Spot & Tango Dog Food Reviews: I Tried Unkibble & Fresh Recipes [2024]

ByCanine Bible
spot and tango unkibble review

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This is my ultimate Spot and Tango fresh dog food review.

If you are in the market for a nutritious dog diet without additives and preservatives, Spot and Tango offers all-natural, human-grade dog food delivered right to your door. But is it really free of by-products, fillers, colorants, and other harmful chemicals? Canine Bible’s team of researchers and dog reviewers decided to test it to see if this product lived up to its hype. Here is an in-depth review of our experience with their Unkibble, Fresh Recipes, and Snacks — From price to ingredient quality to taste to everything you need to know before buying Spot and Tango. Let’s dive right in!

Products Review — At A Glance

Unkibble

Spot & Tango Unkibble
Spot & Tango

Unkibble provides benefits
of fresh dog food in a shelf-stable
way

Visit Website

Read Review ↆ

Fresh Recipes

Spot & Tango Fresh Recipes
Spot & Tango

Our favorite recipes. Fresh recipes
offers several health benefits
and the most optimal nutrition

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Read Review ↆ

Snacks

Spot & Tango Snacks 3
Spot & Tango

Great if you want to feed your dog
human-grade dog treats. Dog loves
the sweet potato flavor

Visit Website

Read Review ↆ

Spot & Tango Review Summary

Spot & Tango


Product Description: Spot & Tango is a pet health and wellness subscription company that offers freshly cooked dog food with human-grade ingredients. They also pioneered a nutritious new spin on dry dog food called “Unkibble.”


Canine Bible

Ingredient quality
Price
Nutrition
Personalization
Variety
Customer support
Brand Trustworthiness
Taste


Our Verdict & Summary

I give Spot & Tango high marks. I love that their formulas don’t use junk or artificial ingredients. Their food is made from only wholesome human-grade ingredients that you would eat yourself. With their Fresh recipes, you don’t have to read the ingredient lists to see what is in them. There are no mystery kibble balls, just a fresh meal made with hearty ingredients like peas, blueberries, fluffy quinoa, and ground turkey.

Spot & Tango’s dog food also gets two paws up for developing a more convenient alternative to fresh dog food called “Unkibble.” Unkibble is the company’s version of dry dog food. It offers all the benefits of a fresh diet without refrigeration, making it ideal for those lacking freezer space or wanting a cheaper alternative to fresh dog food. While Unkibble isn’t as good as their fresh recipe, it’s still a significant upgrade from the most common store-bought premium kibble brands.

The number of health conditions/concerns (more than 20) you can make them aware of is impressive and a huge plus if your dog needs a diet tailored to allergies, diabetes, arthritis, or other health problems. This is great because dogs have different preferences and dietary needs.

4.5

While any dog can enjoy Spot & Tango, it is a perfect choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs and picky eaters as their recipes only use minimal ingredients, making them soothing and easy to digest.

Unlike other fresh dog food companies, Spot & Tango offers a fridge-free fresh dog food alternative called “Unkibble.”

Spot & Tango runs on the expensive side if you’re leaning toward their fresh meals, but they have an in-between option called the Topper Plan for a lower price. I also wish they had a more flexible delivery schedule. We’ve also noticed their customer service is not the best according to our research and other pet parents’ testimonials. In addition, we were disappointed to find only three fresh and three Unkibble recipes available. 

Recipes are solid, ingredients are of high quality, and the packaging is designed to be environmentally friendly. My dog is a massive fan of Unkibble and fresh recipes.

GET 20% AT SPOT & TANGO

Why you should trust us: Our writers, editors and in-house veterinarians spend hours analyzing and reviewing products and services to help find what’s best for you. Read the product review methodology and editorial mission to find out how we test, analyze, and rate.

The Full Review
Jump to: My Experience | Additional Info

What Is Spot & Tango Dog Food?

Spot & Tango is an innovative human-grade,ready-to-serve fresh dog food delivery company born and raised in NYC. The company was founded in 2014 by Russell Breuer Premium Pet Food Company. It offers balanced and costumed-made recipes that meet dogs’ individual needs.

They use a proprietary algorithm to calculate the perfect meal plan for every dog. Pet owners can choose between the original fresh meal plan or Spot & Tango’s new UnKibble, the first fresh dry dog food. They are both prepared with human-grade ingredients and delivered right to your doorstep. The company focuses on providing dogs with the highest quality meals, excluding artificial additives, fillers, and inexpensive preservatives commonly found in commercial kibble. All their recipes are made in USDA-certified kitchens by board-certified vet nutritionists who adhere to AAFCO’s guidelines.

