw.
❓“What do veterinarians really think of these brands?”
Veterinarians are split—and rightly so. These brands appeal to owners seeking transparency, fresh food, and better ingredient integrity than supermarket kibble. However, most vets still express concerns about:
- Lack of feeding trials
- Limited vet nutritionist oversight
- Inconsistent calorie portioning
- High fat levels for metabolically sensitive pets
🩺 Veterinary Consensus Snapshot
| 🧪Veterinary Concern | 📦Spot & Tango | 🍖Sundays |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient accuracy | Synthetic blend ensures consistency ✅ | Whole food only, possible variation ⚠️ |
| Digestive tolerance | Mostly good reports | Some high-fat-related GI upset |
| Ingredient quality | Clean but not organic | Clean but lacks COA/test data |
| Use in clinical cases | Not recommended | Not recommended |
Conclusion from most clinicians:
Good maintenance options for healthy dogs, but not ideal for therapeutic feeding unless paired with veterinary oversight or supplements.
