There are numerous dog food and nutrition supplements on the market, and the choice can be overwhelming. It’s often hard to know which type of diet is right for your individual dog, given their breed and life stage.
DNA is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when considering dog food and nutrition. Did you know that your dog’s DNA can help you choose the diet that’s right for them? Learn about four different reasons why testing your dog’s DNA can help you personalize their diet and meet their nutritional needs.
How breed mix can inform dog food and nutrition choices
Knowing your dog’s breed with Embark can help you select the dog food that meets their nutritional needs. Active breeds tend to use more energy and might require more calories than less active dogs. For example, if your dog has herding breeds in their ancestry, you might consider a diet that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
In addition to calorie needs, breed can inform other dietary choices, too. Because of their size, large and giant dog breeds often benefit from extra joint support, either in their primary diet or with supplements containing glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids. Ensuring your large dog gets the proper joint support in their diet may help support their mobility later in life.
Breed also plays a role in dog gut health. Some breeds—like Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and German Shepherds—are more prone to gastrointestinal disorders than others. Knowing the breeds in your dog’s genetic ancestry can help identify gut health issues and other health risks that they may be predisposed to. If you know your dog may be more sensitive to certain ingredients or types of diets, you can watch out for signs of an upset stomach and change their diet if needed.
Consider your dog’s size when choosing their food
Large dogs and small dogs have different nutritional needs. If you’ve recently gotten a puppy or adopted a dog from a shelter, you might not know how large they’ll grow up to be. An Embark Dog DNA Test can tell you about your dog’s predicted adult weight, based on their DNA. A DNA test is one of the most accurate ways to tell how big your puppy will get, so you’ll know what to expect when preparing for their future.
Read more about how size prediction was invaluable for rescued dogs like Sugar Snap, whose background and breed mix were a mystery when he arrived at One Tail at a Time:
“The predicted weight for Sugar Snap was so helpful. When he came in at 19 pounds, vets could only really guess what he was supposed to weigh. We didn’t even know if he was a puppy or an adult because his teeth were in such bad shape, likely due to malnourishment. He’s still working on physical therapy and gaining weight and muscle, but he’s looking like he’ll be on track for the 62 pounds or so! Having info on such a mystery of a dog was so extremely insightful.”
—Kim Thomas, Marketing Manager at One Tail at a Time
Using dog food and nutrition to manage health risks
Embark tests for 250+ genetic health risks. Some of these health conditions can be managed or even prevented through diet or lifestyle changes. Knowing your dog’s genetic predispositions means you can take action early to prevent or manage health challenges later in life.
For example, we test for more than 10 genetic variants associated with urinary disease that could require dietary intervention to manage. For dogs like Willie Nelson, who are at high risk of urinary stones, a prescription diet can help prevent stones from forming in the first place.
An Embark Dog DNA Test will also tell you if your dog has a variant in the POMC gene associated with high food motivation. Dogs with this genetic variant tend to have larger appetites and are more likely to become overweight. If you know your dog has high food motivation, you can take steps to manage their calorie intake and make informed choices about their diet and treats.
How DNA affects food allergies
For many dog owners, food allergies are a common consideration when shopping for dog food. Allergies are caused by both DNA predispositions and the environment, so a dog’s genetic ancestry can influence their risk of developing a food allergy. For example, some breeds are more prone to food allergies than others, including Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and West Highland White Terriers.
Animal proteins are the most common type of allergen that triggers food allergies in dogs. For dogs at high risk, limited-ingredient diets and a single protein source (such as salmon) rather than a mix of proteins are typically recommended.
If you know your dog is at higher risk for a food allergy, keep an eye out for common signs, including itchy skin, diarrhea, and/or vomiting. Once you’ve identified a trigger food, the best treatment is simply to avoid that allergen.
Why DNA matters for dog food and nutrition
Testing your dog’s DNA is just the first step in helping them lead a healthier life. Get to know your dog better and personalize their care with an Embark Dog DNA Test.
Embark Breed + Health Test
$199
With so many options, it can be hard to know which food choices are healthy for dogs and which ones aren’t. Read our expert tips about how to help your dog maintain a healthy diet.
