How To Choose The Best Pet Dna Kit
There are a few important things to think about when youâre choosing a pet DNA test kit, including the following.
Accuracy of Results – Some dog tests guarantee a high level of accuracy, but cheaper tests or those done by companies with smaller genetic databases can be inaccurate, so make sure you read the fine print.
Speed of Results – Pay attention to this if you want to receive your petâs DNA test in a timely manner. Some tests return results in just a few weeks, while others can take months.
Depth of Results – Some dog DNA test kits only return basic information about your dogâs heritage and breed. Others add higher-resolution ancestry testing, and some return more detailed information about your dogâs health profile.
Cost – While youâre unlikely to find a free dog DNA test, if cost is a factor, you can find some for as low as $70. More affordable tests are usually less detailed, so do your research to find the best balance of features and value.
Wisdom Panels Commitment To Research And Privacy
Like Embark, Wisdom Health sponsors the IPFD, the group harmonizing the canine genetic-testing industry. It also conducts canine research based on the DNA samples it receives. For example, an in PLOS Genetics examined 152 diseases in more than 100,000 dogs across 330 breeds. The study reported that mixed-breed dogs are more likely to carry a common recessive disease, and that purebred dogs are more likely to develop a disease from one. Although the findings dont suggest that a single test is a predictor for disease, Wisdom Panel, in part, believes it can help veterinarians make better treatment decisions.
Although Wisdom Panel is owned by Mars, Incorporated, Wisdom Panel told us in an email that it controls its own data, and at Wisdom Panel, we may use anonymized composite data for research purposes and this de-identified data may be shared with third parties. However, we never share personal data or results tied to a specific pet without explicit consent from the user.
Wisdom Panel also maintains a strict privacy policy. It doesn’t share information with third parties without the account holders written consent, similar to HIPAA. And with an account holders consent, a veterinarian may consult Wisdom Panels in-house vet geneticists about a pet patients results.
How The Dna My Dog Breed Test Works
Every dog has its own unique DNA profile, and collecting its DNA only requires a simple and painless cheek swab, which takes less than a minute. We provide the sterile mouth swabs, and all you need to do is gently rub the swab around the inside of your dogs mouth, flush with one of their cheeks. To ensure we obtain the most accurate DNA test results for your dog, please ensure they do not eat or drink anything before you take the cheek swab. Keep them away from food and water bowls used by other dogs, as well as toys and bones, to reduce the chance of cross contamination.
You then return the swabs to us and the laboratory will extract the DNA and compare it against their database of 102 certified dog breeds. It really is that simple, and we provide you with easy to understand results, detailing the breeds found in your dog. These results are key to pet wellness and allow you to care for your canine friend in a way that maximises its health.
Please click on the image below to view the full list of breeds or visit our DNA My Dog Test Certified Breeds page.
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Best Overall: Wisdom Panel Essential Breed Identification Dna Test For Dogs
Chewy
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Anyone looking for a comprehensive breed identification test for their dog.
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Those who want to know more about their pets personality traits.
Overall, the best dog DNA test is the Wisdom Panel Essential Breed Identification DNA Test for Dogs. Ideal for pet owners looking for comprehensive breed identification, this test checks your dogs DNA against a database of over 350 breeds and reports results down to 1 percent, making it one of the most accurate dog DNA tests available. In addition to its accuracy, the Wisdom Panel test also looks at ancestry and other important factors, including potential health complications and possible allergic reactions to medicines. On top of that, its the only dog DNA test that is licensed to provide an MDR1 medication sensitivity test, which can tell you whether or not your dog might experience extreme reactions to common drugs.
This breed identification test also provides valuable insight into the ideal weight range for a dog, based on their DNA results, which can contribute to their overall health and help owners maintain their pups weight at a level that is more accurate and suitable to them.
Price at time of publish: $99.99
Result delivery: Around 3 weeks | Breeds in database: 350+
Dna Breed Analysis And More
Make sure you use a working email address with DNA My Dog, since the company makes it clear from the start that the process is entirely digital you won’t get any results via snail mail. As with DNAffirm, you have to register your test online before you send it in. This matches up the code on your test with your email, which then allows you to check the status of your kit while you wait. This means that, unlike with the competition at Embark and Wisdom Panel, you can only associate one test sample with your email. With the other kits, you can register as many samples as you like to your name, rather than to your email.
Note that you can save $5 per kit if you order them in bulk. The company also offers a canid/hybrid test to see how much wolf you have in your pupper , test for deceased dogs , and health-plan screenings. The full cost of the DNA breed identification plus full genetic screening from DNA My Dog is $188.99. The company also runs atmypet.com for allergy testing canine companions in two weeks for $89.99.
