Pros
- Screens more than 350 dog breeds – The Embark test uses a genotyping platform that was developed at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The test will tell you—by percentages—exactly what breeds went into your pup’s parentage. In fact, the Embark promises to be able to tell multiple generations of breeds that went into creating your unique dog.
- Screens for multiple genetic issues – The Embark tests for a number of health issues, including a propensity for glaucoma. One point that is especially satisfying about the Embark test is that it tests for a number of adult-onset health issues. This is important for Fido’s future treatment, and it’s a good idea to have this information for possible future treatments.
- DNA profiling – The Embark DNA kit goes back to your pup’s great-grandparents genetically. You’ll get a report about similar dog breeds, including physical and personality traits. Yes, this can help to satisfy your own curiosity about your dog’s parentage, but it can help with training, diet, and proper health care, too.
- Results within two to four weeks – You won’t have to wait long to get the answers to Fido’s DNA test. Within one month, you’ll have greatly explained details about Fido’s parents (and grandparents). You’ll also be able to connect with other pet parents who have dogs of similar DNA makeup.
Cons
- Some pet parents state the results are inaccurate – According to one user, the test was a waste of money. Not only did the test kit come back with breeds that the pet parent felt she’d never observed in her pup, but her veterinarian agreed. However, this is only one review out of many that wholeheartedly suggested the test is accurate and helpful.
- Some pet parents stated it took more than three months to receive results – A few pet parents stated that they waited two or three months before the DNA test results came back. One pet parent related that the first DNA swab was lost by the company; she sent in a second test, and it was two months before those results were received. However, this could be an anomaly. The Embark company works to get results back within a certain amount of time; however, shipping to the company could affect the time when results are sent back to the pet parent.
Why would a pet parent want to get a DNA test kit? Are they a novelty, or do they have legitimate use? If you have a mixed breed dog—one that you’re not quite sure of all the breeds that might be a part of Fido’s DNA—today’s best dog DNA test kits can give you insight not only into those often multiple breeds that are a part of your dog, but the latest DNA kits can also pinpoint possible health issues in your dog.
The Embark dog DNA test kit promises to not only tell you what breeds your mixed breed dog might be, but the test can identify up to 200,000 genetic markers in your dog’s DNA. This can lead to better decisions for Fido’s care, as well as satisfy your curiosity as to your pup’s origins.
Features of Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test Kit
The Embark kit tests for genetic markers in over 350 breeds
While this is a fairly comprehensive means of determining Fido’s parentage, the kit also checks to see if your dog is closely related to wolves, coyotes, and “village dogs.” [1] Embark works to ensure that you find out the parentage of your mixed breed pup.
The Embark test checks for over 200,000 genetic markers
Not only does the test look for a predisposition to glaucoma and degenerative myelopathy, but it also checks for a number of adult-onset illnesses as well. This can help you and your vet to plan for treatment should your dog become ill as he ages. One very important factor that the test checks for is MDR1 drug sensitivity. This is tremendously beneficial to your dog’s future health.
Allows for you to connect to other pet parents with similar breeds
This is more of a “fun” feature that the Embark DNA test kit offers, but, the great thing is, the website for the Embark company allows for pet parents to opt-out of this information sharing if you so choose. This is a win-win when you want to know more about your dog’s history, but you don’t want to share private information.
Created by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Pet parents can trust this kit because it is backed by not only loads of expertise but also much research to create the product. You can rest assured knowing that the product will see continued improvement, and the accuracy has been verified multiple times by some of the brightest veterinary students in the world.
Uses saliva to run the DNA testing
Some DNA testing kits will utilize “poop” to carry out DNA testing. You won’t have to do this with the Embark kit! It strictly uses saliva, and the test is painless for Fido.
Dogs of any age can be tested
Because our DNA never changes, you can test dogs of any kind. This is important for learning if your dog has a drug sensitivity as well as future health issues that Fido may have a predisposition towards.
Is This The Right Choice For You?
If you are simply curious about your mixed-breed dog’s ancestry, then the Embark DNA plus health kit could be the right choice for you. Most importantly, if you want any insight into your dog’s potential to develop a genetic health issue, the Embark kit can give you the information you need to properly care for your dog.
What is vitally important here is making sure you and your vet have the proper information for treating your pet and providing Fido with the best health care possible. Yes, the Embark is one of the more expensive DNA kits, but it does offer great information that can have a huge impact on your dog’s overall quality of life.