Why Feeding Spot & Tango to Your Dog?

Spot & Tango claims the following health benefits are associated with their food:

  • Relief from food allergies
  • Reduces dander
  • Builds immunity
  • Strengthens muscles
  • Boosts energy
  • Balances pH levels
  • Helps with arthritis
  • Increased energy levels
  • Meet dog’s nutritional requirements
  • Great for picky eaters
  • Convenient
  • No additives or harmful chemicals
  • Weight management

It’s worth noting that these are the same benefits we typically see in dogs eating a fresh diet, so we deem their claims appropriate.

Spot & Tango Dog Food Research

Here is what the research says about feeding dogs fresh food, such as Spot & Tango.

  • Longer lifespan. Research shows that dogs eating fresh food diets are linked to a 20% longer lifespan than those who don’t. A year-long study of 522 dogs by Lippert and Sapy found that dogs fed high-quality, freshly made, real food had an average life expectancy of 13.1 years versus just 10.4 years for dogs fed commercially processed pet food.[1] That’s an extra two and a half years added to your dog’s lifespan.
  • Increases macronutrient digestibilities. Human-grade dog food improves protein digestibility, increases amino acid availability values (indicators of protein quality), and reduces fecal output compared to dogs consuming extruded diets (kibble). Digestibility of dry matter, fat, nitrogen-free extract, and calories was significantly higher in all four fresh foods.[2]
  • Higher protein absorption. Protein digestibility values for fresh dog food were between 92% and 94% (versus 82% for kibble).
  • Less and better stools. Dogs fed the fresh-cooked foods had significantly lower fecal (poop) frequency and volume than when fed the kibble.[3]
  • Above standard nutrition. While the AFFCO only requires a minimum of 4 blood values to deem dog food safe, researchers measured 49 blood values in dogs eating fresh dog food. Each dog in the trial received a complete medical exam by Lisa Lippman, DVM, that showed they were all healthy after eating fresh dog food made with human-grade ingredients for six years.[4]

How Does Spot & Tango Work?

To sign up for Spot & Tango, you must complete a questionnaire. Your answers will help Spot & Tango create a nutritionally balanced meal plan based on dog size, age, health, neutered status, breed, activity level and more.

There is a list of more than 20 health conditions/concerns you can select from. For instance, if your dog has diabetes, food allergies, or obesity, your pup’s recipe will be made considering those factors. There is an option for pretty much everything health needs.

After completing the questionnaire, you will choose Fresh Meals or UnKibble (both offer 3 different recipes). You can choose to have one, two, or all three of the recipes shipped. You can add Spot & Tango snacks to your pet’s meal plan.

Spot & Tango Ordering Process

Below is a slideshow showcasing the entire process to help you understand how customizable Spot & Tang is. I like that the process is straightforward and can be completed in less than 5 minutes.

The first thing Spot and Tango asks you to do is set up your free pet profile.
The first thing Spot and Tango asks you to do is set up your free pet profile.
Add your dog’s name
Enter your location so they where to ship your dog's meals
Enter your location so they where to ship your dog’s meals
Female and male dogs have different needs. This is why they ask this question.
Female and male dogs have different needs. This is why they ask this question.
The reason they ask this is that neutered animals tend to consume more food and have a reduced basal metabolic rate
The reason they ask this is that neutered animals tend to consume more food and have a reduced basal metabolic rate
They will tailor your dog's food to breed-specific nutritional needs
They will tailor your dog’s food to breed-specific nutritional needs
Spot & Tango optionally ask for the dog’s birthday. If you fill it out, your pup will get a special birthday treat!
Spot & Tango optionally ask for the dog’s birthday. If you fill it out, your pup will get a special birthday treat!
This will help them determine portion sizes and ingredients composition levels
Enter your dog's weight
Enter your dog’s weight
Activity level affects how many calories your dog will need.
Activity level affects how many calories your dog will need.
This helps Spot & Tango personalize your dog’s meal based on health problems (if any)
Be sure to select health problems your dog has to help them cook a recipe that suits your pup’s needs.
From here on out, you are deciding what your dog eats, starting with the choice between Unkibble (“Fresh Dry” food) and Fresh food. 
We selected Spot & Tango fresh recipe as it provides the highest nutritional value. You got 3 recipes to choose from.
They offer a full fresh diet plan.
Finally, there’s an option to add healthy, single-ingredient treats to your subscription
Once your order is complete, your first shipment should arrive within 3 to 5 business days
Once your order is complete, your first shipment should arrive within 3 to 5 business days

Key Things to Know About Signing Up

  • Discount. For the first two weeks, you get 20% off the price to try out the food with our link and a 100% happy pup guarantee. If Fido doesn’t like it, you get a full refund.
  • Delivery schedule. You’ll receive food every 2, 4, or 8 weeks. Delivery frequencies vary depending on your dog’s portion size. The company says you’ll be able to choose your delivery schedule soon.
  • Ordering features. You can swap recipe flavors, adjust portion sizes, and manage deliveries through your account. You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.

