Sundays Dog Food Cost
When a brand like Sundays for Dogs shows up claiming it’s the holy grail of dog food—human-grade, gently air-dried, and stress-free—dog parents listen. But beyond the glossy promises, there’s a maze of costs, risks, and logistical hiccups that often go undiscussed.
🔑 Key Takeaways: Straight Talk, No Fluff
| 💬 Question | ✅ Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Sundays cheaper than fresh food delivery like The Farmer’s Dog? | Yes, usually by $2–$6/day depending on your dog’s size. |
| How much does Sundays really cost per day? | From $1.47/day (small dog) to $5.24/day (extra-large). |
| What’s driving up the cost? | Human-grade meats, air-dried tech, and subscription personalization. |
| Is it better than kibble? | Nutritionally, yes. Financially, not even close. |
| Any hidden costs? | Oh yes—delayed shipments, emergency food runs, and the stress. |
| Who is it perfect for? | Owners of picky small-to-medium dogs who plan ahead. |
| Who should skip it? | Large-dog owners on a budget who value reliability. |
| Can I trust the delivery system? | Not yet. Many customers report shipping delays & poor communication. |
| Should I try it? | Yes—but only with a buffer system and the 50% trial discount. |
| Is it a long-term solution? | For some, yes. For others, it’s a short-lived luxury. |
💡 Is the Food Really That Special? Yes—Here’s Why.
At its core, Sundays delivers a jerky-style, air-dried meal that’s radically different from kibble or canned food. Here’s what sets it apart:
📦 The Process: Gently Air-Dried, Not Baked or Extruded
- Retains nutrients like a raw diet, but with FDA-approved kill step for safety.
- Shelf-stable, mess-free, no fridge required.
- Texture: Soft jerky—not crumbly pellets.
🥩 Ingredient Game: Human-Grade & Meat-Heavy
- 90% meat: Beef, liver, bone—USDA-sourced.
- No wheat, soy, or artificial fillers.
- High caloric density: ~650 kcal/cup = smaller serving sizes.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely palatable—dogs love it | Meat-heavy = high cost |
| Clean ingredients, no preservatives | May not work for all allergies |
| Safe & shelf-stable | Doesn’t work well for food toppers or picky mix-ins |
💰 Why Does Sundays Cost So Much?
The cost isn’t just about the bag. It’s about personalization, tech, and positioning. Here’s a pricing breakdown based on real subscriber data:
📊 Sundays Subscription Cost Chart
| 🐕 Dog Size | 💵 Monthly Cost | 📅 Daily Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pomeranian (6 lbs) | $44 | $1.47 |
| Alaskan Klee Kai (11 lbs) | $69 | $2.30 |
| Beagle (20 lbs) | $91 | $3.03 |
| Labrador (60 lbs) | $107 | $3.55 |
| Great Dane (110 lbs) | $157 | $5.24 |
🔁 Subscriptions Save 20%, but you must order via quiz → quiz sets price based on dog’s needs, not on weight alone.
🧪 Tip: Use the 50% off trial and 14-day guarantee for low-risk testing.
🚚 Why the Convenience Pitch Might Be Misleading
Sundays markets itself as “hassle-free”—but here’s what users are really experiencing:
⚠️ Real-World Complaints:
- Delayed Shipments: Some dogs went without food for 2+ weeks.
- Wrong Orders: Missing or incorrect box sizes.
- Lack of Alerts: Customers found out only after food was running out.
- Emergency Replacements: Owners had to buy temporary food at retail prices.
💣 These aren’t flukes—they’re repeated patterns, suggesting a system under operational stress.
😬 What’s the Hidden Risk? Your Dog’s Health
Sudden dietary changes = GI distress, vomiting, or diarrhea. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, this isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous.
📉 The Convenience Paradox:
You pay more for convenience… but unreliable shipping makes it less convenient than kibble.
The risk isn’t in the food—it’s in the logistics.
🧭 Is There a Better Alternative?
If Sundays isn’t the best fit, here’s what else is out there, based on your priorities.
⚖️ Comparison Matrix: Sundays vs. Alternatives
| 🏷️ Brand | 💡 Value Prop | 💰 Daily Cost | 🔁 Reliability | ⚙️ Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays | Air-dried, no prep | ~$3.25 | ❌ Low | ✅ Very High |
| The Farmer’s Dog | Fresh & custom | ~$9.00 | ✅ High | ❌ Low |
| ZIWI Peak | Air-dried retail | ~$3.00 | ✅ High | ✅ High |
| Spot & Tango (UnKibble) | Low-cost air-dried | ~$2.50 | ⚠️ Medium | ✅ High |
| The Honest Kitchen | Dehydrated, lowest cost | ~$1.75 | ✅ High | ⚠️ Medium |
📝 Tip: If reliability is your #1 concern, retail options like ZIWI Peak win every time.
