Adopting a dog from the shelter can be one of the most rewarding moments in your life. You are saving a dog who most likely did not have the best start in life. But, when you adopt a dog from the shelter, they are usually mixed.
Mix breeds can have multiple dogs in their system, so you cannot always go with what the shelter says your dog is. So you can be sure what your rescue pup is you need the best dog DNA test.
A dog DNA test kit takes a sample of your dog’s DNA and compares it to their databases of doggie DNA to accurately tell you what your dog is mixed with. A dog DNA kit does take a couple of weeks to receive the results, but that is to make sure that you are getting the most accurate results possible.
Here is our collection of dog DNA test reviews that you can use to find a DNA test worthy of telling you what mix your beloved pup is.
Best Dog DNA Test
1. Embark
If you have recently rescued a dog and want to be sure what their breed is, delve into the extensive breed databases offered by the Embark Breed Identification Kit.
Key Features
- Easy to obtain DNA sample
- Tests for 250 breeds of dogs
- Can show potential illnesses
Bringing a shelter dog into your home is secure, knowing what breed they are is not as easy. With a simple cheek swab, Embark can test your dog’s DNA with their database of over 250 dog breeds to get an accurate result of what your dog is mixed with.
Embark can even check if your dog has traces of wolf and coyote in their DNA. Embark shows your dog’s ancestry tree up to their great grandparents, so you can see the generation mixing it took for your dog to be born.
Embark goes an extra step by testing your dog’s DNA against 165 different diseases and lets you know which your dog may be prone to having, so you can plan for the future and be ready if your dog gets sick as they age.
Pros
- Can show if other dogs who have taken the test are related to yours
Cons
- Can take up to a month to receive the results
With the wide spectrum of dog breed DNA that the Embark Breed Identification Kit offers, you should get an accurate result of what breeds make up your mixed breed pup.
2. Wisdom Panel
Your dog’s DNA does not only test for what breed your dog is, but can also test the health of your dog, which is what Wisdom Panel Genetic Health Test offers.
Key Features
- Checks DNA for over 150 health conditions
- Can help you understand your dog’s needs and traits better
- Takes only three steps
You may know what your dog is, but do you know what kind of illness they may be prone to due to their genetics? With a swab of your dog’s cheek, Wisdom Panel can let you know what diseases your dog may be likely to.
Once you get your dog’s DNA sample, activate your kit online, and send off the example in the included prepaid shipping box.
Once Wisdom Panel receives your dog’s sample, they will test it against their collection of 150 plus health conditions to see which matches your dog’s genetics the most, and in about two weeks you should get the full results.
Once you know the results, you should be able to better plan ahead just in case your dog does start to develop any of the listed health concerns.
Pros
- Receive results in as little as two weeks
Cons
- Some customers have claimed that the kit gave them inaccurate results
Thanks to the Wisdom Panel Genetic Health Test, you should have a better idea of what illnesses your dog may be prone to having and be prepared for anything.
3. Wisdom Panel 3.0
If you are skeptical about what you were told your dog was mixed with, test their DNA with the Wisdom Panel 3.0 Breed Identification Test.
Key Features
- Tests for 250 different breeds
- Test takes three steps
- Discover more about your dog
Testing your dog’s DNA is simple since it only takes three steps to complete. When you obtain your kit, collect a sample of your dog’s DNA by swabbing their cheek, then activate your package online and send off your dog’s DNA in the included prepaid shipping box.
Wisdom Panel will test your dog’s DNA against 250 and more breeds, which is the most offered by dog DNA kits on the market. Wisdom Panel will show you a breakdown of your dog’s DNA in a family tree so you can see how many generations it took for your dog to be born.
Once you know what your dog is mixed with, you can see how to train them better, what health concerns to look out for, and any unusual quirks.
Pros
- Can also show genetic illnesses
- Get results in as little as two weeks
Cons
- May not be able to give full results if dog DNA is very mixed
Once you know what mix your dog is with the Wisdom Panel 3.0 Breed Identification Test, you will be able to handle better and take care of your dog.
5. Nutriscan
Your dog’s DNA can tell you more about your dog than their breed, which is what the NutriScan Pet Food Intolerance and Sensitivity Test does.
Key Features
- Shows your dog’s food sensitivities
- Clinically proven allergy test
Nutriscan is the only clinically proven food sensitivity test that can test your dog’s DNA for food sensitivity. Nutriscan uses your dog’s saliva to uncover any hidden sensitivities against 300 selected foods; they even perform the test twice to be entirely sure that the results are entirely accurate.
After you know what your dog is sensitive to, you can ask for a veterinarian consultation, for a small donation, and they can help you plan a healthy diet for your dog to enjoy.
Pros
- Has an extensive database to consult
Cons
- Some customers have claimed that the results of the test were not as accurate as claimed
The NutriScan Pet Food Intolerance and Sensitivity Test will help you learn what the ideal diet to give them to avoid tummy upsets.
6. ORIVET
The health of your dog is essential, so you should use the Orivet Dog DNA Test Kit Health Screen to learn any health issues your dog may be prone to.
Key Features
- Tests your dog for multiple health issues
- Can help you figure out the ideal nutrition for your dog
By using your dog’s DNA, Orivet can test your dog against a wide variety of different health concerns. You will be able to adjust your dog’s lifestyle with their newly exposed health concerns and how impactful they will be to your dog in their overall life span.