Spot & Tango Key Features

Vet-formulatedDr. Susan Lauten, an American Association of Veterinary Nutrition member, part of the Medical Advisory Board at Knoxville Zoo, and a reviewer for the American Veterinary Medical Association and Journal of Nutrition formulates and approves all their food and ensure all recipes meet all guidelines by the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AFFCO).
Quality and safe manufacturingPrepared in USDA/FDA inspected facilities and made in small batches.
Third-party testingAll recipes undergo extensive testing at New Jersey Feed Lab and Midwest Laboratories to guarantee proper amino acid, fatty acid, and vitamin and mineral levels appropriate for dogs.
Six flavorsOffers three fresh recipes (freezer storage) and 3 UnKibble recipes (shelf storage).
No-cookingNone of their formulas require cooking.
Ready-to-serve foodAll meals are pre-portioned with the exact calories needed by your dog.
Personalized recipesMeals are customized based on your dog’s breed, gender, age, weight, body shape, activity level, health conditions, and other factors.
Human-grade ingredientsAll recipes are made with human-grade ingredients with added vitamins and minerals for nutritional balance that meet USDA standards for human consumption.
Zero processingFood is prepared fresh, slow-cooked, and flash-frozen to preserve nutritional integrity and shipped in vacuum-sealed bags within days of cooking.
Limited ingredient recipesAll recipes are made with 12 or fewer ingredients. Great for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
Eco-friendlyFresh recipes come in fully insulated and biodegradable packaging. Meal portions are vacuum-sealed in BPA-free packages. Automatic, free delivery promotes less driving to the pet store and saves the planet.
Meal topper planYou can subscribe to a partial “Topper plan” to mix fresh food with your dog’s diet. Great if you are on a budget and saving money or to make a picky eater’s kibble more interesting.
Locally sourcedIngredients are sourced from local farms and human food suppliers.
Free scoopUnkibble comes with a specialized scoop just for your dog.
Treats availableOption to include high-quality treats as a part of your subscription.

The nasty fillers, preservatives, and additives in commercially processed dog foods can drastically affect your dog’s health, liveliness, coat, and more. Switching your dog to a fresh food option like Spot & Tango can help promote better health.

Spot & Tango Ingredients

Spot & Tango uses farm-fresh, human-grade foods typically grown for and used in human supply chains. No artificial ingredients, feed-grade ingredients, or meat meals are used in our products. All Spot & Tango recipes (without exception) are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including growth, reproduction, and adult maintenance.

Unkibble ingredients
Unkibble ingredients
Spot & Tango Fresh recipe ingredients
Fresh Recipe ingredients

Recipe Ingredient Composition

Spot & Tango recipes are meat-first diets. They only use natural, high-quality, whole-muscle meats and organ meats. Here is the typical meal composition breakdown.

  • USDA whole-muscle meat (50%)
  • Nutrient-rich starch (30%)
  • Fresh fruits and veggies (20%)

Key Aspects of Spot & Tango Ingredients

Important things to know about the ingredients Spot & Tango uses to cook their recipes.

  • Gluten-free recipes. All Spot & Tango recipes except the Beef & Barley UnKibble are gluten-free.
  • Natural preservatives. They use mixed tocopherols (a natural, vitamin E-based preservative) in our UnKibble products and a small amount of apple cider vinegar (a natural preservative) in our Fresh products. 
  • No empty-calorie fillers. All Spot & Tango recipes are entirely free of soy, corn, and wheat.
  • Natural taurine. The USDA meat protein in their recipes is a natural source of taurine.
  • Ogan meats. Unkibble contains organ meats.
  • Fish oil. All recipes contain fish oil which is a great source of healthy omegas.
  • Non-GMO. All of our fruits, veggies, and starches are non-GMO
  • Humanly raised. Meats and eggs are humanely raised and antibiotic-free, with no hormones added.

Spot & Tango Vitamin and Mineral Blend Break Down

Here is the list of ingredients that make up Spot & Tango’s Vitamin and Mineral blends for all recipes. All are derived from all-natural sources in the U.S.

Fresh recipes: Calcium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium, Kelp, Potassium, Vitamin E, Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Vitamin D3, Copper, Selenium, Folic Acid, Iodine, and Vitamin B12.