🧠 What Kind of Dog Parent Should Buy Sundays?
🎯 Profile A: The Ideal Fit
- Dog is picky or has food sensitivities
- Small/medium breed = manageable cost
- You’re organized & can plan 3-4 weeks ahead
- You care about premium nutrition and no mess
🚫 Profile B: Not a Fit
- Dog is large/giant breed = expensive upkeep
- You rely on consistent, scheduled deliveries
- You don’t have time for backup planning
- Budget is tight or fixed
✅ Final Recommendations: Smart Tips for Sunday Success
- Trial First with a 50% Discount 🧪
Use the welcome promo and guarantee to test for taste, digestion, and consistency. - Create a Food Buffer 📦
Always order early—at least 3 weeks before you’re out. Never rely on “just in time” shipping. - Set a Reminder 🔔
If deliveries are delayed, you need time to pivot. Add alerts for expected delivery windows. - Have a Backup Brand 🐕
Keep a shelf-stable emergency food on hand (like The Honest Kitchen or ZIWI Peak) in case things go south. - Evaluate After 2–3 Cycles 📊
By then, you’ll know if your dog loves it, if shipping works, and if it fits your lifestyle.
📌 Bottom Line: High Quality Comes With High Stakes
Sundays for Dogs is not your average kibble. It’s nutrient-packed, clean, and palatable beyond belief. But what you save in fridge space, you might lose in peace of mind if you’re not prepared for shipping turbulence.
⭐ Our Final Scorecard
| 📈 Category | 💬 Verdict |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | ✅ Exceptional |
| Convenience | ⚠️ Theoretically High, Practically Risky |
| Price | 💰 Premium (not outrageous) |
| Reliability | ❌ Needs serious improvement |
| Value for Money | 🎯 For the right customer, yes |
FAQs
Q: “Why is Sundays so expensive compared to kibble if it’s still shelf-stable?”
Because it’s not kibble, even if it looks like it. Sundays is air-dried, not extruded, which means it skips the high-heat, high-pressure processing that destroys nutrients in traditional kibble. Instead, it slowly dehydrates whole, human-grade foods — a more resource-intensive method that preserves amino acids, fats, and micronutrients without the need for synthetic sprays.
Here’s how it stacks up against traditional kibble in terms of cost drivers:
Cost Driver Comparison 🔍
| 🧩 Factor | 🐾 Sundays (Air-Dried) | 🥣 Traditional Kibble |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Human-grade meats, no fillers | Feed-grade byproducts |
| Processing | Low-temp dehydration | High-temp extrusion |
| Preservatives | None (natural preservation) | Synthetic additives |
| Protein Source | 90% meat-based | Often plant-based fillers |
| Shelf Life | 12 months (natural) | 12–18 months (preserved) |
So while the end result is “shelf-stable,” the journey to get there — and the nutritional payoff — is worlds apart.
Q: “If it’s supposed to be so convenient, why are so many people complaining about shipping delays?”
You’ve touched on Sundays’ biggest Achilles’ heel. While the product is engineered for hassle-free feeding, the supply chain hasn’t scaled as smoothly as the brand’s popularity. It’s a classic DTC startup scenario: explosive growth fueled by aggressive promos and celebrity buzz — but logistics infrastructure that hasn’t caught up yet.
Here’s what’s causing the bottleneck:
Behind the Shipping Delays 🚚⏳
| 🔧 Operational Issue | 📌 Effect on Customer |
|---|---|
| Limited fulfillment centers | Orders shipped from few hubs = higher transit times |
| High-volume promos | Sudden spikes in demand strain inventory |
| No 3rd-party retailer safety net | No Chewy/Amazon fallback if Sundays runs out |
| Reactive communication | Customers discover delays too late |
The result? A product designed for “set-it-and-forget-it” convenience becomes one that needs backup planning, particularly for large dogs where switching food suddenly can have serious consequences.
Q: “Is it even worth it for large dogs? That daily cost seems wild.”
For giant breeds, Sundays can absolutely strain a budget. Owners of 80+ lb dogs can expect $150–$180/month — and that’s on a subscription. Still, the trade-off isn’t just about price per pound; it’s about volume efficiency and digestibility.