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Why Test Your Dogs Dna With Embark
Breed is just the beginning. Well give you more info about your dog than anyone else, all backed by serious science.
You swab your dog
Who knew your dogs drool contained so much incredible information? In less than 30 seconds, our soft swab collects enough saliva to analyze 230,000 genetic markers.
We crunch the data
Our scientists analyze more genetic information than other companies, and we test for each health condition multiple times. In case you were wondering: yes, we do wear lab coats.
Results you can use
Breed breakdown. Genetic health risks. Canine relatives. Ancient ancestry. Theres so much juicy info in an Embark report, we cant fit it all here.
Genetic Testing For Health Concerns Predisposition To Disease & More
The DNA My Dog Breed Identification Test will determine every breed in your dog with your dog’s own DNA. With this simple & painless test, discover what makes your pet unique, from personality characteristics to health concerns.
Your dogs DNA results are right around the corner! Once you receive your test, register online with DNA My Dog then swab, seal & send. You will get an email with results sent by DNA My Dog within 2 to 4 weeks of DNA My Dog receiving your sample.
Your results include:
- The breeds found in your dogs genetic breed composition.
- A percentage breakdown of the levels found in your dogs unique DNA.
- A report on dominant breeds, personality traits and health concerns.
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Why Is My Customer Id Not Found
Ensure that you are entering your customer ID number correctly. Please make sure that we have your email address in your account. Sometimes, the code is not recognized. In this case, please contact us so we can properly register your dog.
If you are not sure about your customer ID, cannot see it online, or shows a different sample status, please contact us.
What To Consider When Choosing Embark Breed Identification Dog Dna Test
When buying a embark breed identification dog dna test, we have to consider a lot of things: the design, durability and material, among other important factors that make a embark breed identification dog dna test really good. It is not always easy to decide which are the best designs, and often it depends on personal preferences. That is why in the section below, we will study some of the most important points you should keep in mind when buying a embark breed identification dog dna test.
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Why You Should Trust Us
Im Wirecutters pets writer, and Ive covered everything from the best automatic litter boxes to the top questions to ask your vet. Im also a lifelong pet owner whos curious about the truth behind pet DNA kits.
In researching this guide, I spoke with Dr. Brenda Bonnett, a veterinarian and the CEO of the International Partnership for Dogs, an organization dedicated to scientific collaboration in the canine research community and the standardization of genetic testing for dogs. I attended a webinar and discussed the validity of genetic testing with Dr. Jessica Hekman, a veterinarian and postdoctoral associate at the Karlsson Lab at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, who specializes in the genomic behavior of dogs. I also consulted experts at two leading dog DNA test companies: Dr. Angela Hughes, a veterinary geneticist at Wisdom Health at the time, and Adam Boyko, PhD, co-founder and chief science officer of Embark Veterinary and an associate professor at Cornell Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences. And I spoke with Leslie A. Lyons, PhD, the head of the Feline Genetics and Comparative Medicine Laboratory at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Shes a leader in feline genetics and often consults on consumer cat genetic test kits. She was also part of the original team at the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory that pioneered DNA-based ancestry tests for animals.
How Can A Dna Test Benefit My Dogs Health
Knowing your dogs breed mix can help you, and your vet develop a better health plan for your dog. If you get genetic mutation testing, youll know your dog has a genetic predisposition for certain diseases he could develop in the future.
Knowing what breeds are in his mix can inform you about each breeds genetic health concerns. Then youll learn to look for early warning signs, and you can take preventive measures before its too late.
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Why Should I Have My Dog Dna Tested
A quick dog DNA test can reveal a wealth of information about your furry companion. Ever wondered what breed your pup is? Or what their heritage looks like? A DNA test can reveal the answers to these and many similar questions.
With a dog breed DNA test, you should receive information about your petâs genetic makeup. For some people, this will be useful to confirm that they are purebred. For others, this is simply interesting information that can help you understand more about your dog.
Dog genetic testing tends to provide information about the traits that could be passed on to offspring, which can be useful for breeders. It can also deliver data about your petâs predisposition to certain conditions, along with some health issues they may currently have, such as food sensitivities.
At the end of the day, most people use dog DNA health testing and dog breed test kits to find out more about their pets so that they can care for them and provide for their needs better.
Whats In A Dna My Dog Test Kit
The DNA My Dog Breed ID Test Kit box contains a sterile package consisting of two cotton swabs, a return envelope, and a printed set of instructions that walk you through how to register your test on the DNA My Dog website and how you can go about performing the swab test on your pet.
If youre wondering about how youre going to air dry the buccal swabs once youve collected your pets cheek cell samples the box contains little holes cut out for you to stick the swab handles in.