Unkibble: Cellulose Powder, Fish Oil, L-Tryptophan, Choline Chloride, Organic Zinc Proteinate, Potassium Chloride, Rosemary Extract, and Mixed Tocopherols, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Organic Selenium Yeast, Calcium Carbonate, Beet, Tomato, Broccoli, Carrot, Spinach, Orange, Cherry, Cranberry, Strawberry, Apple, Blueberry, Pumpkin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxin Hydrochloride, Folic Acid.

Spot & Tango Sourcing & Manufacturing

Spot & Tango ingredients are locally sourced. All the food is produced and manufactured in New York and Wisconsin in USDA-approved SQF level 3 facilities. They have a research, development, and recipe formulation team comprised of animal nutritionists and DVMs. This team ensures that the food is manufactured safely and meets the standards for dog food. They are also in charge of lab analysis, feeding tests, and licensing.

Dr. Susan Lauten is a Ph.D. in animal nutrition and board certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) and leads the formulation of Spot’s & Tango recipes.[5]

To assure the consistency and quality of their recipes, Spot & Tango conducts the following:

  • Stringent quality control processes
  • Food Handler’s Permits are required for all Spot and Tango employees, and the facility is inspected weekly by the New York City Health Department
  • Suppliers are audited to ensure the highest quality standards
  • Meals are made in small batches at low temperatures to maintain nutritional integrity
  • Each batch is tested for foodborne diseases such as Salmonella and E. Coli before packaging
  • Meals are flash-frozen to maintain proper retention of moisture, nutritional value, flavor, and texture

Spot & Tango Dog Food Reviews

Let’s dive deeply into all the Spot & Tango recipes and their composition.

Spot & Tango Unkibble Reviews

About: Spot & Tango is the first fresh home-delivered dog food company to offer “fresh dry dog food.” Although Spot & Tango’s Unkibble may look like traditional dog kibble, it’s NOT. Unlike regular dog food, UnKibble is made from human-grade meats, fresh starches, veggies, and fruits. They use a proprietary low-temperature dehydration process called Fresh Dry™ to preserve most of the ingredients’ natural vitamins, minerals, amino and fatty acids. Think of Unkibble as freshly homemade dog food with the convince of kibble without the nasty preservatives, additives, and cheap fillers. Two of their Unkibble recipes use organ meat such as liver and heart. Organ meats are fantastic sources of protein, fat, vital vitamins, and minerals sources. It also adds flavor to the recipe. Plus, it doesn’t smell gross like most dog food out there. Unkibble comes with a small customized serving scoop to eliminate the need to guess how much to feed your dog.

Why & When Should You Consider Unkibble?

Unkibble is perfect for those looking to feed fresh food to their dogs without the need for freezer space and the convenience of kibble. It can be shelf stored for 3 to 4 weeks after being opened. Unopened, it can sit in your pantry for up to twelve months. If your dog prefers crunchy food or you have limited freezer room, UnKibble is a great option.

Spot & Tango Unkibble Recipes

Chicken & Brown Rice

Ingredients: Chicken Brown Rice, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Apples, Kale, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Sunflower Seeds, Ginger Root, Kelp, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols, Vitamins & Minerals.

Beef & Barley

Ingredients: Beef, Barley, Flax, Carrots, Green Beans, Beef Liver, Beef Heart, Beets, Cranberries, Rosemary, Kelp, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols, Vitamins & Minerals.

Cod & Salmon

Ingredients: Cod, Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Sunflower Seeds, Tapioca, Strawberries, Carrots, Spinach, Parsley, Rosemary, Kelp, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols, Vitamins & Minerals.

VIEW ON SPOT & TANGO

Spot & Tango Fresh Recipes Reviews

As its name states, Spot & Tango’s fresh dog recipes are made from fresh human-grade ingredients, including vegetables, meats, starches, and proteins. It’s human food made for dogs. The ingredients are gently cooked in small batches at low temperatures to maintain their nutritional integrity. We love that they cook the ingredients separately, mix them, and then flash-freeze them to lock in freshness just days before being delivered to you. I like the food’s texture is wetter and softer than Unkibble’s, making it an excellent alternative for picky eaters or dogs with sensitive teeth. Remember that this food requires thawing before serving and freezer space for storage. Spot and Tango fresh recipes will last in your fridge for four days after thawing. They will stay fresh for up to 6 months frozen. 

Fresh recipes come in two options: the full meal or the topper. The topper option can be added to your dog’s current food for some added nutrition.

Why & When Should You Consider It?

