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As a raw feeder, I've taken control of my dogs' nutrition, which means I handle the sourcing, formulating, and meal prep—I also manage their health. It didn't take long after I began raw feeding that I became interested in maintaining my dogs' health because improving their diet is only the start. This is why choosing the proper wellness test can help.
The following is a list of tests I periodically order for my dogs. These tests tell me…
- proteins and other foods I should limit or remove from my dogs' diet
- nutrient deficiencies and heavy metal levels in my dogs' diet
- the state of my dogs' microbiome and a possible heads up on upcoming health issues
- a breakdown of my dogs' breed mix, genetic health, and trait insights
Wellness Tests for Raw Fed Dogs
Before I fed raw, I'd never heard of blood work. I didn't know it was a thing until I saw raw feeders posting about it in groups. While blood work is essential, it may be too late if something goes awry. My dogs are still subjected to annual blood work, but I found a few other tests that will give me a heads-up on health issues when there is time to make changes to their diet.
1 – AnimalBiome (now DoggyBiome) Microbiome Test
AnimalBiome is #1 because I think the key to our dogs' longevity will be found in their gut microbiome. I plan to start testing my dogs annually. Understanding the gut microbiome will help us identify and correct issues with the gut flora.
- Test type: stool
- Pros: the report is fantastic and gives a lot of detail, customers get a free consultation, and the supplements work to correct the microbiome
- Cons: the report can be overwhelming (the consultation helps), the tests are specific to raw fed dogs (too challenging), and providing a stool sample is gross (but easy)
- Cost: $99 (they offer BOGO sales on occasion)
- Frequency: annually/as needed
- Read: My Review
- Alternative Tests:EmbarkVet Gut Health Test, $99 – “powered by AnimalBiome” – small world
2 – Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan Sensitivity Test
The Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan Sensitivity Test offered by Glacier Peak Holisitics identified food and environmental triggers. Before I switched to raw feeding, one of my dogs used to itch and lick his paws constantly, had recurring ear infections, and rarely had a solid poop. Switching to raw helped, but it didn't solve the issues completely. The test helped identify ingredients and environmental factors contributing to the itching.
- Test type: hair
- Pros: quickly identify a dog's triggers, customers get a free consultation, no pressure to buy supplements
- Cons: the test makes some assumptions that may not be accurate for individual dogs, which is why the consultation is helpful. For example, the report I received stated that dogs sensitive to chicken meat shouldn't be fed chicken eggs, and dogs sensitive to pheasant meat shouldn't be fed quail.
- Cost: $129
- Frequency: as needed
- Read: My Review
- Alternative Tests: Nutriscan Pet Food Intolerance Test, $298 – only tests for food sensitivities; not environmental
3 – ParsleyPet Nutritional Blueprint Test
ParsleyPet Nutritional Blueprint Testing helps ensure that a dog's nutritional needs are being met. Whether you're feeding DIY, commercial raw, or a combination, it's always a good idea to ensure that the diet isn't deficient in nutrients or overloaded with heavy metals.
- Test type: hair
- Pros: the tests are easy to follow. However, it's unclear if the test comes with a free consultation by a pro-raw veterinarian. If a consultation isn't provided, you can work with your veterinarian.
- Cons: a dog's nutrient profile changes daily, and the test results will give you a snapshot from six months prior; this isn't ideal, but it's still helpful.
- Cost: $250 (use KTTW to save $50)
- Frequency: recommended every six months; I test every other year due to the cost
- Read: My Review
- Alternative Tests: Dr. Peter Dobias HairQ Test, $139 – great reviews
4 – EmbarkVet Dog DNA+Health Test
EmbarkVet Dog DNA+Health Test is an investment, but it's worth every penny. I've tested all my dogs, even a dog where I was confident in his breed mix. But the test isn't solely about learning a dog's breed mix.
- EmbarkVet provides more information than any other DNA test.
- The reports help our veterinarians make decisions on medication and more.
- I've connected to littermates of my dogs (knowing their health is helpful).
- The reports explain my dogs' appearance, behavior, and more.
Although many DNA tests are on the market, I believe we get the most bang for our buck with Embark Vet.
- Test type: saliva
- Pros: easy process, their database is constantly updating, allowing us to learn more about our dogs, the health report is helpful to veterinarians
- Cons: none
- Cost: $199 (discount code – PUMPKIN to save $60)
- Frequency: when we adopt a dog
- Read: My Review
- Alternative Tests: Wisdom Panel Premium DNA Kit, $128 – 200+ health tests
5 – Innovative Pet Labs Wellness Test
Innovative Pet Labs gave us comprehensive tests for two of my dogs. These tests help pet parents identify issues with:
- Digestion & Detox
- Leaky Gut
- Inflammation & Immunity
The results were underwhelming, but a free consultation cleared everything up, and they gave me the veterinarian reports, which I found more helpful. Zoey is doing great, and Apollo has the beginning stages of leaky gut.
- Test type: stool
- Pros: if you get the veterinarian reports, then you'll have lots of helpful information
- Cons: the basic reports may not be helpful (ask for the veterinarian ones), this is a new company, so the database is small, and the tests aren't specific to raw fed dogs (too challenging)
- As more people test their dogs, we'll get better information.
- Cost: Comprehensive tests are $350, and Individual Tests (listed above) are $150 each; the prices have decreased recently.
- Frequency: as needed due to the cost
- Read: n/a
- Alternative Tests: n/a
Additional Tests that I've Found Useful
- Oncotect Dog Cancer Screening Test Kit – an at-home cancer screening test recommended for senions and high-risk breeds.
- OmegaQuant by Standard Process – a blood test for dogs that measures the amount of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in the system. Speak to your veterinarian to learn more.
Which Test I Recommend (to Start)
All of the tests listed here provide valuable information. However, if money is a concern, I recommend AnimalBiome microbiome test, which will give you a better understanding of your dog's gut microbiome. The consultation and supplements go a long way to helping you put your dog on the right path to improved health.
If a second test is within the budget, I recommend the Embark Vet Dog DNA & Health Test. Not only is this a fun experience (learning about your dog's breed mix, behavior, and wolf factor), but you can connect with your dog's family members and dogs of the same breed mix. The health section gives you and your veterinarian a lot of information and a heads-up on any health conditions in your dog's future.