Each cup of Sundays packs a serious caloric punch — up to 650 kcal per cup, meaning smaller portions, less waste, and potentially fewer vet visits due to better nutrition.
Cost Justification for Large Dogs 🐕💰
| 🐶 Metric | 🐾 Sundays | 🐾 Mid-Premium Kibble |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per cup | ~650 kcal | ~320 kcal |
| Stool volume (avg) | Compact, low odor | High bulk, frequent output |
| Food needed (100 lb dog) | ~2–3 cups/day | ~4–6 cups/day |
| Likely filler content | 0% | 30–60% |
If you’re feeding a large dog by calories, not cups, Sundays narrows the cost gap — but only for owners who truly prioritize premium digestibility and less poop patrol.
Q: “How do I avoid a shipping disaster and keep my dog on schedule?”
Fantastic question — and here’s the truth: Sundays doesn’t fail in every household. The happiest customers are the ones who have implemented smart buffer strategies to outmaneuver delays.
Pro Tips for Avoiding the “Empty Box” Crisis 📦🐾
| ✅ Strategy | 💡 Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Order 1–2 weeks earlier | Gives margin for late shipments |
| Split subscription + backup | Keep small bag of reliable kibble for emergencies |
| Double order during promos | Build a freezer-free stash (Sundays stores 6–8 weeks) |
| Monitor fulfillment location | West Coast customers may see longer delays — plan accordingly |
If you’re willing to treat Sundays like a premium ingredient, not a utility, you can reduce the stress.
Q: “Is it really better than The Farmer’s Dog or Spot & Tango?”
It depends entirely on what you value more: maximum nutrition vs maximum freshness, or cost vs reliability.
Here’s how they compare when you’re forced to pick between them:
Head-to-Head: Sundays vs The Rest 🥊
| 🥗 Brand | 💎 Strength | 😬 Weakness | 💵 Cost (50 lb dog/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays | Nutrient-dense + zero prep | Shipping issues, higher risk | ~$3.25 |
| The Farmer’s Dog | True fresh food, custom meals | Needs fridge/freezer, $$$ | ~$7–9 |
| Spot & Tango | Balanced, air-dried, budget | Less meat, mixed reviews | ~$2.50 |
| ZIWI Peak | Shelf-stable + retail available | Very expensive by weight | ~$3.50 |
If your top priority is high-quality meat with no mess, Sundays delivers. If your top priority is consistent fulfillment, The Farmer’s Dog or ZIWI Peak (retail) offer safer bets.
Q: “How do I know if it’s right for my dog?”
Great dog food is individualized. Sundays is a strong fit if your dog is:
- A picky eater (palatability is unmatched — it’s like jerky to most dogs)
- Sensitive to fillers or has allergies (no soy, corn, wheat, or synthetic additives)
- A small to mid-sized breed where volume/cost balance works better
- On-the-go often with you (travel, hiking, no fridge? Sundays thrives)
But it’s a poor match if your priorities include:
- Absolute delivery reliability
- Tight budget for large-breed portions
- A need for prescription diets
Here’s a cheat sheet:
“Is Sundays Right for You?” 🐶✅❌
| 🐾 Dog Type / Owner Profile | 🌟 Fit? | 📝 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small picky dog with allergy history | ✅ Great match | High-value palatability and digestibility |
| Large breed with strict budget | ❌ Poor fit | Daily cost adds up, especially without promos |
| On-the-go traveler, RV or van life | ✅ Ideal | No fridge needed, stores easily |
| Owner needing auto-ship precision | ❌ Risky | Delays too frequent to ignore |
| First-time DTC buyer trying new food | ✅ Try w/ promo | 50% off first order reduces risk |
Key Tips from the Experts 🔍🐾
- Don’t buy Sundays as your only food source without buffer stock. It’s not built for urgent fulfillment.
- Use that first-time discount strategically. Test palatability and tolerance with the cheapest risk window.
- Treat it like freeze-dried raw, not kibble. It’s closer to jerky than dry cereal.
- If your dog’s GI tract is sensitive, plan transitions carefully. Sudden food changes from delays are a real danger.
“I’ve seen mixed reviews about Sunday’s shelf stability—does it really last, and how should it be stored once opened?”
Shelf life is one of Sundays’ most touted features, but only if stored correctly. Left in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in humid environments, the product can degrade faster. Here’s how to ensure it stays fresh—and how to tell when it isn’t.