I personally prefer fresh dog food over their Unkibble. Their fresh recipe offers the most optimal nutrition; unlike Unkibble, which is minimally processed, Spot & Tango’s fresh recipes are not. They also come in pre-portioned, ready-to-serve pouches, offering great convenience. Aside from that, another primary reason to consider fresh food is its health benefits. As we stated above, research shows feeding fresh food can significantly impact your dog’s health and even increase its lifespan.

Spot & Tango Fresh Recipes

Lamb & Brown Rice

Ingredients: Lamb, Brown Rice, Blueberries, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Egg, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals

Turkey & Red Quinoa

Ingredients: Turkey, Red Quinoa, Apple, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Eggs, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals

Beef & Millet

Ingredients: Beef, Millet, Cranberries, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Egg, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals

VIEW ON SPOT & TANGO

Spot & Tango Snack Review

Spot & Tango snacks do not contain artificial preservatives or additives like their food. These single-ingredient, human-grade treats give them the best between meals. You only can buy them when you subscribe to their fresh recipe plan or Unkibble plan. Treats come in three flavors.

Key Features

  • Sweet potato bites: Great for sensitive tummies and chewers.
  • Chicken bites: Helps build lean muscle mass and develop shiny, healthy skin.
  • Bison bites: No added hormones and antibiotics—grain and gluten-free.
  • 3 oz per bag: Approx. 20 treats per bag.
VIEW ON SPOT & TANGO

How Much Does Spot & Tango Cost?

All UnKibble plans start at $1/day, Fresh plans start at $2/day, and all meal plans include free shipping. For Spot & Tango Snacks, you pay per bag. Snacks start at $12/bag. Prices will increase or decrease based on size, caloric needs, the recipe of choice, and other factors. The larger your dog, the more food he eats, hence the more expensive it gets. UnKibble is a bit less costly than Spot & Tango’s fresh options. Subscriptions start at $9/week but vary based on each dog’s nutritional needs.

What We Paid For Spot & Tango

For Bandit, our two-year-old Miniature Snoucherz (14 pounds, healthy size, neutered with no health problems or allergies.) Spot & Tango’s original fresh food started at $1.57/meal, while UnKibble began at $0.86/meal. Not too bad, right?

To better understand how much you are expected to pay, we calculated the average prices for 25 lbs, 50 lbs, and 70 lbs dogs.

Spot & Tango UnKibble Price

Here is how much you can expect to pay for Spot & Tango Unkibble based on your dog’s weight.

WeightBeef & BarleyChicken & Brown RiceCod & Salmon
25 pounds$22.36/week$25.36/week$25.00/week
50 pounds$33.09/week$37.04/week$37.00/week
70 pounds$47.00/week$52.81/week$52.80/week

Spot & Tango Fresh Recipe Price

Here is how much you can expect to pay for Spot & Tango fresh recipes based on your dog’s weight.

*Their Topper plan is typically half the price of what you pay for a full meal plan weekly.

WeightTurkey & Red QuinoaBeef & MilletLamb & Brown Rice
25 pounds$31.90/week$34.30/week$48.71/week
50 pounds$59.24/week$63.70/week$90.45/week
70 pounds$81.64 / week$87.78/week$124.65/week

Spot & Tango Coupon

Our readers have access to get 20% off their first Spot & Tango order. Just use this link to get started. The discount will be applied automatically. Spot & Tango recently rebranded its packaging. We tested this product before rebranding, so you will see the old branding below. However, all their recipes have remained the same; only the packaging has changed.

My Experience
Jump to: Full Review | Additional Info

The Judges

We picked one Canine Bible dog to give us their paw-honest opinion and verdict.

Bandit

Age: 2 ┊ Gender: Male ┊ Breed: Miniature Schnauzer┊Weight: 14 lbs ┊ Health Concerns: None ┊ Lifestyle: Active ┊ Personality: Sweetie pie

“After countless days of eating regular kibble, Bandit loved the Unkibble recipe. We think it might be the smell and crunchy texture of the food plus the actual taste of real ingredients” — her person, Anna

Toffee

Age: 3 ┊ Gender: Male ┊ Breed: Havanese┊Weight: 14 lbs ┊ Health Concerns: None ┊ Lifestyle: Active ┊ Personality: Affectionate

“Toffee loved Spot & Tango from the first feeding. The food has such as yummy smell and our dog can’t wait to eat it every day” — her person, Jonathan

Spot & Tango Unboxing

Here is everything we found during our Spot & Tango unboxing.

Unboxing of Spot & Tango Unkibble
Spot & Tango fresh recipes look so good.

Here is everything that came in the box:

  • 1 bag of Unkibble dog food
  • Transition guide
  • Customized scoop
  • Feeding guide
  • 2 bags of snacks
  • 14 Individually sealed meals (a mix of the three recipes available)
  • Information on how to recycle the materials
  • Insulated box with recyclable foam

My Spot & Tango Unkibble Video Review

Watch our canine judge Bandit test Spot & Tango Unkibble.

