Testing Products
Why Testing Matters for Your Dog’s Health
As pet parents, we want to do everything we can to help our dogs live long, vibrant, and comfortable lives. But without the right data, we’re often left guessing — especially when symptoms are vague, chronic, or just not improving the way we hoped.
Functional lab testing helps us move from guessing to knowing. It allows us to go deeper — to uncover imbalances, intolerances, toxins, infections, or nutrient deficiencies that might not show up in standard veterinary labs. For dogs dealing with chronic itching, digestive issues, emotional stress, recurring infections, or mystery symptoms — these tests can be the missing piece of the puzzle.
I don’t recommend tests lightly. Every brand listed below is one I’ve researched, used in my own practice, or trust based on years of experience. Many of them are practitioner-grade, meaning they provide more than just basic numbers — they help guide protocols that actually support healing, not just symptom management.
Some of the testing categories you'll find here include:
Gut health and microbiome balance
Heavy metal, glyphosate, and toxin exposure
Food and environmental sensitivities
DNA and breed-specific insights
Cancer detection and immune response
Antibody (titer) testing to avoid over-vaccination
Hormone and mineral balance panels
Whether you’re working on prevention or troubleshooting a long-standing health issue, these tools can give you the clarity and direction you’ve been missing.
Testing Options for Deeper Insight into Your Dog’s Health
If you're navigating complex health concerns with your dog — or simply want proactive wellness data — these testing tools can offer valuable information to guide your decisions. Each one supports a different aspect of health, from gut and food sensitivities to environmental toxins and genetics. I often use these in my own protocols and coaching sessions.
• AnimalBiome – Microbiome and Gut Health Testing
A comprehensive at-home fecal test that analyzes the diversity and balance of bacteria in your dog’s gut. Results help identify dysbiosis (imbalances) and provide insights into how your dog may respond to food changes, probiotics, or antibiotics. A great tool if you’re seeing chronic GI symptoms or want to personalize your dog’s nutrition.
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• Affordable Pet Labs – Convenient At-Home Lab Testing
Offers a wide range of veterinary lab tests, including blood panels, thyroid, liver/kidney values, glucose, and more — all from the comfort of your home. Results are typically available within days and can be shared with your vet or coach. Ideal for tracking changes over time or getting baseline labs for aging pets.
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• Embark – Canine DNA Testing
One of the most detailed dog DNA tests available, Embark screens for breed makeup, genetic health risks, and traits. This is helpful if you want to better understand your dog’s inherited traits, breed-specific concerns, or assess future health risks based on genetic markers.
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• Parsley Pet – Glyphosate, Heavy Metal, and Toxin Testing
Parsley Pet offers unique lab panels for glyphosate (a common environmental toxin), heavy metals, minerals, and nutrient balance. These tests can identify exposure burdens that may be contributing to chronic inflammation or detoxification struggles.
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• Innovative Labs – Gut Health and Bacterial Overgrowth Screening
Specialized gut health testing that screens for pathogenic bacteria, yeast, parasites, and overall microbiome balance. Recommended for dogs with chronic GI upset, malabsorption, or suspected leaky gut.
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• Dr. Peter Dobias – Hair Analysis for Mineral and Toxin Load
This hair tissue mineral analysis reveals your dog’s mineral status, heavy metal burden, and potential metabolic imbalances. It’s a non-invasive way to look at long-term toxin exposure and trace element levels over time. Ideal for detox planning and chronic illness support.
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• Glacier Peak Holistics – Food and Environmental Sensitivity Scan
Using biofeedback scanning from fur and saliva samples, this test screens for energetic stressors related to food, environmental triggers, and common additives. It’s a non-invasive way to explore intolerances when conventional allergy testing has come up short.
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• Hemopet – Vaccine Titer Testing
A reliable way to determine whether your dog has adequate immunity to core vaccines like parvo and distemper without over-vaccinating. Hemopet is one of the most trusted labs for titer testing and often recommended in holistic veterinary circles.
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• OncoTec – Cancer Screening via Urine Test
A groundbreaking urine test designed to detect cancer-related biomarkers before symptoms appear. Non-invasive and fast, this test offers early insight that may help you make proactive decisions.
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• CheckPup – At-Home Mineral and Heavy Metal Analysis
CheckPup offers wellness testing that includes hair analysis for heavy metals, mineral levels, and toxin exposure. This can help detect nutrient imbalances and toxic buildup that may affect behavior, skin, energy, or immune function.
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• Wisdom Panel – Breed and Trait DNA Testing
A user-friendly DNA test with breed breakdown, physical trait prediction, and a basic health panel. Wisdom Panel is ideal for rescue dogs or mixed breeds where breed-specific traits may impact dietary or behavioral strategies.
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