DNA testing can help identifying risk of certain medical conditions, as well as offer some insight into ancestry. We shared the best companies to consider if you are interested in gaining more insight into your dog’s DNA.
Best DNA Tests for Dogs
ProsperK9 specializes in genetic and epigenetic DNA testing for dogs, offering insights into a pet’s breed, age, health, and personality traits through simple saliva swabs.
EasyDNA specializes in providing accurate DNA testing services globally, offering a variety of tests including paternity, health screening, and ancestry analysis.
Wisdom Panel offers tests that can identify over 350 breeds, traits, and possible health conditions by examining genetic markers.
Picking The Best DNA Test in 2024
ProsperK9 specializes in genetic and epigenetic DNA testing for dogs, offering insights into a pet’s breed, age, health, and personality traits through simple saliva swabs.
Basepaws is a petcare genetics company that provides innovative DNA testing services, primarily for cats, and more recently for dogs.
BarkBox is a subscription service delivering toys, treats, and a chew curated to each dog’s size and preferences directly to subscribers each month.
Has been 17 years on the market, has more than 99 million users throughout the world.
The power of a DNA testing kit always boils down to the size and accuracy of the manufacturer’s database.
After all, let’s say you absolutely want to know how often Irish people have red hair. Would you trust a sample of 5 Irishmen more—or a massive analysis of 5 million Irish folks? The same principle works for DNA testing. It’s far more accurate to analyze a certain gene in a pool of millions instead of a few hundreds. That’s why all DNA testing brands are constantly expanding their pool of data—and that’s why the veterans in the niche often give superior results.
Another important factor is the types of analysis the testing kit provides. For example, some kits can give you insights into your ancestry—but nothing on your risk of developing certain health conditions. Check the features of every DNA testing kit to make sure you’ll get exactly what you want.
Last but not least, many DNA testing kits come with added features that don’t necessarily affect your experience with using the product, but are the icing on the cake that makes it stand out from the crowd. This could be a specific test, technology, or maybe the company’s involvement in leading research.
Now, let’s help you choose the best DNA testing kit using the most popular products right now as an example.
Think of your genes as if they were an alphabet. You have a limited amount of letters to use—but they can be used in a whole lot of ways to make unique words and sentences. In different tissues, different genes are activated (expressed), starting the production of specific compounds the body needs.
Basically, DNA testing kits can decipher your ”genetic alphabet” to find out how much of its letters are English or Arabic (what’s your genetic ethnicity). Or if you have an increased risk of writing a particular word the wrong way (developing a specific disease). Or if you’ve inherited your mom’s cursive A instead of your father’s version of the same letter (eye color, hair type).
In a nutshell, DNA testing kits use your saliva and/or a swab of the inner lining of your cheek to gather your DNA. This sample is sent to a special lab where your DNA is deciphered to the last gene and analyzed for similarities throughout the lab’s database.
And that’s why the lab’s database is probably THE most important factor to consider when choosing a DNA testing kit.
About 20 years ago, there were just 2 or 3 direct-to-customer DNA testing companies worldwide. Now there are dozens of them! With each brand offering a fabulous bundle of features, how do you pick the right one?
In 2024 our favourite options for dog dna test go like this:
– ProsperK9
– EasyDNA
– Embark
– Wisdom Panel
All of them have their own pros and cons, so keep reading to learn the important details.
ProsperK9 is a company dedicated to enhancing pet care through genetic and epigenetic testing. They offer DNA testing kits to help dog owners learn about their pet’s breed, age, health, and personality traits. By analyzing DNA from a simple saliva swab,
ProsperK9 provides insights into a dog’s biological age and key behavioral traits, empowering owners to better understand and care for their pets. The company aims to make the science of genetics accessible to all dog owners, focusing on improving pet wellness through detailed, science-based insights.
Basepaws is a petcare genetics company that provides innovative DNA testing services, primarily for cats, and more recently for dogs. Their tests help pet owners understand their pets’ breed compositions, genetic health risks, and traits through easy-to-use at-home testing kits. Basepaws focuses on early detection of health issues through genetic and microbiome data, enabling proactive care and potentially extending the health and wellness of pets.
ProsperK9 is a company dedicated to enhancing pet care through genetic and epigenetic testing. They offer DNA testing kits to help dog owners learn about their pet’s breed, age, health, and personality traits. By analyzing DNA from a simple saliva swab, ProsperK9 provides insights into a dog’s biological age and key behavioral traits, empowering owners to better understand and care for their pets. The company aims to make the science of genetics accessible to all dog owners, focusing on improving pet wellness through detailed, science-based insights.
Embark Veterinary is a company that provides DNA testing services for dogs, designed to identify over 350 breeds and 200 genetic health risks, as well as physical traits. Founded in 2015, Embark aims to enhance the health and lifespan of dogs by leveraging genetic insights to inform personalized care plans for pets. The company’s tests analyze a comprehensive range of genetic markers, making it a leader in canine genetic testing
DNA testing kits can give you valuable information about your ethnicity, health risks, and even tips on what to eat and how to exercise better. The best part is that you don’t have to visit a lab, run blood tests, or waste a fortune to get in-depth results. Modern DNA testing kits allow you to do everything at the comfort of your own home, using a saliva or cheek swab test!
Here’s a quick rundown to help you choose the best DNA testing kit in 2023:
– If this is your first DNA testing kit, try MyHeritageDNA
– If your primary goal is ancestry tracing worldwide, go for a DNA testing kit by MyHeritageDNA
– For ancestry tracing within the UK, your absolute best pick is a test from LivingDNA
– To trace your male or female ancestors specifically, VITAGENE is the best option
– For advanced insights and health risk estimates, try a Nebula Genomics testing kit
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