๐Ÿพ 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.


๐Ÿ”‘ Quick Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

โ“Critical Questionโœ… 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.

๐Ÿฅฉ Which Brand Uses Better Ingredientsโ€”and Do “Human-Grade” Claims Really Hold Up?

Both brands scream โ€œhuman-grade,โ€ but ingredient quality diverges behind the scenes. Look past the labels and you’ll notice the true difference lies in the formulation intent.

๐Ÿ“‹ Ingredient Integrity Comparison

๐ŸงพIngredient Area๐ŸงฌSpot & Tango๐ŸฅฉSundays for Dogs
USDA-certified meatโœ… Yesโœ… Yes
Non-GMO produceโœ… Claimedโœ… Claimed
Organic ingredientsโŒ NoโŒ No
No Chinese-sourced ingredientsโ“ Not statedโœ… Explicitly stated
Whole-food nutrientsโŒ Uses synthetic blendโœ… No synthetic vitamin mix
Common “filler” ingredientsBarley, quinoaPumpkin, sweet potato

Critical Insight:
Sundays takes a โ€œwhole food as nutritionโ€ approachโ€”no added vitamin premixes, which purists love but may risk inconsistency.
Spot & Tango uses a custom nutrient blend to guarantee AAFCO complianceโ€”reliable but more clinical.


๐Ÿถ 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

๐Ÿผ AAFCO Compliance Overview

๐Ÿ“ฆProduct๐Ÿท๏ธLife Stage Approval
Spot & Tango FreshAll Life Stages โœ…
Spot & Tango UnKibbleAll Life Stages โœ…
Sundays Beef RecipeAll Life Stages โœ…
Sundays Turkey RecipeAll Life Stages โœ…
Sundays Chicken RecipeAdult Maintenance Only โš ๏ธ

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.


๐Ÿงพ 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.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Estimated Monthly Cost Comparison (One Dog, Realistic Intake)

๐Ÿ•โ€๐ŸฆบDog SizeSpot & Tango UnKibbleSundays
15 lbs (Small)$70โ€“$90$100โ€“$140
40 lbs (Medium)$145โ€“$180$160โ€“$200
65 lbs (Large)$190โ€“$240$200โ€“$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.

๐Ÿ“ฆ 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 refrigerationโ€”ideal for busy owners or travelers.

๐Ÿšš Convenience Showdown

๐ŸงฐFeatureSpot & TangoSundays
Shelf-stable optionโœ… (UnKibble only)โœ… All recipes
Needs fridge/freezerโœ… Fresh food only โ„๏ธโŒ Never
Portioning easeโœ… Custom scooper with UnKibbleโŒ Must eyeball or weigh
Ships to AK/HIโŒ Noโœ… Yes
Prep time๐Ÿ•’ 5โ€“10 min/day for Freshโฑ๏ธ 0 minโ€”scoop & serve

Expert Tip:
For frequent travelers, urban dwellers with limited storage, or those managing mobility issues, Sundays is logistically superior in every way.


โš ๏ธ 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.

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๐Ÿ›‘ Safety & Transparency Snapshot

๐Ÿ”Issue TypeSpot & TangoSundays
Official Recallsโœ… 1 (Salmonella, 2022)โŒ None reported
Communication Transparencyโœ… Email-based notificationโ“ Case-by-case response only
Mold or spoilage complaintsโŒ Few reportedโš ๏ธ Multiple anecdotal reports
Customer trust in crisis๐ŸŸก Moderate๐Ÿ”ด 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.


๐Ÿฝ๏ธ 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.

๐Ÿ•โ€๐Ÿฆบ Palatability Feedback Summary

๐Ÿ˜‹AspectSpot & TangoSundays
Texture appealMixed feedback (UnKibble dries out)Consistently praised
“Treat-like” aromaFresh onlyโœ… Yes
Long-term acceptanceSome dogs lose interestHigh consistency
Doubles as a training treatโŒ Not idealโœ… 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

๐Ÿ‘คUser Type๐Ÿ†Recommended Brand๐Ÿ’กWhy
Budget-conscious, multi-dog householdSpot & Tango UnKibbleNutritionally flexible, more affordable if portions align
Puppy or large-breed puppy parentSpot & TangoFull AAFCO compliance across all recipes
Busy professional or frequent travelerSundaysZero prep, no refrigeration, highly portable
Owner of a picky eaterSundaysUnmatched palatability, treat-like consistency
Risk-averse, safety-focused consumerSpot & Tango (despite recall)Transparent recall, official oversight vs. anecdotal mold reports
DIY ingredient puristSundaysWhole food nutrition, no synthetic additives
Nutrition pragmatistSpot & TangoGuaranteed micronutrient balance via added blend

๐Ÿ’ฌ FAQs


โ“โ€œIf Sundays doesnโ€™t use synthetic vitamins, how do they ensure itโ€™s nutritionally complete?โ€

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 โ€œfood-onlyโ€ 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.

