About AnimalBiome
AnimalBiome began as a Kickstarter campaign in 2015 and launched its first products in 2016. It was founded on the idea that pets are full members of the family, and its main mission was to revolutionize animal health through microbiome science.
Led by the founder and Chief Science Officer, Holly Ganz, and Chief Executive Officer Carlton Osborne, today, AnimalBiome is the leading innovation in microbiome science for companion animals.
AnimalBiome has one of the largest gut health databases in the world and processes thousands of samples each month, thus helping pet owners and veterinarians manage microbiome dysbiosis in pets.
AnimalBiome Coupons
AnimalBiome Testing Technology
AnimalBiome uses genetic sequencing as a testing technology, or more specifically, Illumina 16S rRNA, to sequence the DNA in pet stool samples.
- Upon receipt of the sample, the laboratory staff at AnimalBiome extracts DNA from all the bacteria (a pea-sized fecal sample contains approximately one billion bacterial cells) using DNA sequencing.
- Then, with the help of powerful analytic software, they identify the types of bacteria in the pet’s gut and compare them to a reference set of bacteria present in the digestive tract of healthy dogs or cats.
- The test results reveal bacterial imbalances, identify missing key groups of bacteria, and flag potentially harmful bacteria whose presence may trigger troublesome signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, and itchy skin.
How Does the AnimalBiome Gut Health Test Work?
The AnimalBiome Gut Health Test works in five steps: collect, register, send, analyze, and results.
Collect: Collect a pea-sized sample of your pet’s stool using the swabs or wooden stick and place it inside the tube. The tube is filled with a solution that will keep the sample stable until it arrives at the laboratory.
Register: Create an account on the brand’s website (app.animalbiome.com), complete your pet’s profile, and enter the unique, six-character ID code provided in the instruction guide.
Send: Place the sample tube in the provided, pre-addressed, and prepaid envelope and mail it back to the AnimalBiome laboratory in Oakland, California.
Analyze: The scientists at AnimalBiome test and analyze your pet’s stool sample using advanced testing technology and prepare a special report based on the test results and findings.
Results: In 2-3 weeks, you will receive an email that the results are ready and available via the app. The results come with personalized recommendations and a free 15-minute telephone consultation which can be scheduled within 60 days of receiving the report.
What Is Included in the AnimalBiome Gut Health Test Kit?
The AnimalBiome Gut Health Test Kit contains everything necessary for taking the pet’s stool sample and mailing it back to the AnimalBiome’s laboratory (including step-by-step instructions).
The kit features a pair of gloves, two sample tubes (one as a backup), swabs, a wooden stick, a return mailer, a fecal scoring chart, and a test kit box.
What Are The Types of Tests AnimalBiome Offers?
AnimalBiome offers two tests for dogs and two tests for cats. The two dog tests include the DoggyBiome Gut Health Test and the DoggyBiome Oral Health Test. The cat tests feature the KittyBiome Gut Health Test and the KittyBiome Oral Health Test.
The DoggyBiome Oral Health Test detects bacterial imbalances and the presence of harmful bacteria in the dog’s mouth before clinical symptoms become apparent. It also gives personalized oral and dental health tips.
The KittyBiome Oral Health Test detects bacterial imbalances and the presence of harmful bacteria in the cat’s mouth before clinical symptoms become apparent. It also gives personalized oral and dental health tips.
Pros & Cons of the AnimalBiome Gut Health Test
At-home tests for dogs and cats are getting more and more popular among pet owners. They are easy to perform and stress-free for everyone involved. However, at-home tests for pets have downsides.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of the DoggyBiome Gut Health Test.
AnimalBiome Gut Health Test Pros
- First-ever, at-home gut microbiome pet test
- Simple and stress-free sample collection
- Genetic sequencing as a testing technology
- Identifies & analyzes over 5000 gut bacteria
- Actionable insight about the pet’s gut health
- Personalized suggestions about diet changes
- Available for both dog and cat testing
AnimalDoggyBiome Gut Health Test Cons
- Relatively lengthy turnaround time (2 weeks)
- Does not screen for gut protozoa and worms
Key Features of the AnimalBiome Gut Health Test
- AnimalBiome Gut Health Test uses a stool sample to identify and analyze over 5000 gut bacteria in the dog’s and cat’s digestive tract
- The AnimalBiome Gut Health Test is based on comprehensive DNA sequencing technology, hence providing accurate and detailed results
- AnimalBiome Gut Health Test provides valuable information regarding your pet’s individual gut microbiome and the state of its overall gut health
- The AnimalBiome Gut Health Test report features test results and personalized recommendations (dietary and lifestyle changes) to improve the pet’s health
How Much Does the AnimalBiome Gut Health Test Cost?
The cost of the AnimalBiome Gut Health Test is $125.00 for both options, including the DoggyBiome and KittyBiome Test.
AnimalBiome offers free shipping on all US orders over $50.00 and ships within 1 to 3 business days. The other tests from the brand, the DoggyBiome Oral Health Test and the KittyBiome Oral Health Test, also cost $125.00 each.
Final Verdict: Is the AnimalBiome Gut Health Test Worth It?
Yes, the AnimalBiome Gut Health Test for dogs and cats is worth it. AnimalBiome offers the first-ever at-home gut microbiome test for pets based on high-end and scientifically backed testing technology.
The DoggyBiome and KittyBiome Gut Health Test is very straightforward to perform and provides comprehensive results and actionable insight into the pet’s gut health. Plus, it is reasonably priced and readily available.
Overall, based on factors like testing technology, ease of use, turnaround time, price tag, and user-friendliness, we give the AnimalBiome Gut Health Test 4.8 out of 5 stars. Just remember, even the best at-home test is not a complete substitute for an in-person veterinary visit.
