Spot & Tango Review 2025: Is It Worth It?

Overview

Spot & Tango offers 2 high-quality dog food options: UnKibble and Fresh. These are both made with 100% whole, non-GMO, human-grade ingredients. UnKibble is a gently dried food using a unique Fresh Dry™ process for a crunchy texture and is available in 4 recipes. Fresh meals are lightly cooked, flash-frozen, and come in 3 varieties. Both options meet AAFCO standards for puppies and adult dogs.

My colleague tested Spot & Tango with their dog, Baxter. They found the process smooth from start to finish. The 14-day trial was a great way to see how Baxter reacted to the food, and the delivery arrived quickly with easy tracking. The Fresh plan offers full or topper portions, with the topper being a more budget-friendly way to introduce fresh food gradually. Spot & Tango also provides treats as well as supplements – all formulated by veterinary nutritionists.

UnKibble offers the convenience of traditional kibble but with healthier ingredients. My colleague appreciated that each UnKibble bag comes with a custom scoop for easy portioning. The Fresh meals, on the other hand, are pre-portioned and only require thawing before serving, making them a premium but simple choice. Pricing varies based on dog size, plan type, and recipe, but UnKibble consistently costs less than Fresh.

Shipping is free within the contiguous US, and most deliveries arrive in around 3 business days. While you can’t choose a specific delivery date, my colleague found the tracking system easy to use and appreciated the updates along the way. Spot & Tango’s customer support was also helpful, with quick responses via text.

Baxter enjoyed trying the food, and my colleague found the ordering experience straightforward and well-organized. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective UnKibble option or premium fresh meals, Spot & Tango provides a convenient way to feed your pup high-quality, nutritious food.

Spot & Tango's Meals: Fresh & Dried Fresh Dog Food of the Highest Quality

Plans & Recipes: Choose From UnKibble & Fresh Food

 

Spot & Tango has 2 different types of food – UnKibble and Fresh. UnKibble is dried fresh food made with 100% whole foods-based ingredients just like the fresh food. All of the recipes are non-GMO, gluten-free (except the Beef + Barley Unkibble), and human-grade as well. The UnKibble is offered as a full, recommended plan, but you can order the Fresh as either a full or topper plan.

The topper plan serves 2 purposes – it helps you save money, and it’s a great way to slowly ease your pup into new fresh food (or to find out if he or she even likes it in the first place!).

Spot & Tango doesn't offer the possibility to mix UnKibble and Fresh recipes in the same meal plan. If you need both, you’ll have to add a second dog to your profile. This way, you can order Fresh for 1 dog and UnKibble for the other dog. My colleague placed an order for 2 dogs so that he could test both options with his dog, Baxter.

 

In terms of UnKibble, there are 4 different recipes to choose from – Cod + Salmon, Beef + Barley, Chicken + Brown Rice, and Turkey + Sweet Potato. Unlike kibbles you can find in stores, UnKibble is gently dehydrated using Spot & Tango’s unique Fresh Dry™ process for a crunchy texture.

This means that the UnKibble is not extruded, and it doesn’t include any "mystery meats". Also, all 4 recipes are complete and balanced for puppies and adults, and you can keep them in your pantry like you would normal kibbles. 

 

The Fresh recipes are made with 100% fresh ingredients as well. Each is balanced for both puppies and adults. There are 3 different recipes to choose from in the Fresh range – Turkey + Quinoa, Beef + Brown Rice, and Lamb + Sweet Potato.

You also have the option to spoil your furry friend with some Snacks and Supplements. Spot & Tango offers 6 Snack flavors – Turkey Strips, Cheese Bites, Chicken Bites, Bison Bites, Sweet Potato Bites, and Beef Trainers. These are human-grade treats made from a single ingredient.

 

The Bites are designed to meet various needs, such as soothing a sensitive tummy (Sweet Potato Bites) or helping build lean muscle (Chicken Bites). Additionally, the Bison Bites are grain and gluten-free.

The Supplements also have specific roles in a dog’s diet. For instance, the Calming Supplement contains L-Theanine, Passion Flower, and chamomile, which together have a calming effect.

The Hip & Joint Supplement supports overall joint health & strong cartilage. The Allergy & Immune Supplement is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 and supports a strong immune system. The Probiotic supplement is designed to support your dog’s stomach and any digestive issues by balancing the gut microbiome.