Our Miniature Schnauzer Loves Spot & Tango!

5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
There’s a knock on the door. I rushed to open it and found a package with my dog’s name on it. I showed the box to my dog, who started drooling like crazy. I proceeded to open the box and found Spot & Tango’s Unkibble and fresh recipes nicely packaged. So, did our dog like it? Fortunately for my dog Bandit, it was lunchtime, so I opened the first bag of fresh food, and he gobbled it down.

The food looks like real human food. We were very tempted to try it ourselves, but we didn’t. Later that same day, we fed our dog the Unkibble formula. Bandit thinks the cranberries are treats, and he cleaned and licked the bowl multiple times, which is a good signal that he enjoyed it. I didn’t know what to expect when we received our order. We are always skeptical about how some food companies market their products.

But after trying it out, our only regret was not finding this sooner. I initially had a little setback because our pup’s stool seemed more flaccid than usual. I also noticed tiny pieces in Bandit’s stool. However, after we completed the transition period, everything seemed normal with his poop and overall health. We haven’t observed any allergies or digestive issues from feeding Spot & Tango to our dog. We are happy that we no longer provide our pooch with highly processed dog food.

If you’re wondering which is better: Unkibble vs. Fresh, let me tell you. Unkibble is a great way to give your pup fresh food without dealing with half-opened pouches that need refrigeration or take up your entire freezer (or trying to cook it from scratch). However, we highly recommend the fresh formula if you can afford their fresh recipes and have freezer space. Our dog equally loved both.
I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I felt a little hungry when I poured some of the fresh Spot & Tango meal into my dog’s bowl.
Anna
Bandit’s owner

My Dog’s Experience — Testing Timeline

Week 1

Bandit devoured his first Spot & Tango meal on the first day. After that, we’ve been mixing it up with all different flavors. So far, he loves it.

Week 2

The transition has been amazing, for our pup no longer goes through the miserable process of hunching over her bowl, gasping for air as though chews through hard kibble. He eats with gusto and fresh now!

Week 3

We started noticing our pup to be more energetic than usual. His mood seems to improve and eating lean proteins and non-processed food has changed his behavior and appearance.

One Month

Overall, our dog seems to be in good health. Few minor setbacks, but it’s normal with new food, nothing big. We continue to monitor health and weight. He is a happy pup!

My dog enjoys Spot & Tango sweet potato snacks
My dog trying Spot & Tango’s lamb fresh recipe

Spot & Tango Pros & Cons

Key aspect we liked and didn’t like about our experience with Spot & Tango.

What We Like

  • You can see the fruits, vegetables and meats in both fresh and Unkibble
  • All recipes developed by a certified vet nutritionist
  • All recipes meet all AAFCO nutrition standards
  • Promotes better health
  • Food customized to your dog’s needs
  • Human-grade certified
  • Made in USDA-approved kitchens
  • Portion-specific scoop for easy serving
  • Free, auto-shipping 100% money-back guarantee on the starter pack
  • No additives, preservatives, or fillers Great for weight management
  • Unkibble it’s shelf-stable (no freezer space required)
  • Made in the USA
  • They don’t use hot extrusion cooking
  • Uses lean proteins, fresh fruits, veggies, and high-quality carbs only Ingredients sourced from local farms and human food suppliers
  • Risk-free 2-week trial
  • Recipes are balanced for all dog life stages
  • Procurement to production, packaging, and distribution quality control
  • Can cancel your subscription anytime
  • The primary method of preservation is freezing (Fresh), fresh-drying (UnKibble), or freeze-drying (Snacks)
  • We were impressed with how light and easy to store Unkibble is
  • They don’t smell and they’re not messy like the fresh food varieties.

What We’d Change

  • Fresh recipes are perishable and require additional safety considerations
  • If you live in Alaska or Hawaii, service isn’t available there
  • Fresh meals are expensive compared to competitors
  • Their ingredients aren’t organic. They decided not to source organic ingredients because it would push their products to a price point out of reach for many of our customers. Instead, they use human-grade ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers
  • Limited range of recipe flavors compared to traditional kibble. Most of Spot & Tango’s competitors have between 4 and 5 fresh recipes, while they only offer three recipes
  • Must pause or cancel the subscription to avoid being billed automatically
  • No customer telephone number is available – only email
  • More expensive than kibble diets
  • Unkibble is dehydrated and may seem dry to some dogs. You can add bone broth or water if you feel it’s too dry for your pet
  • Unkibble may be a little crumbly and crumby towards the end of the bag