๐Ÿงช Whole-Food Formulation: Pros & Cons

๐ŸŒฟApproachโœ… Advantageโš ๏ธ Caution
Food-based nutrientsEasier to digest, less risk of synthetic contaminationMay vary in potency batch-to-batch
No synthetic packsAppeals to ingredient puristsLacks controlled micronutrient fortification
Organ meat-drivenDelivers iron, B12, fat-soluble vitamins naturallyVitamin 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.


โ“โ€œWhat if my dog has pancreatitis or needs a low-fat diet? Can either brand accommodate that?โ€

This is a critical and often overlooked issue. Sundaysโ€™ beef recipe contains roughly 29.4% fat (dry matter)โ€”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 & Tangoโ€™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.

๐Ÿฅฉ Fat Content Comparison (Dry Matter Basis)

๐Ÿ–Recipe๐Ÿ’งCrude Fat % (DMB)๐ŸฉบPancreatitis-Safe?
Sundays (Beef)~29.4%โŒ Too high
Sundays (Chicken)~21.2%โš ๏ธ Borderline
Spot & Tango UnKibble (Beef)~23.2%โš ๏ธ Caution needed
Spot & Tango UnKibble (Chicken)~16.8%โœ… Generally safe

Veterinary Tip:
For dogs recovering from pancreatitis, diets with <18% fat (DMB) are typically recommended. Always get a vetโ€™s green light before choosing either brand for medically sensitive dogs.

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โ“โ€œI noticed Spot & Tango uses safflower oil. Isnโ€™t that inflammatory for dogs?โ€

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

๐ŸŒป Oil Source Risk Matrix

๐ŸงชOil Type๐Ÿ”ฅOmega-6 Load๐ŸŸOmega-3 Balance๐Ÿง Impact on Dogs
Safflower OilVery HighโŒ LowPotentially inflammatory if not balanced
Fish OilLowโœ… Very HighAnti-inflammatory, supports coat/brain health
Sunflower Oil (Sundays)HighโŒ LowSame 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.


โ“โ€œWhy do both brands seem to fall short on customer service and delivery?โ€

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
  • Reactiveโ€”not proactiveโ€”customer service = Long email response times, lack of emergency resolution support

๐Ÿ“ฆ Service Shortfall Chart

โŒIssue Type๐Ÿ•‘Common Delay Time๐Ÿ“ขReported By Users
Late delivery3โ€“10 daysBoth brands
Portion underestimation10โ€“30% shortMostly Spot & Tango
Mold/damaged goodsInconsistentSundays (Reddit + Facebook)
Customer service response2โ€“5 business daysBoth brands

Expert Recommendation:
Until fulfillment systems are improved, always have 5โ€“7 days of backup foodโ€”whether thatโ€™s freeze-dried, homemade, or emergency kibble. Itโ€™s a buffer you will need eventually.


โ“โ€œWhy is Spot & Tangoโ€™s UnKibble so much higher in carbs than Sundays?โ€

Excellent observation. UnKibbleโ€™s recipes average 40โ€“49% carbohydrates (DMB) depending on the flavor. The primary carb sources include barley, brown rice, and quinoaโ€”all nutrient-rich but starchy.

Sundays, by contrast, comes in much lower (20โ€“27% carbs) because the formulation is meat-first, organ-heavy, and omits grains entirely.

๐Ÿš Carbohydrate Load Comparison

๐Ÿฅ—Brand & Recipe๐ŸŒพEstimated Carbs (DMB)โš ๏ธ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.


โ“โ€œIs there a risk feeding only one protein source long-term from either brand?โ€

Yesโ€”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)

๐Ÿงฌ Protein Variety & Rotation Potential

๐Ÿ—Brand๐Ÿ”„**# of Protein Options**๐ŸพRotation Ease๐ŸšฉWarnings
Spot & Tango UnKibble4โœ… Yes, across life stagesCod sometimes unavailable
Sundays3โš ๏ธ Limited (Chicken adult-only)High-fat profile may limit switching for sensitive dogs

Pro Feeding Tip:
Introduce a new protein gradually over 7โ€“10 days, especially when rotating between brands or across fat levels. Use digestive enzymes or probiotics to ease the transition.