 

Both the Snacks and the Supplements are available during the sign-up process. So, once you’ve created a meal plan, you can decide if you want extras. You can add extras to future orders from your account as well as Spot & Tango merch (including tote bags) and poop bags.

All recipes have been formulated by veterinary nutritionists for puppies and adults according to AAFCO's nutritional standards, and are GMO- and hormone-free. Plus, Spot & Tango’s fresh food is cooked in small batches in a USDA facility.

Ingredients: Only Top-Quality Proteins, Veggies, & Fruits

All ingredients used in Spot & Tango’s meals are fresh and locally sourced. Recipes are created using only lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and high-quality carbs for a balanced diet for your pup. There will never be any fillers, additives, or preservatives.

According to Spot & Tango’s philosophy, if a human can’t eat it, then pets shouldn’t either. Plus, the company is a strong believer in a minimal-ingredient diet – there’s no need for complicated recipes to create delicious meals.

 

For instance, Beef + Brown Rice, among the most popular Spot & Tango fresh recipes, includes simple ingredients, such as beef, beef livers, butternut squash, spinach, carrots, brown rice, potatoes, safflower oil, apples, salt, and salmon oil.

Each recipe also includes Spot & Tango's nutrient blend to make sure your pup gets all the necessary ingredients. This blend includes vitamins and minerals important for a dog’s healthy development, such as fish oil, kelp, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Vitamin E, A, and D supplements, and more.

UnKibble recipes follow a similar formula, with simple and natural ingredients, plus Spot & Tango's nutrient blend. For instance, the simple ingredients in the Beef + Barley recipe are beef, barley, flax seeds, carrots, green beans, beef liver, beef heart, beets, and cranberries.

 

Each ingredient is clearly labeled on the website to make it easy if you have a pup with allergies or sensitivities to any foods. In terms of actual ingredients, you’ll find things like sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, spinach, eggs, and even fresh herbs like parsley.

All of these ingredients are dense in micronutrients like minerals and vitamins to help maximize your pup’s health. Also, the cooking methods used help retain the nutrients and flavors of each whole food ingredient. 

Both recipe types are gently exposed at low temperatures, but there’s a difference in method. While the UnKibble is gently dehydrated, Fresh recipes are gently cooked to deactivate any germs and then flash-frozen to lock in freshness. This method is similar to how The Farmer’s Dog prepares its fresh recipes and has been proven to be extremely efficient for transportation.

Nutrition: Recipes Crafted for a Nutritious, Well-Balanced Diet 

Spot & Tango's recipes are meticulously formulated to offer a well-balanced blend of essential nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. As a result, dogs who eat Spot & Tango will receive comprehensive nutrition for healthy growth and robust strength.

In terms of fresh meals, the Turkey + Quinoa recipe, for example, has a breakdown of around 10% crude protein, 6% crude fat, and 2% crude fiber. The rest is moisture.

 

In the UnKibble meals, I found a slightly different breakdown, which is to be expected as it’s dry food. The Cod + Salmon UnKibble is 27% crude protein, 17% crude fat, and 3% crude fiber. This is interesting but to be expected, as dry food weighs less than fresh food.

I also like that Spot & Tango gives you the amount of calories in each recipe. For instance, the Fresh Turkey + Quinoa has 1,625 kCal/kg, but the Cod + Salmon UnKibble has 4,193 kCal/kg, which is significantly higher. This way, it’s easier to calculate how much to feed your dog based on their daily caloric needs. 

Each ingredient is selected to maximize vitamins and minerals to make sure your doggos get the proper nutrition. You’ll receive a meal plan recommendation when you sign up, and you can switch it up over time if you’d like. You can easily access the full ingredients list from the Recipes page.

What Makes Spot & Tango Different

UnKibble Is a Better Alternative to Traditional Kibble

Spot & Tango’s UnKibble is essentially dehydrated and dried fresh food that retains all of the same nutritional value as regular fresh food.

You may be wondering what makes it so valuable vs. Spot & Tango’s regular, fresh food. It’s cheaper while still offering high levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It’s also non-GMO and gluten-free, just like the fresh food lineup.

