0
Growing up in a family of dog breeders, I’ve always been surrounded by dogs. Back then, our dogs thrived on fresh meals prepared with butcher’s meat and vegetables. Then came the advice to switch to kibble — which was pitched as the healthiest, most convenient option. The result of this switch? We lost most of our beloved dogs to cancer.
When Sparky and Bruce came into my life, I was determined that wouldn’t happen again. I researched canine nutrition and created my own diet for dogs. It’s mainly meat-based, unprocessed, and has very few carbs. It required a bit of extra work, but it was worth it to see my dogs happy and healthy.
Then COVID happened. Fresh ingredients ran low in Singapore. I cleared out freezer space for human food, so I had to switch my dogs to kibble for a while. Within weeks, I watched their health deteriorate.
I jumped into action to explore commercial fresh food options. Many local companies claim to be “Complete and Balanced” by AAFCO and NRC standards. However, none provided a detailed nutrition analysis. Some even said they don’t test their diets in a lab. Others promoted carbs like brown rice and pasta as key ingredients. Many refused to share the supplements included in their “mineral and vitamin blends.” This may seem harmless, but low-quality supplements can harm the liver. I didn’t want to risk that for Sparky and Bruce.
Frustrated by the available options, I took matters into my own hands again. This time, I brought in the experts: Steve Brown, author of Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet, and Dr. Susan Recker, a holistic vet. After months and months of formulating, lab testing, and food trials. We created several recipes that were complete and balanced. All our recipes used only human-grade ingredients. They were minimally processed and mimicked a diet that’s natural for your dog.
But despite developing a great fresh food formulation, I was back at square one when it came to freezer space and convenience. I then found freeze drying. It’s a great technology that takes water out of food. It keeps the nutrition, texture, and taste intact. All the convenience of instant food, but no preservatives or need for refrigeration. I bought a freeze-dryer and started freeze drying Sparky and Bruce’s meals. Sparky and Bruce quickly regained their energy and vitality. The results were clear.
When friends began asking for meals for their dogs, it became clear this wasn’t just about Sparky and Bruce. So many pet parents were facing the same struggle: wanting the best for their dogs, but having limited options.
That’s how YoDoggo was born. What started as a personal mission to keep my dogs healthy became YoDoggo. A science-backed nutrition and healthy solution, that is also convenient.
After a year on the market, I discovered something shocking. I noticed that many of my clients’ dogs were eating less food than expected, based on AAFCO and NRC standards. When I told Steve and Susan, they said these standards were relevant for highly active dogs, like working Border Collies. Most Singaporean dogs are less active. This means they cannot eat as many calories. As a result, they do not eat enough food to get the right amount of essential nutrients.
This understanding of canine nutrition has been around since 2006. However, the industry has mostly overlooked it for almost 20 years. They focused on standardisation and profit, at the expense of your dog’s health. Dogs like Sparky and Bruce were only getting a fraction of their essential nutrients. This deficiency may not appear in clinical tests immediately. However, it does seriously affect their health and lifespan over time. I couldn’t accept that for my dogs or for anyone else’s.
Steve, Susan, and I started making a dietary plan for each dog. We tailored it to their life stage and activity level. This way, their food provides the right balance of calories and nutrients. Before, only those working with specialist veterinary nutritionists could access this level of nutrition. Even then, it wasn’t very accurate. Plus, doing many lab tests for one dog was seldom practical or cheap.
I made YoDoggo to combine top nutritional science, fresh ingredients, and food tech. With the single purpose of keeping dogs healthier and happier. It has worked for my dogs, and I’ve seen it support the wellbeing of many others. As a fellow dog parent, I hope it helps you make more informed choices — so your dogs can stay healthy and happy for as long as possible.
Rajiv Banerji
Founder, YoDoggo
At YoDoggo, our mission to nourish dogs with the very best food is guided by a passionate and experienced team of experts. Each member brings unique skills, knowledge, and a shared love for dogs, ensuring that every recipe we create supports your dog’s health and happiness.
Steve Brown is a pioneering diet formulator, researcher, and author. He created the first fresh-raw pet food in the U.S. and wrote the influential books “See Spot Live Longer” and “Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet”. Although officially retired, Steve continues to serve as YoDoggo’s mentor and guide, ensuring our recipes stay true to the latest scientific standards and the natural dietary needs of dogs.
Dr. Susan Recker is a veterinarian, clinical nutritionist, specialist diet formulator, and educator with decades of experience. As YoDoggo’s Lead Veterinary Diet Formulator, she combines her deep expertise in animal health with a passion for food-as-medicine. Dr. Susan ensures that every YoDoggo recipe is balanced, biologically appropriate, and designed to support health and longevity at every life stage.
Rajiv Banerji is the founder of YoDoggo, a certified companion animal nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover. As both a nutrition nerd and a dedicated dog dad, he is committed to bringing the highest quality food to dogs everywhere—food that helps them live healthier, happier lives. Rajiv’s passion for canine nutrition and well-being drives every decision at YoDoggo, from sourcing ingredients to supporting pet parents.