โ“โ€œWhy do both brands say theyโ€™re AAFCO-compliant but still donโ€™t conduct feeding trials?โ€

AAFCO compliance has two distinct paths:

  1. By nutrient formulation, where the brand submits lab analysis showing that their food meets the nutrient requirements established by AAFCO.
  2. By feeding trial, where dogs are actually fed the food under controlled conditions to demonstrate it sustains health over time.
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Neither Spot & Tango nor Sundays performs AAFCO feeding trials, which are considered the gold standard. Instead, both rely on the formulation methodโ€”meeting nutritional thresholds on paper through lab testing of the final product.

๐ŸŽ“ AAFCO Nutritional Compliance Methods

๐ŸงชMethod๐ŸงพUsed By๐Ÿง What It Meansโ—Whatโ€™s Missing
Nutrient Profile / Lab AnalysisSpot & Tango, SundaysMeets AAFCO on paperNo real-world digestive or long-term impact data
Feeding TrialsLarger brands (e.g., Hillโ€™s, Royal Canin)Proves digestibility & performance in live dogsExpensive & time-consuming โœ…

Critical Insight:
AAFCO formulation is not inherently bad, but without trials, no one can confirm how bioavailable the nutrients actually are or how the dogโ€™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.


โ“โ€œAre either of these companies vet-owned or backed by veterinary schools?โ€

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 donโ€™t specify names or credentials on their siteโ€”a transparency shortfall compared to competitors.

๐Ÿฅ Veterinary Involvement Matrix

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โš•๏ธCriteriaSpot & TangoSundays
Vet FounderโŒ Noโœ… Yes (Dr. Tory Waxman)
Board-certified nutritionist inputโœ… Claimed, not namedโœ… Yes, listed publicly
Clinical trials or studies publishedโŒ None knownโŒ None known
WSAVA transparency page๐ŸŸก Partialโœ… 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.


โ“โ€œWhat about allergens? Which is better for dogs with food sensitivities?โ€

Both brands position themselves as clean-label and grain-conscious, but for dogs with allergies or intolerances, ingredient specificity and simplicity are paramount.

๐Ÿ” Allergen Load Snapshot

โš ๏ธPotential TriggersSpot & Tango UnKibbleSundays
Grains (barley, rice)โœ… PresentโŒ Grain-free
Seed oils (safflower/sunflower)โœ… Yesโœ… Yes
EggsโŒ Not in current recipesโœ… Included
Legumes (peas, lentils)โŒ None listedโŒ None listed
DairyโŒ NoโŒ No
Synthetic additivesโœ… Nutrient packโŒ 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 10โ€“14 day transition window.


โ“โ€œHow does the moisture content affect the foodโ€™s digestibility or satiety?โ€

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 (โ‰ˆ70%), 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

๐Ÿ’ง Moisture Comparison & Digestive Impact

๐ŸฅฃFormat๐Ÿ’ฆMoisture %๐ŸถEffect on Digestion
Spot & Tango Fresh~70%Soft stool, helps hydration, higher satiety โœ…
Spot & Tango UnKibble~10%Requires water access, may cause dry stool
Sundays~12%Highly concentrated, easy to overfeed without measuring carefully โš ๏ธ

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.


โ“โ€œDo these foods help with coat condition or skin allergies?โ€

Skin and coat improvements are among the most cited benefits from switching to fresh or whole-food diets. However, actual impact depends on:

  1. Fatty acid profile (esp. EPA/DHA)
  2. Protein digestibility
  3. 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.

๐Ÿฆด Skin & Coat Support Comparison

๐ŸงดNutritional ComponentSpot & TangoSundays
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA source)โœ… IncludedโŒ Not listed
Sunflower/Safflower Oil (Omega-6)โœ… Yesโœ… Yes
Biotinโœ… In nutrient blendโœ… Via whole food (eggs, liver)
Zinc (skin healing)โœ… Syntheticโœ… From beef/organs

Owner Tip:
If you feed Sundays and notice no improvement in coat quality after 6โ€“8 weeks, consider adding a high-quality omega-3 supplement like salmon oil or krill oil to balance the fatty acid profile.


โ“โ€œHow long does it take to see benefits after switching to either brand?โ€

Youโ€™ll typically see digestive changes first (within 3โ€“7 days), especially stool consistency and frequency. Coat improvements, energy levels, and allergy reduction may take 4โ€“8 weeks, depending on the dogโ€™s prior diet and health status.

