Monday, July 7th
2025 Dog DNA Test Kit Reviews
Home DNA
- Mixed-Breed Identification DNA Test & Life Plan for $89 and Dog DNA Health Screen and Life Plan for $125
- Company has been a reliable source for various types of DNA tests since 1995
- Free shipping on all orders
- Predicts your dog's adult weight and offers nutritional advice
- Includes breed-specific games and assistance in managing your dog's care
- DNA collection kit comes with clear instructions
- Results are available in about 3 weeks
Since its founding in 1995, Home DNA has been a reliable source for various types of DNA tests, including those for paternity, ancestry, forensics, and wellness. They've processed an impressive 10 million DNA samples from 168 different countries. If you're considering a DNA test for your dog, Home DNA offers two different kits. They offer free shipping on all orders.
$89 for comparison to 220 breeds
The Mixed-Breed Identification DNA Test & Life Plan is priced the same as Home DNA's competitors' breed ID tests, but it has some limitations - primarily that it only includes ancestry from 220 popular breeds (most rivals' tests start at 300). That means if your dog is something a little more obscure, that part of her or his heritage might slip through the cracks. Besides breed info, this test predicts your dog's adult weight, gives nutritional advice, suggests breed-specific games, and comes with assistance in managing your dog's care - you'll get reminders for vet visits and medications through the online portal.
$125 for health screening
The Dog DNA Health Screen and Life Plan is a bit pricey for not including breed identification. This test checks your dog's DNA for over 150 genetic diseases and traits, but some competitors are working with numbers in the 200s. You'll get the same Life Plan assistance with managing your dog's health that comes with the breed identification test.
DNA collection might cause more discomfort than necessary
Here's how you get your pet's DNA for testing: First, make sure your pet hasn't eaten food or treats for at least 30 minutes (drinking water is okay). Check their mouth for any leftover food before starting. Now, open the swab packet, being careful not to touch the bristle part with your hands. Home DNA then instructs you to put the bristle against the inside of your pet's cheek, then squeeze the cheek around the bristle and roll it around firmly for about 15 seconds (but that sounds pretty uncomfortable to us. Other dog DNA tests use unbristled swabs). Repeat with any extra swabs. Let the swabs air dry for a few minutes by standing them up in the holes in your DNA kit box. Once dry, put them back in the packet. Use the barcode sticker to close the packet, but don't seal it all the way. Put another barcode sticker on the front of the packet and keep the extra barcode for your records.
3-week turnaround time
After collecting your dog's DNA, you need to register your kit. Oddly, this must be done on a competitor's website. (It could be that that competitor has licensed Home DNA's resale of their kits.) Then you'll mail your sample back to Home DNA in the included prepaid envelope. In about 3 weeks, you'll get an email notifying you that your results are available for viewing.
Contact them if you have issues
The refund policy at Home DNA is a bit unclear. It seems that refunds might be possible, but it's up to the company's discretion and could involve some fees. Once they've completed their services, no refunds are given at all. So, if your dog's DNA test fails because of a mistake you or they made, it looks like you might be out of luck. Still, they do provide a contact form and a phone number if you need to get in touch.
Not enough value for the cost
Home DNA has an "A+" from the Better Business Bureau. However, this brand is so generic that it's hard to track down customer reviews anywhere. If you really care about accuracy in determining your dog's ancestry, Home DNA is probably not your best bet, because it's hard to assess that without comparing other customer experiences, and those are few and far between. Also, the price is not great for what you get. You have better options, so Home DNA earns a "just average” rating from us.
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Which Dog DNA Test is the Best?
Have you ever looked at your dog, with her mismatched ears and quirky habits, and thought, "What in the world are you?" Well, you're not alone. Many dog owners are turning to DNA tests out of curiosity about their furry friend's breed, health predispositions, and even unique behavioral traits.
Whether you adopted your pup from a shelter with a mysterious past, or simply want to understand why your dog insists on greeting any visitors with a toy in his mouth, a DNA test might just hold the answers. However, there are quite a few services offering dog DNA tests these days, so you may be wondering if one is much different from the other.
Dog DNA Test Kit FAQ
Continued from above...
Some tests focus solely on identifying breed composition, which can be fascinating for owners of mutts - who knew your funny-looking Boston Terrier has a Chow Chow great-grandparent? If you want to be proactive in managing your pet's health, you might prefer a test that screens for genetic health conditions. Some tests analyze traits and behaviors, shedding light on why your dog might exhibit certain habits, like digging up your dahlias or barking exclusively at his reflection in the oven door.
Some popular dog DNA tests also offer a relative database feature, connecting you with other dogs that share your pet's DNA. This can be a fun way to "meet" your dog's relatives and possibly even find some siblings. If this is important to you, double-check that the service you're considering offers this.
Some companies out there offer tests that can identify food or drug allergies your dog is likely to have. Other tests can estimate their age. These options can be really useful if something is making your dog sick, or if you're just curious about how old they really are. You may want to pay a little more for a breed identification test that includes health screenings for genetic disorders. This way, you can prepare for potential health issues and discuss preventive measures with your veterinarian.
As you shop online for a dog DNA test, here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Breed identification accuracy. Look for a test that offers a high level of accuracy in breed identification, verified by customer reviews. Some dog DNA test providers have been known to give breed breakdowns that seem more like a best guess than the result of carefully considering data.
- Value for money. Consider the range of information the test provides and weigh it against its price. Some tests are more comprehensive and therefore more expensive, while others might offer less information but are more affordable.
- Database size. The size of the company's breed database can affect the accuracy of the test. A larger database generally means better results in identifying a wider variety of breeds.
- Ease of use. Check user reviews to gauge how easy it is to collect a sample. The best dog DNA tests should come with clear instructions and all the tools needed for a non-invasive, hassle-free sample collection.
- Turnaround time. Check how long it takes to receive results. Some companies may offer quicker results than others, which can be important if you're making medical or behavioral decisions based on the outcomes.
- Customer support. Good customer support can be invaluable, especially if you have questions about interpreting the results of your test.
Choosing the right dog DNA test isn't just a walk in the park. It requires careful consideration of these factors. Whether you're driven by curiosity about your dog's breed or concerned about potential health issues, the right test can provide insights that deepen your understanding and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Top Consumer Reviews has sniffed out and ranked the best Dog DNA Tests available. We hope this review helps you fetch the perfect test for your four-legged buddy, making your shared journey even more pawsome.
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