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As a raw feeder, I've taken control of the nutrition for my dogs, which means I handle the sourcing, the formulating, and the meal prep for our pack. One of the critiques the raw food diet receives from the traditional veterinarian community is that a DIY raw diet isn't nutritionally complete. And I don't disagree. I've received many recipes from other raw feeders that weren't close to being balanced. This is why testing our dogs can be valuable during our raw feeding journey.
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
5 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 important, it may be too far gone if something is 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 my dogs' diet.
1 – AnimalBiome (now DoggyBiome)
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
Before I switched to raw feeding, Rodrigo used to constantly itch and lick his paws, had recurring ear infections, and rarely had a solid poop. Switching to raw helped, but it didn't solve the issues completely. The sensitivity test offered by Glacier Peak Holisitics identified food and environmental triggers.
- 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 your dog (which is why the consultation is helpful). For example, the report states that dogs sensitive to chicken should also avoid chicken eggs. And dogs sensitive to pheasants should avoid 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 Testing
Are your dog's nutritional needs being met? Find out through ParsleyPet. Whether you're feeding DIY, commercial raw, or a combination of the two, it's always a good idea to ensure the diet isn't deficient in nutrients or overloaded with heavy metals.
- Test type: hair
- Pros: the tests are easy to follow; it's unclear if the test comes with a free consultation by a pro-raw veterinarian. You can work with your veterinarian if a consultation isn't provided.
- 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 Testing
EmbarkVet deserves the hype. I've tested all my dogs, including Apollo, and I know his breed mix (50/50 Husky and Golden Retriever) and found the reports helpful in several ways:
- 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 there are a lot of DNA tests 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
Innovative Pet Labs gave us two comprehensive tests for Zoey and Apollo. These tests help pet parents identify issues with:
- Digestion & Detox
- Leaky Gut
- Inflammation & Immunity
The results I received 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 $350, Individual Tests (listed above) $150 each; they've decreased the prices recently.
- Frequency: as needed due to the cost
- Read: n/a
- Alternative Tests: n/a
Which Tests 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 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, a heads up on any health conditions in your dog's future.