Best Storage Practices & Freshness Checks
| 🎯 Storage Tip | ✔ Why It Works | Signs of Decline |
|---|---|---|
| Keep in a cool, dry spot | Preserves oils, flavor, and texture | Musty smell, oil separation |
| Reseal with a tight lid | Limits air exposure, slows oxidation | Rancid scent, dull aroma |
| Use within 6–8 weeks | Matches bacterial growth expectations | Mold, wet pockets, sticky pieces |
| Store off direct heat/UV | Prevents fat degradation | Faded color, loss of crunch |
Pro tip: If you’re unsure, compare the aroma from newly opened vs. halfway-used box—consistent scent = good.
“Why do some dogs on Sundays gain weight or have softer stools?”
Because watchers often forget that calories = calories and air-dried is dense. Feeding as you would with kibble results in overfeeding by volume, and the high fat in meat-dominant diets can soften stool.
Feeding Accuracy Equals Health Outcomes
| Issue | Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Soft stools | High-fat, mineral-oil-rich | Drop daily kcal by 5–10% |
| Unintentional weight gain | Scooping instead of weighing | Zero in grams via scale |
| Digestive upset | Quick switch from old food | Transition over 7–10 days |
When feeding Sundays, think grams & calories, not cups—your dog’s waistline and comfort depend on precision.
“Is Sundays on par with raw or fresh in terms of nutrition and safety?”
Air-dried combines many benefits of fresh/raw but avoids their biggest pitfalls. Compared to raw, Sundays is safer—thanks to its validated kill-step—and more convenient than fresh-frozen. Nutritionally, it preserves most of the original nutrients without the thawing hassle or food safety anxiety.
Raw vs. Fresh vs. Air-Dried Breakdown
| Feature | Raw (Frozen) | Fresh-Frozen (e.g., The Farmer’s Dog) | Sundays (Air-Dried) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Density | Highest, if done right | High, with variability | High, stable |
| Food Safety Risk | High (bacterial) | Moderate (must refrigerate) | Minimal (kill-step built-in) |
| Prep Required | Thawing, portioning | Thawing, refrigeration | None |
| Storage Requirements | Deep freezer | Regular freezer | Pantry |
| Cost per 1,000 kcal | ~$8–$12+ | ~$10–$16+ | ~$6–$9 |
For most dog owners, Sundays hits the sweet spot—nutrient-rich, safe, and mess-free—though raw still holds the edge for freshness if you can handle the logistics.
“Can mixing Sundays with fresh or raw enhance nutrition or just inflate costs?”
Blending can deliver variety and hydration without breaking the bank—but you must balance caloric intake. For example, adding raw eggs or coconut oil can juice fat content; pairing with fresh veggies boosts fiber.
Strategic Mixes that Make Sense
| Mix Type | Benefit | Watch-out Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 70/30 Sundays + fresh | Adds moisture, preserves cost | Must adjust daily kcal |
| Toppers (e.g., egg, pumpkin) | Enhances variety and gut health | May distort fat or fiber balance |
| Rotational feeding | Prevents flavor fatigue | Keep changes 1–2 foods at a time |
Always account for the added calories when topping—otherwise, you’re feeding extra, not enhancing.
“How do I gauge if Sundays is truly worth staying loyal to?”
Accountability starts with measurable results:
- Body Condition Score (BCS)—use a chart; aim for 4–5/9. Check monthly.
- Stool quality—small, formed, low odor = good digestion.
- Energy levels & coat—normalized energy + glossy hair = nutrient absorption.
- Cost-to-benefit ratio—divide annual spend by improvements seen.
If your pup stays fit, comfortable, and vibrant, Sundays probably pays for itself in fewer vet visits, better skin, and meal enjoyment.
“Any hidden allergens I should know about?”
While Sundays is grain-free and additive-free, some protein sources—like beef or liver—can still trigger reactions. Additionally, the high-fat content can irritate dogs with sensitive pancreases.
Hidden Sensitivity Checklist
| Possible Sensitivity | Why It Matters | How to Track |
|---|---|---|
| Beef/Liver Protein | Meat-based allergies | Try turkey or chicken recipe |
| Rich fat load | Pancreatitis-prone dogs | Monitor stool & appetite |
| Lack of fiber | Constipation in some dogs | Add digestive greens |
Rotate proteins slowly and monitor reactions—it’s rare but possible.
“What’s the environmental impact compared to kibble or frozen food?”
Air-dried dramatically cuts down on plastic waste, freezer energy, and refrigeration emissions. It’s a leaner carbon footprint than fresh-frozen, and slightly higher than minimal-pack kibble, but its ingredient sourcing balances that out for many eco-conscious owners.