 

This is a major difference between Spot & Tango and other services like The Farmer’s Dog. The Farmer’s Dog only offers fresh food, which means you don’t have the option of cheaper dry food.

Ollie also offers something similar to the UnKibble – the Baked options. However, you can’t order just the Baked recipes. You have to combine them with the fresh recipes in the Mixed Bowl Plan. This could be the best option for you if you want to easily feed your pup a mix of fresh and dry food. 

Spot & Tango’s Food Is Non-GMO & Gluten-Free

I was happy to discover that Spot & Tango’s meals are non-GMO and gluten-free (except for the Beef + Barley UnKibble). Also, the Cod + Salmon UnKibble recipe is hypoallergenic and grain-free.

 

Regular, off-the-shelf, generic dog kibble from pet supply stores can be very low-quality. They are often made from ingredients devoid of any real nutritional value. UnKibble offers a similar texture and ease of serving as standard kibble, but with much higher-quality ingredients. 

My Colleague’s Unboxing Experience: A Seamless Experience (Plus a Free Scoop!)

My colleague received both Spot & Tango’s UnKibble and Frozen Fresh meals. The boxes were sturdy and clean, with no signs of damage. While there wasn’t any personalization on the outside, the UnKibble box featured Spot & Tango’s branding. 

When they opened the box there was a fun surprise – a cute drawing of a dog’s face, along with the words, “Caution: May Cause Drool.” The feeding guide inside did include their dog’s name. This adds a personal touch.

 

The box sat outside for about an hour before being brought inside, but everything inside remained perfectly intact. The UnKibble box was simple but well-organized, with a feeding guide on top and the food bags packed neatly underneath. A bonus Spot & Tango-branded scoop and a bag clip were included, making portioning easier.

The frozen fresh food was in a separate box (since mixed orders aren’t possible). On top was a bag of sweet potato bite treats, followed by 2 large sealed silver bags containing the individually portioned frozen meals.

 

It’s good to know that the UnKibble packaging includes a resealable flap. This makes storage convenient. Once you open the bag, make sure to reseal it after each meal. UnKibble will stay fresh for around 8 weeks once opened.

 

The frozen food should be stored immediately in the freezer, while portions for upcoming meals can be defrosted in the fridge or on the counter. The food will stay fresh for up to 6 months in the freezer and 4 days in the fridge.

Spot & Tango uses recyclable cardboard boxes, but there aren’t any clear recycling instructions included. The plastic packaging is necessary to maintain freshness, but unfortunately, there’s no guidance on how to dispose of it responsibly.

Baxter’s Testing Experience: Easy to Serve & Baxter Loved It!

My colleague found it easy to determine how much Spot & Tango food to feed Baxter. The detailed feeding guide provided clear transition steps and portion recommendations. The included scooper had helpful measurement lines, but they also used their own measuring cup to double-check. 

Baxter was only supplementing his usual kibble with Spot & Tango. So, my colleague adjusted the portions accordingly, using a mix of both foods to balance his diet. There was no need for extra tools like a scale or spoon (except for the frozen fresh food, where they added a spoonful to each meal with some water).

 

For the frozen fresh food, feeding was even simpler. The guide recommended 1 bag per day for Baxter, so all they had to do was defrost and serve. Portioning was straightforward, whether using the Spot & Tango scooper or a regular measuring cup. The process was just as quick as preparing Baxter’s usual food, with no unexpected steps or hassle.

Spot & Tango’s food is more protein- and nutrient-dense than Baxter’s usual kibble, meaning smaller portions provide the same nutrition. For example, his regular food recommends 3 cups per day, while Spot & Tango suggests 2 cups.

 

Visually, the food was different too. The UnKibble had a cube shape and was lighter in color compared to Baxter’s usual darker, triangular kibble. The frozen fresh food looked quite natural, with visible pieces of vegetables mixed in.

Baxter wasted no time devouring his meals. He’s not a picky eater, so while other dogs might take time to adjust, Baxter happily cleaned his bowl without hesitation. While Baxter didn’t show any noticeable changes in energy or digestion, he certainly enjoyed every bite!