You can also create an ideal life plan for your dog by using the DNA kit, their weight, gender, age, lifestyle, and the location that they live in. The more that you can learn about your dog, the better it will be in the long run for your furry companion.
Pros
- Has a life plan included
Cons
- Test results may take some time to be received
Know everything about your dog health-wise by testing their DNA with the Orivet Dog DNA Test Kit Health Screen.
7. 5Strands
Some dogs can not tolerate certain foods as it can upset their stomachs, so you need to 5Strands Pet Intolerance Kit to see what foods your dog can and can’t handle.
Key Features
- Uses fur for testing
- Tests against 300 items
- Tests intolerances only
Intolerance means that your dog is not able to properly digest food or substance and can cause them troubling stomach issues. 5Strands uses your dog’s DNA by scanning their fur to see what your dog is intolerant to.
5Strands has over 300 items that they test your dog’s DNA against, and within a week, you should have a breakdown of what your dog is intolerant to so that you can adjust their diets accordingly.
Pros
- You get results in 5-7 days
Cons
- Some customers have questioned the legitimacy of this test
You will be able to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach due to their intolerance when you test them with the 5Strands Pet Intolerance Kit.
8. Dna My Dog
Be able to confidently say what breed your dog is when you know the results through the DNA My Dog Canine Breed Identification Kit.
Key Features
- Needs a simple cheek swab
- Results in two weeks
- Outlines genetic health concerns
DNA My Dog only needs a swab of saliva from your dog’s inner cheek to start testing your dog’s DNA for their breeds.
In about two weeks from when the sample is received, you should get a full report on the percentage breakdown of your dog as well as an outline of genetic health concerns prone to the breeds your dog is mixed with.
Pros
- Helps you give your dog a better, healthier life
Cons
- Customers have claimed that the DNA results were not wholly accurate
You will have a better time with your dog when you understand who they are by testing them with the DNA My Dog Canine Breed Identification Test Kit.
9. Find My Pet DNA
Have a better idea of what breeds your dog is mixed with by using the Find My Pet DNA Dog DNA Test.
Key Features
- Has an extensive AKC dog database
- Made in the USA
- Results in 3 weeks
With a small sample of your dog’s DNA, you can test your dog against a wide range of AKC certified dog breeds to see what races went into making your dog. All the testing is done in the USA and takes 3-4 weeks for the results.
Once you know what your dog is mixed with, you will be able to train them better, provide them the ideal diet, and plan with your vet accordingly for any health concerns.
Pros
- Available in a single, double, and triple pack
Cons
- Some customers have claimed that the results did not accurately match their dogs
Understand what makes your dog tick based on their breed by testing them with the Find My Pet DNA Dog DNA Test.
9. DNAAffirm
Have a better idea of what your dog is mixed with by using a dog DNA kit like the DNAAffirm Breed Identification Kit.
Key Features
- Simple to obtain the needed DNA
- Includes a custom certificate of breed
- Takes little time to get results
It is easy to uncover what breeds your dog is mixed with when you use a dog DNA kit. DNAffirm needs only a swab of your dog’s cheek to get the needed DNA to test against their databases.
Once the DNA results are in, you will receive a custom photo certificate showing what breeds your dog is and their family tree. With this knowledge, you should be able to take care and train your mixed pup better.
Pros
- Can help you confirm or discover new breeds about your dog
Cons
- Some customers have claimed that the results take too long and are not fully accurate
Help yourself know the traits of the dog you have adopted by finding out their breeds with the DNAffirm Breed Identification Kit.
10. Canine Health Check
Learn what health concerns your dog may have by testing them with the Canine Health Check Genetic Health and Disease Screening Test.
Key Features
- Screens 150 diseases
- Results in 7-10 days
This DNA test takes a few minutes of your time to swab your dog’s cheek, seal it up, and send it off in the pre-paid return kit. When the sample arrives at the testing facility, your dog’s DNA will be tested against 150 dog diseases and traits.
Within ten days, you should receive a full report of the results so you can feel comforted knowing what, if any, diseases your dog may be prone to in their lifetime.
Pros
- Comes as a pre-paid kit
Cons
- Is not a dog DNA breed test
Once you know what kind of diseases your dog is susceptible to with the Canine Health Check Genetic Health and Disease Screening Test, you can plan for pet insurance.
Bottom Line
You may not always be able to find a cheap dog DNA test, but that is mainly due to what goes into making a dog DNA test as accurate as possible.
A pet DNA test needs to be as precise as possible, with little to no chances of errors occurring. Sometimes, though, a DNA test may not be able to fully tell you what mix your dog is if your dog has long generations of mix-breed family.
But a DNA test should always be able to tell you the most dominant breed that your rescue dog is, and some can even tell you the characteristics of the breeds, any health concerns, and what training methods these dogs respond to better.
The anticipation of seeing what mix your dog will be is well worth the cost some of these DNA tests run. In the long run, you will have a better understanding of the dog you have decided to bring into your home and how you can raise them to be the best dog around.
The Review
Best Dog DNA Test
Check out our reviews of the best dog DNA tests to find the most suitable one for your situation.
Review Breakdown
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Embark
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Wisdom Panel
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Wisdom Panel 3.0
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Nutriscan
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ORIVET
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5Strands
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Dna My Dog
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Find My Pet DNA
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DNAAffirm
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Canine Health Check
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