๐Ÿ“† What to Expect Timeline

โฑ๏ธTime Frame๐ŸพObservable Change
Days 3โ€“7Softer stool, reduced gas (or temporary GI upset)
Week 2Increased water intake (dry food), better appetite
Weeks 3โ€“5Shinier 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.


โ“โ€œDo either of these foods support joint health for aging dogs or large breeds?โ€

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 acidsโ€”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/chondroitinโ€”common joint health additions. This makes it nutritionally dense but not specifically therapeutic for joint concerns.

๐Ÿฆด Joint Support Profile

๐Ÿ’ŠNutritional ComponentSpot & TangoSundays
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)โœ… IncludedโŒ Not present
Glucosamine/ChondroitinโŒ None addedโŒ None added
Turmeric (anti-inflammatory)โŒ Not listedโœ… Present (minimal)
Organ meats (collagen, glycine)โš ๏ธ Some presentโœ… 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.


โ“โ€œWhy does Spot & Tango include barley and quinoa? Are those actually healthy or just fillers?โ€

This touches on a common misconception about grains. Barley and quinoa are not used as “fillers” in the traditional senseโ€”theyโ€™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.

๐ŸŒพ Grain Quality Analysis

๐ŸŒฟIngredient๐ŸงฌNutritional Purpose๐Ÿ•โ€๐ŸฆบEffect on Dog
BarleyComplex carb, beta-glucan sourceSupports gut flora, stabilizes glucose
QuinoaPseudo-grain, high in lysineEnhances protein quality, non-allergenic
Oats (not used here)Soluble fiberCommon 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 Sundaysโ€™ grain-free formulation.


โ“โ€œAre there any risks to feeding high-protein diets like Sundays long-term?โ€

Yes, depending on your dogโ€™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.

๐Ÿฅฉ High-Protein Diet Consideration Matrix

๐Ÿ“ŠFactorโœ…Sundays Suitabilityโ—Caution Required
Young, active dogโœ… Idealโ€”
Overweight seniorโš ๏ธ May cause weight gainMonitor fat levels
History of kidney issuesโŒ Not recommendedConsider low-phosphorus diets
Prone to bladder stonesโŒ High purine riskLow-purine alternatives preferred

Pro Tip:
If feeding Sundays long-term, ensure ample water intake and discuss urinalysis monitoring with your vet during wellness examsโ€”especially in dogs over 7 years old.


โ“โ€œDo Spot & Tango or Sundays test for heavy metals or toxins in their ingredients?โ€

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.

โš ๏ธ Contaminant Risk Categories by Ingredient Type

๐ŸงพIngredient๐ŸงชPotential Risk๐ŸงผBest Practice (Not Publicly Verified)
Beef LiverCadmium, copper excessTest each batch; rotate proteins
Fish OilMercury, PCBPurify and micro-filter (not disclosed)
Kale, Spinach (used in Sundays)Lead, pesticide residueShould be organic or lab-screened
GrainsGlyphosateSource 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, itโ€™s advisable to rotate brands/proteins to reduce cumulative exposure risk.


โ“โ€œDoes freeze-dried raw offer better nutrition than these cooked or air-dried options?โ€

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

๐Ÿ”ฅ Processing Method Impact Chart

๐Ÿฝ๏ธMethod๐ŸงฌNutrient Retention๐Ÿฆ Microbial Riskโš–๏ธComplete Diet?
Fresh-cooked (Spot & Tango)Moderate (some loss in water-soluble vitamins)Very lowโœ… Yes
Air-dried (Sundays)Higher than baked kibble, slightly oxidized fatsLowโœ… Yes
Freeze-dried rawExcellent nutrient retentionModerateโ€“Highโš ๏ธ 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.


โ“โ€œWhat do veterinarians really think of these brands?โ€

Veterinarians are splitโ€”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

๐Ÿฉบ Veterinary Consensus Snapshot

๐ŸงชVeterinary Concern๐Ÿ“ฆSpot & Tango๐Ÿ–Sundays
Nutrient accuracySynthetic blend ensures consistency โœ…Whole food only, possible variation โš ๏ธ
Digestive toleranceMostly good reportsSome high-fat-related GI upset
Ingredient qualityClean but not organicClean but lacks COA/test data
Use in clinical casesNot recommendedNot recommended

Conclusion from most clinicians:
Good maintenance options for healthy dogs, but not ideal for therapeutic feeding unless paired with veterinary oversight or supplements.

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