Prices: Spot & Tango May Not Be Cheap, but It’s Excellent Value

The prices in the table reflect the regular cost of Spot & Tango’s plans. First-time orders get 20% off, but with our discount code (Get 60% Off + Free Shipping) you’ll receive 50% off your 2-week trial. Spot & Tango also offers supplements at a flat rate of $26 per bag, which you can add before checkout. These supplements are designed to support your dog’s health and well-being.

 

Snacks start at $10 per bag, with Beef Trainers as the most affordable option. Sweet Potato Bites and Chicken Bites cost $12 per bag, while Bison Bites and Cheese Bites are priced at $15 per bag. You can add any of these treats before finalizing your order.

Spot & Tango’s prices vary based on your dog’s size and the recipe you choose. Larger dogs require bigger portions, which increases the cost. The Topper plan is designed to supplement your dog’s regular food. It’s about half the price of the Full plan, making it a better value for large dogs. 

 

UnKibble is the most budget-friendly option, while the lowest-cost recipes are Beef + Barley UnKibble and Turkey + Quinoa Fresh. If your pup has dietary restrictions, expect higher costs.

Your initial trial provides 2 weeks of food at a reduced cost, allowing you to see if Spot & Tango is a good fit. If your dog isn’t happy, it offers a 14-day 100% Happy Pup Guarantee, meaning you can contact customer service for assistance. Plus, shipping is always free on all orders.

Shipping & Delivery: Easy, Quick, & Streamlined

Spot & Tango starts with a 14-day trial, offering 2 weeks of food at 20% off. After the trial, your orders auto-ship every 4 weeks. My colleague’s order shipped immediately, and while no delivery date options were provided, it arrived within 2 days. This was much faster than expected.

 

The company ships via FedEx Ground, and tracking is simple. After placing an order, you receive an email with a tracking link (featuring a cute S&T dog logo). Clicking the FedEx tracking number provides a detailed view of your package’s journey, including stops and estimated arrival. While no specific delivery time slots are given, you’ll get an email once your order arrives.

Spot & Tango delivers to the 48 contiguous states with free shipping. Unfortunately, deliveries aren’t available in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or to PO boxes. You can’t select or change a delivery date, but you can adjust your order amount, meal options, and address. Make sure that you make any changes by 5 pm ET the day before processing.

How Spot & Tango Works (Step by Step Guide)

To start with Spot & Tango, complete the meal customization quiz. This creates a fully personalized meal plan tailored to your puppy’s breed, weight, and health needs. If you want both dried and fresh food, you’ll need to place 2 separate orders.

How to Sign Up (5 Easy Steps)

1.Click START QUIZ: In the top-left of the home page on the Spot & Tango website, click the START QUIZ button to begin the customization questionnaire. You'll need to complete this to see pricing.

 

2.Enter basic information: Provide your name, email, and details about your dog(s), including breed, weight, activity level, and any health conditions. You'll enter your zip code at the end of the quiz to confirm delivery availability.

 

3.Select your food type and recipes: Choose between UnKibble or fresh food, then pick your preferred recipes. If you select fresh food, decide between the full plan or topper plan. The recommended plan is based on your dog’s details, making selection easy.

 

4.Customize your order: You can add optional snacks and supplements, but these upsells are not aggressive. Pricing is clear, with only taxes added.

 

5.Check out: Enter your shipping and payment details (Credit Card or Google Pay), apply any coupon codes at checkout, and confirm your order. Subscription plans are weekly by default, but you can adjust your delivery dates as needed.

 

Managing Your Subscription

Managing your Spot & Tango subscription is easy with a user-friendly account page. You can update your address, skip weeks, or modify orders directly from your account. Deadlines for changes are clearly displayed, and while there’s no app, the mobile-friendly site makes management simple.

Customer Service: Friendly & Responsive Assistance

Spot & Tango’s customer support is available daily from 9 am to 5 pm ET. You can make contact via phone, text, or email. While the support section isn’t prominently placed – it’s only at the bottom of the website – it’s easy to find once you scroll down. The FAQ covers a wide range of topics, including meal plans, shipping, and allergies, with a search bar for quick answers.

For direct help, you can call or text +1 (718) 514-6292, or email [email protected]. My colleague tested the text option and received a friendly, detailed response in under 20 minutes. If you email, you’ll get an acknowledgment with an estimated reply time of 1 day or sooner. However, there’s no live chat, so texting or calling is the best way to get a quick response. Last but not least, the detailed FAQ section on the website is a quick resource for answers to most common questions.