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Personalising Your Dna My Dog Breed Test Certificate
Our customer support team is always on hand to answer any queries you may have, and ensure that every DNA My Dog Breed Test is completed successfully and without delay. You will receive a confirmation email as soon as we receive your samples and your results certificate and Breed Determination Report will follow 2-3 weeks later.
If you wish, you may send us a photograph of your dog to include on the certificate. This is entirely optional and the photograph is not provided to the laboratory in advance of the testing so it does not influence results in any way.
Knowing your dogs breed composition, genetic health concerns, predisposition to disease, and its unique personality traits is an invaluable tool when it comes to being proactive about its health. Order your canine DNA test today, to help your dog live a happier and healthier life.
Overall Best: Embark Breed + Health Kit
Our choice for the best Embark dog DNA test is the Embark Breed + Health Kit. This comprehensive dog DNA test will answer all of your questions plus many you probably didnt think to ask! Its the best kit for mixed breed or designer breed dog owners who want to get their dogs breed breakdown and genetic health profile.
The Embark Breed + Health dog DNA test is the most accurate and highest-rated dog DNA kit on the market. With a simple and painless cheek swab, this DNA test can analyze over 200,000 genetic markers. After you send the sample in, you will receive the results through a personalized dashboard in just 2-4 weeks. You can easily share the results with friends and family or print them for your next vet visit.
The dashboard will provide you with detailed information about your dog, including breed type and family trees going back to their great grandparents. With its research-grade DNA genotyping platform, Embark looks at over 350 breeds and more than 210 genetic health risks like glaucoma, MDR1 drug sensitivity, degenerative myelopathy, and common adult-onset diseases.
With the Embark Breed + Health dog DNA test you can discover and connect with dogs that share DNA with yours! Its the worlds only canine relative finder, and its free with purchase.
- Most accurate and highest-rated dog DNA kit on the market
- Use simple and painless cheek swab
- The world’s only canine relative finder
- Can analyze over 200,000 genetic markers
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Why Are There Several Breeds Listed On My Certificate What Do The Levels Mean
In detecting breeds, they are considered ranges instead of absolute values. These breeds are listed on your certificate as levels. For starters, Level S recognizes a single breed match, which means there is only 1 breed present in the dogs DNA. This is not a common level unless the dogs parent or both parents were purebred or had 50% or more of this breed in their DNA.
Next is Level 1, which recognises a majority of one breed present in the dogs DNA. Usually, a highly mixed breed dog will not have a breed in this category.
Level 2 represents breeds that can be easily recognizable in the canine . Mixed breed dogs will often have breeds present at this level.
Level 3 represents dog breeds that are present in the range of 26% to 39%. Level 4 represents breeds that are present in the range of 10% to 25%. Level 5 represents breeds that make up 10% or less of the dogs genetic makeup.
Finally, we have Level T, which represent breeds found as trace DNA amounts in the dogs sample.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It For My Breed
If your dogs DNA results show that your dog is at a higher risk of developing one or more health conditions, you may want to be proactive and purchase pet insurance to help you manage your finances in case of illness. Pet insurance doesnt cover pre-existing conditions, so its important to get a policy before significant health issues arise. Our best pet insurance article tells you which plans and policies are best by category. Our experts cover dogs, cats, puppies, policies for multiple pets, best value, best for preventative care, and more.
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What About Cat Dna Tests
You can get a DNA test kit for your dog, so what about your cat? It would be pretty cool to find out more about your feline companion as well, wouldnât it?
Unfortunately, cat DNA test kits arenât as accurate as dog DNA kits. This is because cats have much lower genetic diversity than dogs, which makes it difficult to single out individual breeds. Domestic cat breeds also tend to interbreed much more than dog breeds, which makes it even harder.
There are a few cat DNA testing kits on the market, but they donât provide nearly as much information as dog kits. For example, the Basepaws cat DNA kit only tests for 21 breeds, and it has clear disclaimers stating that its results may not be accurate.
The bottom line: A cat DNA test could be fun to try, but the current options are limited and may not provide accurate results.
What Is A Dna My Dog Test
DNA My Dog Breed ID Test Kit is a helpful test that can determine the breed background of a dog. DNA testing can be super beneficial for owners of mixed-breed dogs, rescue pets, and animal shelters.
A dog breed identification test helps discover the dogs generic health concerns and provides a percentage breakdown of the breeds found within the dogs DNA.
All of this can be done with the DNA My Dog Breed ID Test Kit.
- Simple, at-home canine breed DNA test, east to administer
- Highest Accuracy, up to 99.997% accuracy
- Results in 2 weeks or less upon receipt of your dog’s sample
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