What makes Ydolo different from other dog food?
Ydolo is a dog food made using a slow cooking process at a maximum of 78°C, instead of the usual extrusion at 120°C or higher. This helps preserve the proteins, vitamins, and flavor, resulting in a softer kibble, easier digestion, and smaller stools.
In our store on the Haarlemmerdijk, we are often asked why one bag of dog food costs twenty euros and another costs sixty. The short answer: that difference is rarely in the packaging and almost always in the production process. At Ydolo, a fundamentally different approach is used compared to what most manufacturers do. The food is not extruded, but steamed. In this blog, we explain exactly what that means, why it matters for your dog, and for which dogs this food is a good choice.
What is extrusion and why is it the standard?
Almost all regular dog kibble is made using a process called extrusion. The ingredients are first ground into a meal, then pressed through a machine under high pressure and at temperatures of 120 to 180°C, which cuts the kibble into shape. The process is fast, inexpensive, and produces a product with a long shelf life. It is no wonder it is the industry standard.
The downside is that some of the natural nutritional value is lost. Vitamins are heat-sensitive and break down, proteins lose part of their structure, and flavor is lost. Manufacturers compensate for this by adding vitamins, flavorings, and aromas afterwards. This works, but as a result, the dog eats a reconstructed product instead of a natural one.
What does Ydolo do differently?
With Ydolo, the fresh meat is first steamed slowly in its own juices at a maximum of 78°C. Only after that do the ingredients pass through a press at a low temperature. The process is like home cooking: you put meat on a low heat, and everything in it stays inside. No burnt edges, no loss of meat juices, no heat-sensitive vitamins going up in smoke.
The result is a slightly softer kibble than you are used to with extruded food, with more meat juices and a recognizable smell. In blind taste tests, dogs consistently choose this kibble first. That is not marketing; that is what a lower temperature does to flavor and aroma.
What does your dog notice?
In practice, we see three things with customers who switch to Ydolo. First, a calmer gastrointestinal tract. Because the protein structure remains intact, the food is easier to digest. Second, firmer and smaller stools, simply because the dog absorbs more and excretes less. Third, especially in sensitive dogs, less scratching and a calmer coat.
The food is grain-free, hypoallergenic, and contains 75 percent fresh meat or wild-caught fish. The remaining 25 percent consists of sweet potato, a health mix of fruit, vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms, plus trout oil, glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM for the joints. No gluten, no GMOs, no BHA or BHT, no peas, no potato, no yeast.
Which Ydolo variant is right for which dog?
The kibble line has four variants. Ydolo Puppy is for dogs in the growth phase, based on Iberico with wild-caught fish. Ydolo Chicken is a good daily choice for adult dogs. Ydolo Duck contains extra shiitake and cordyceps and is tailored to dogs with allergic reactions or itching. Ydolo Iberico is a good fit for dogs that have previously reacted negatively to chicken, beef, or lamb, because pork is a new protein for most dogs.
In addition to kibble, Ydolo offers wet food with 90 percent fresh meat, and bone broth with collagen and glucosamine for extra support of joints, intestines, and the immune system.
Are you unsure which variant is right?
Come by our store on the Haarlemmerdijk or call us on 020 341 3363. We will look together with you at age, weight, sensitivities, and the current food. For dogs with a specific condition, we always advise you to consult your veterinarian first before switching.
Frequently asked questions about Ydolo
What is slow cooking dog food?
Slow cooking dog food is food where the fresh meat is first steamed slowly at a low temperature (at Ydolo, a maximum of 78°C) and only then pressed at a low temperature. The difference with regular extruded food is that the proteins, vitamins, and flavor are better preserved.
Is Ydolo suitable for my puppy?
Yes. Ydolo Puppy is specifically tailored to growth, with extra glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM for the development of flexible joints. The softer structure of the kibble is also more pleasant for young dogs with changing teeth.
Is Ydolo grain-free and hypoallergenic?
Yes, all Ydolo recipes are grain-free and hypoallergenic. The food contains no gluten, GMOs, peas, potato, yeast, BHA, or BHT. For dogs with a known food allergy, Ydolo Iberico is often a good first choice, because pork is a new protein for most dogs.
How much Ydolo should I give my dog?
Every package has a feeding table based on the weight of your dog. Because Ydolo is more concentrated than many other foods, the amount may be lower than you are used to. With the wet food, you may even need to give 20 to 50 percent less than with regular wet food. In the store, we are happy to calculate the correct daily portion together with you.
Can I combine Ydolo kibble with wet food?
Yes, you can. The kibble and the wet food are made according to the same recipe, except that the wet food contains 90 percent fresh meat instead of 75 percent. Many customers give kibble in the morning and a portion of wet food in the evening, or mix both in one meal.
Where can I buy Ydolo in Amsterdam?
In our store at Haarlemmerdijk 97-105 in Amsterdam, and via our webshop. We ship throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. If you are unsure about the right variant, we are happy to advise you personally, by phone on 020 341 3363, or via the chat on the site.