 

Canceling Spot & Tango was straightforward but required several steps. My colleague initially couldn’t find the option and had to check the FAQ page. The cancellation process involves multiple screens with prompts to reconsider, including options to reschedule, pause, or accept a discount. After confirming, they received an immediate confirmation email. It was clear that Spot & Tango tries hard to retain customers by offering solutions and incentives before finalizing the cancellation.

Spot & Tango Recalls: There Was 1 Voluntary Recall in 2022

As of April 2025, there are currently no active recalls for Spot & Tango. However, on September 6, 2022, it voluntarily recalled 9,288 bags of its Chicken + Brown Rice UnKibble due to contamination with salmonella bacteria as per this FDA Enforcement Report.

Affected SKU (stock-keeping unit) numbers included T-22220, U-C-004, T-22223, U-C-005, T-22220, and U-C-006. Again, this was not an FDA-mandated recall and was voluntary, and it's since been resolved.

How Spot & Tango Compares to Other Pet Food Services

• Spot & Tango vs. The Farmer’s Dog: The Farmer’s Dog offers a couple of benefits over Spot & Tango. For instance, you can get different proteins like pork instead of lamb. Additionally, Spot & Tango relies on the taurine naturally found in meat. The Farmer’s Dog, on the other hand, recognizes the importance of this additive for cardiac health. As such, it fortifies all its dog food with its special nutrient blend, which contains taurine as well as other vitamins and minerals.

• Spot & Tango vs. Ollie: Ollie has some advantages over Spot & Tango, which you may find appealing. For example, Ollie provides 5 fresh recipe options: Turkey, Chicken, Lamb, Beef, and Pork. Additionally, it offers mixed bowl plans that include both fresh food and baked kibble options. If you want to try it out or want to save some money by mixing it with kibble, Ollie also offers a half-fresh plan.
• Spot & Tango vs. Nom Nom: Nom Nom features 6 gently-cooked recipes and has a similar minimal-ingredients philosophy as Spot & Tango. Similarly, these recipes are formulated by in-house Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists. Still, Nom Nom takes things up a level with a different cooking method and health-oriented supplements.

The Bottom Line: Is Spot & Tango Worth It?

Spot & Tango provides high-quality, human-grade meals designed to support your dog’s health. Whether you choose the fresh recipes or UnKibble, the ingredients are recognizable and similar to what you’d find at a farmer’s market. The 14-day trial and Happy Pup Guarantee give you a risk-free way to see if your dog enjoys the food.

However, the cost is something to consider. While UnKibble is the most affordable option, fresh meal plans – especially full portions – can be quite expensive. Owners on a budget or with larger breeds may find better value in the Topper plan, which helps stretch the budget while still boosting nutrition.

My colleague’s experience with the service was overwhelmingly positive. The ordering process was simple, delivery was quick and trackable, and managing the subscription was straightforward. They also found customer support to be responsive, with quick answers via text.

That said, there are some limitations. You can’t pick a delivery date, and the support section could be easier to find. There’s also no live chat, which some pet parents may prefer for instant assistance.

If you’re unsure whether Spot & Tango is the right fit, you might want to compare it with other top-rated brands. Check out our best human-grade dog food delivery services to explore more options.

FAQ

Is Spot & Tango a healthy dog food?

Yes. It uses human-grade ingredients. Plus, all the food has been approved by veterinary professionals, so you can rely on it to support your pup’s health.

Is Spot & Tango AAFCO approved?

Yes, all of the food meets strict guidelines set forth by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). And, while there have been some recalls in the past, there have been none in the last year.

Is UnKibble worth it?

Spot & Tango’s UnKibble may be worth it to you. You’re basically getting the benefits of fresh food while cutting down on costs. The UnKibble is dried fresh food that retains all of the same nutritional value as fresh food and remains as healthy for your pup. Actually, it contains more macronutrients per gram, too.

Is Spot & Tango UnKibble hard or soft?

Spot & Tango’s UnKibble line is not as hard and crunchy as traditional kibble, yet also not quite as soft as traditional fresh food. If you’re looking for soft food, you can try out Spot & Tango’s fresh food lineup.