Sustainability Snapshot
| Category | Sundays (Air-Dried) | Frozen/Fresh | Kibble (Conventional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Use (Storage) | Low (no freezer) | High (freezer/refrigeration) | Moderate (pantry) |
| Packaging Waste | Moderate (box, plastic) | High (bag + insulated liners) | Low |
| Ingredient Sourcing | Human-grade meat | Similar to Sundays | Often cheaper protein |
| Perceived Carbon Cost | Mid-high | High | Mid-low |
For dog owners keen on less energy waste and packaging, Sundays presents a compelling environmental trade-off—especially if you minimize single-use plastics and recycle the box.
“If my dog turns their nose up at Sundays, what really is the best fallback?”
You’re not alone—some pups take time. A smart fallback preserves convenience without compromising your investment.
Fallback Options That Feel Like You’ve Got a Plan
| Option | Why It Works | Insider Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Freeze-dried raw topper | Adds aroma & texture that excites nose | Use 1–2 tbsp on 70% Sundays base |
| Moistening with broth | Releases meaty scent and mimics fresh | Warm water + bone broth = magic |
| Rotate proteins weekly | Prevents palate fatigue | Switch between beef, turkey, chicken |
| Soften Sundays bites first | Makes them softer for older teeth | 10–15 sec quick soak works wonders |
Tweaking texture or aroma often makes all the difference—no need to jump ship immediately.
“What’s the best way to handle Sundays while traveling?”
Sundays is a pet travel dream—no fridge, no mess—but storage and transitions matter.
Travel-Savvy Handling
| Tip | Why It’s Smart | Pro Touch |
|---|---|---|
| Small zip-top baggie daily | Keeps portions fresh & airtight | Label each bag with date |
| Store away from heat | Keeps fat from going rancid | Find HVAC vents or shaded zones |
| Bring backup kibble | Prevents emergency food drama | Pack in compression cube |
| Gradual switch before trip | Reduces GI upset when under stress | Transition 3 days before leaving |
Packed right, Sundays travels beautifully—clean, compact, and coherent.
“Does bag size really make a difference in cost-efficiency?”
Absolutely—upsizing can shave dollars per calorie, but watch freshness.
Bag Size and Smart Spending
| Bag Size | Benefit | Risk to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Small (30–45oz) | Fresher turnover, less risk of spoilage | Higher $/oz |
| Large (70–100oz) | Lowest $/calorie, less frequent shipping | Must use buffer plan |
| Half-open sealed | Lasts 6–8 weeks if resealed tightly | Use clips or mason lid |
Big bags only pay off if you dial in portioning and storage—otherwise you’re paying for waste.
“Should I rotate Sundays with fresh food or kibble?”
Rotation is smart—variation improves nutrient spectrum, but do it slowly.
Rotation Phase-In Strategy
| Phase | Mix Ratio | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Start) | 90% Sundays + 10% new food | Gentle appetite build |
| 2 (Mid) | 70/30 split | Signal taste acceptance |
| 3 (Stabilize) | 50/50 equal mix | Balanced nutrition blend |
| 4 (Full Swap) | 100% new diet if well-received | Full transition |
Each phase should last 5–7 days—slower transitions help prevent GI flare-ups.
“Will Sundays spoil if I leave it open for too long?”
Air-dried is forgiving—but not invincible. Proper reseal keeps it safe, but neglecting freshness can cost texture and nutrition.
Shelf-Stability Lifespan
| Condition | Shelf-Life | Quality at End |
|---|---|---|
| Tightly-sealed pantry | Up to 8 weeks | Crisp, flavorful |
| Partially open | 4–6 weeks | Slightly stale, still safe |
| Warm/humid/uncovered | <2 weeks | Rancid, lose crunch |
Always use your senses—if it smells dull or looks oily, it’s time to let go (or compost).
“How do I balance cost and health concerns as my dog ages?”
Aging pets need nutrient consistency and gentler ingredients. Sundays delivers, but fat and protein are high—both good and potentially problematic.
Budget-Gentle Aging Pairing
| Need | Sundays Contribution | Smart Complement |
|---|---|---|
| Lean protein | High-quality meat base | Mix with pumpkin for fiber |
| Joint support | Not included | Add fish oil or joint supplement |
| Elderly tooth care | Hard chunks may be too firm | Soak or mash gently |
| Weight control | Dense calories can spike intake | Reduce kcal 5% and weigh monthly |
Adjust portions, add gentle supplemental support, and you’ll keep both health and budget balanced.
