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In recent years, at-home tests for pets have improved dramatically, giving dog owners powerful tools to monitor their dogs' health, uncover hidden issues, and guide personalized care—all without the stress of a vet visit.
From gut health to genetic screening to cancer detection, today’s pet wellness tests can provide early insights, actionable data, and peace of mind. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of several trusted at-home tests:
- AnimalBiome
- Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan
- ParsleyPet
- EmbarkVet
- Innovative Pet Labs
- Oncotect Dog Cancer Screening
- OmegaQuant by Standard Process
Why Use At-Home Tests for Dogs?
At-home tests empower pet parents to:
- Catch potential problems early
- Monitor wellness between vet visits
- Personalize nutrition and supplements
- Track progress on a holistic care plan
- Gain insights for chronic conditions
- Improve quality of life naturally
These tests complement, not replace, veterinary care. They help create a fuller picture of your dog’s health.
1 – AnimalBiome: Gut Health Testing
AnimalBiome offers a microbiome test that analyzes your dog’s gut bacteria from a stool sample. The test results and consultation service identify imbalances linked to diarrhea, allergies, skin issues, and poor digestion in dogs. The test results and consultation service offer guidance on probiotic and dietary support and track gut restoration progress over time, which can improve immune function and resilience.
I've used these tests a couple of times with mixed results. For one dog, the test confirmed that his gut health was severely compromised, and this got me started on the right path to healing. For another dog, my veterinarian hoped the test would show a compromised gut that contributed to his cancer diagnosis. However, his gut was healthy. Although we were disappointed, the test saved us time by allowing us to eliminate a path and focus on other treatments.
- 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
- 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 Holistics is an affordable, noninvasive hair and saliva test that detects sensitivities to foods and environmental triggers. The Life Stress Scan helps pinpoint food or chemical triggers of itchiness, GI upset, and behavior changes and guides diet and lifestyle adjustments for sensitive dogs.
Before I switched to raw feeding, one of my dogs used to itch and lick his paws constantly. He 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
- Alternative Tests: Nutriscan Pet Food Intolerance Test, $298 – only tests for food sensitivities; not environmental
3 – ParsleyPet Nutritional Blueprint Test
ParsleyPet Nutritional Blueprint Testing offers a vitamin and mineral analysis using your dog’s hair to detect deficiencies or excesses. The report identifies key nutrient gaps in the homemade or commercial diets you're feeding, helps to prevent long-term problems related to nutrient deficiencies, and, when repeated, helps dog owners track progress with dietary changes.
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
- 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. Embark offers comprehensive DNA tests for breed identification and genetic health screening. Learning a dog's breed mix is helpful for dog owners and rescue organizations. Embark screens for genetic diseases, including heart, vision, joints, and neurological, while identifying drug sensitivities. The test also informs you about exercise, diet, and wellness plans based on genetic predispositions, and the report explains a dog's appearance, behavior, and more.
As a bonus, Embark connects dog owners with their dogs' relatives. I've tested all my dogs through Embark, even when I knew their breed mix, because the health information is valuable.
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, and 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 offers testing using stool samples for gut, stress, inflammation, and overall wellness. You can order a comprehensive kit or individual tests: Stress, Basic Gut, Digestion and Detox, Leaky Gut, Inflammation and Immunity, and a Comprehensive Gut Check. The reports can be overwhelming, but the free consultation is an opportunity to gain clarity and ask follow-up questions.
I tested two dogs: Zoey is doing great, and Apollo has the beginning stages of leaky gut.
- Test type: stool
- Pros: If it's available, request the veterinarian's version of the report for more information.
- Cons: The basic reports may be overwhelming; however, the company is streamlining its reports over time, making them easier for pet parents to understand.
- As more people test their dogs, we'll get better information.
- Cost: The tests range from $79 to $300
- Frequency: as needed due to the cost
- Alternative Tests: n/a
6 – Oncotect Dog Cancer Screening Test Kit
Oncotect Dog Cancer Screening Test Kit is an at-home cancer screening test for dogs that has been clinically proven to detect cancer-related volatile metabolites in urine samples effectively. This test efficiently identifies the four most common types of canine cancers: melanoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and hemangiosarcoma.. This test allows for early intervention and better outcomes, especially for seniors and high-risk breeds. This stress-free test uses a urine sample that can be taken at home (or at the vet if you have trouble).
Oncotect is a cancer screening test for dogs that has been clinically shown to be effective in detecting the presence of cancer-related volatile metabolites in a urine sample. It is particularly effective at detecting the four most common canine cancers: melanoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumor, and hemangiosarcoma.
I tested two dogs and both came back with no signs of cancer.
- Test type: urine
- Pros: This is an affordable way to gain peace of mind if you're concerned about your dog.
- Cons: The test isn't a replacement for veterinarian care.
- Cost: $130
- Frequency: for high-risk breeds, it's recommended that they be tested twice annually; otherwise, you can test as needed
- Alternative Tests: n/a
7 – OmegaQuant by Standard Process
OmegaQuant by Standard Process is a dog blood test that measures the amount of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in the system. These are critical for heart, joint, brain, and skin health. The test provides personalized Omega-3 dosing, which is essential for homemade diets. It tracks whether your dog is getting enough anti-inflammatory support while helping to optimize the balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids. 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 the 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.