Ordering, Shipping & Delivery

Generally, most orders are delivered within 3-5 days of purchase. We received ours in 3 days. After placing the order, we immediately received an email confirmation. We also received email notifications with a tracking number when our package was shipped. Spot & Tango uses FedEx Ground, UPS, and USPS for food deliveries. If you’re not home during the delivery, there’s no need to worry. The fresh recipes are packaged in an insulated box with dry ice, ensuring they stay fresh and frozen until you arrive. However, getting them into the freezer as soon as possible upon delivery is essential. When our package arrived, our dog had his own boxed set of neatly organized packets of Unkibble flavors: Chicken & Brown Rice, Beef & Barley, and Duke & Salmon. We love that the fresh recipes looked fresh and cold upon arrival, thanks to the environmentally friendly insulated packaging made from corn starch, which is 100% biodegradable. The meals were vacuum-sealed in certified BPA-free, food-safe pouches. The design and packaging were excellent. We appreciated how the Unkibble came in smaller bags to maintain freshness.

My Spot & Tango Customer Service Experience

We noticed that their customer service could use some improvement. Upon looking online, a common denominator was the lack of support and responsiveness. We had a few fellow dog parents test Spot & Tango’s customer service by having them ask about Spot & Tango’s service through email, phone, and chat. Our responses were helpful, but we wish they would be more attentive and responsive.

Additional Information
Jump to: Full Review | My Experience 

What Customers Think About Spot & Tango

Here is what real-verified customers had to say about this Spot & Tango.

Spot & Tango Positive Review

“My dog Nutella loves spot & tangos turkey and red quinoa. I started her on it, looking for a way to incorporate real meat into her kibble without having to cook, and it’s perfect! The one thing I will say is that I wish the bags were resealable and didn’t require a clip.
Their customer care team is also super great, and when I reached out asking for help with changing shipping or a lost shipment (due to no fault of their own), they were really helpful and friendly. Amazing team and really great, fresh dog food.”

Alli, Verified Reviewer, 02/03/20

“I have 4 large Huskies living with me. They are the parents plus son and daughter and are truly my family. I had been buying vegetables weekly and making their food and treats, which was taking a lot of time as well as money. However, my pack is very healthy as a result of research and fresh foods, but I work full time and would rather be playing wRead more about review stating Everything my dogs and I needed with my pack than cooking for them after work. SOPT & TANGO filled that gap, and we are all happy, healthy and well-fed”

Pamela W, Verified Reviewer, 11/11/19

Spot & Tango Negative Reviews

“This company has the worst customer service I ever experienced. If you have issues with your order, they will only reply 5 days later via email. Two of my orders were lost by *****, and they needed the shipper, Spot and Tango to contact them. Spot and Tango never helped, blamed me for ***** issues, and I spent over $100 that was never refunded. Given that this is a subscription, be warned that if you ever have issues, you will lose your money and only get random generic replies via email.”

Alex B., Better Business Bureau (BBB), 10/22/2020

“PSA: Posting to spread more awareness of these boutique-style online dog food brands. 2 weeks ago, my dog slowly transitioned to this online kibble brand called Spot and Tango. We noticed that he has started acting lethargic, throwing up, and having diarrhea, and we could not figure out why. On Friday, we opened the bag of kibble to feed, and as we looked closer, we noticed some paint chips and pieces of what looked like rubber(?) stuck to the kibble pieces themselves. We took some samples of it and took him to the vet right away. The vet said that this is probably what made him sick and that the kibble looked moldy as well. My dog is now on his way to recovery and taking probiotics as recommended by the vet. Reminder to all that some of these online dog food brands don’t have the right quality controls and do not seem to be in the best interest of our dog’s health. We had to learn it the hard way, but please help spread awareness of this particular brand.”

Da M., Better Business Bureau (BBB), 01/25/2021

“Their customer service is abysmal. They mixed up my order with someone else’s, and tried to brush it off as not a big deal. Had to jump through hoops to get in touch with them. Live chat hours are supposedly from 9 to 5, yet no one is available to help in the chats. No one replied to their text line at all; it was ::crickets:: Took 72 hours to have some questions resolved via email. Was told different things by different people. Between the lack of oversight with packing the wrong order and the awful customer service, it makes me wonder what else they are overlooking regarding their actual product and food production. Don’t trust them.”

Juliet T., Better Business Bureau (BBB), 05/20/2021

Spot & Tango Reddit Reviews

Here are some of the most popular Spot & Tango reviews on Reddit.

Spot & Tango Unkibble vs Fresh

Although a bit pricey compared to Unkibble, Spot & Tango Fresh recipes are a much healthier option and our choice for the best gently cooked dog food for picky eaters. Spot & Tango fresh recipes are priced significantly higher than other companies that deliver fresh dog food to your door.

Spot & Tango Vs Other Dog Food Companies

Learn how Spot & Tango compares to other brands.

Spot and Tango vs The Farmer’s Dog

Spot & Tango and The Farmer’s Dog are very similar options. Price-wise, The Farmer’s Dog offers a better deal. The Farmer’s Dog brand is more popular and has positioned itself as one of the leaders in the fresh dog food market. They have conducted studies that proved their formulas significantly improve dog health. Spot & Tango is a growing competitor and excels at offering a topper plan and fresh dog food, which no brand currently offers. Spot & Tango goes the extra mile to develop its formulas for safety and quality by using DVMS and animal nutritionists. Spot & Tango is family-owned vs. The Farmer’s Dog, venture capital.

Spot and Tango vs Ollie

Both companies are equally matched when delivering your dog’s fresh, balanced, complete, and veterinarian-formulated food. However, Ollie may have the edge in ingredient variety, but their recipes are just as tasty. We see better discounts from Ollie vs. Spot and Tango. Ollie is the more popular brand of the two, and 1% of all Ollie’s revenue goes to their rescue organization partners. Both brands share glowing reviews online. Spot & Tango edges Ollie in customization.

Spot and Tango vs Nom Nom

Nom Nom and Spot & Tango offer similar services, but unlike Nom Nom, Spot & Tango does not include any potatoes in their recipes. Spot & Tango also adds fruit to their recipes, something Nom Nom doesn’t. When comparing their fresh recipes, Nom Nom leads with four recipes, while Spot and Tango offer three only. Spot & Tango offers the Unkibble option, probably the most significant difference. Regarding ingredients and manufacturing, they both use the highest quality human-grade ingredients and are made by vet nutritionists.

Spot & Tango Recall

On September 6, 2022, according to a private email to its customers, Spot and Tango recalled four batches of UnKibble dog food because samples tested positive for Salmonella. This recall impacts no other Spot & Tango products or lot codes. No pets were affected, and the products have been removed from the market. The good news is that Spot & Tango ceased all activities with the manufacturer that produced these lots.

We always encourage our readers to be vigilant of recalls from any pet food brand. Visit our dog food recall page to stay up to date with recalls.

Spot & Tango Frequently Asked Questions

Spot & Tango claims it is suitable for all stages of a dog’s life, although we always recommend asking your vet first. All of their UnKibble and Fresh recipes meet or exceed the standards AAFCO’s Dog Food Nutrient Profiles set for all life stages.

Spot & Tango products are available in certain specialty pet stores throughout the Northeast or online through their website.

Spot & Tango is owned by Russell Breuer, the Founder and CEO of the company.

You can contact Spot & Tango by calling or texting at +1 (718) 514-6292.

Here is a breakdown of Spot & Tango grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes.

Grain-inclusive recipes:
Lamb & Brown Rice (Fresh)
Chicken & Brown Rice (UnKibble)
Beef & Barley (UnKibble)

Grain-free recipes:
Beef & Millet* (Fresh) 
Turkey & Red Quinoa* (Fresh) 
Cod & Salmon (UnKibble)

* Millet and red quinoa are seeds, not grains.

Spot & Tango is not an organic brand. To cover these additional costs, they decided not to produce organic products. Instead, they use human-grade ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. They use non-GMO fruits, vegetables, and starches.

Spot & Tango recipes offer an average protein content of 41% and a mean fat content of 20%. These recipes have above-average protein, below-average fat, and above-average carbs. Overall, this earns Spot & Tango top marks as a premium, healthy dog food brand.

Spot & Tango Review — Conclusion

Our research shows that Spot and Tango fresh dog food offers high-quality food. We love their unique approach to their Unkibble recipes. It’s a great way to feed human-grade, fresh dog food without worrying about freezer space or the food going bad. Although it is a tad more expensive than traditional kibble, it’s far healthier than kibble. While we enjoyed Spot and Tango’s fresh recipes, their price tag is slightly higher than other fresh dog food companies. Check out your other options, like Nom Nom and The Farmer’s Dog, to see which fits better. Overall, we recommend Spot & Tango to all those pet parents seeking to move away from highly processed dog food. Their Unkibble is a great place to start, and their fresh plan is top-notch for the ultimate freshness and nutrition.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Lippert & Sapy
  2. TAS
  3. PubMed: Nutrient Digestibility
  4. The Farmer’s Dog
  5. WSAVA
Canine Bible
Editorial Team at Canine Bible | + posts

Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.

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