Getting Started with Embark
Embark is one of the most widely-used dog DNA test kits on the market, co-founded in 2015 by two longtime canine researchers on a mission to advance science and provide pet owners with valuable insights. Their origin story is certainly compelling – with pedigree charts of over 650 dogs and years of experience genotyping dogs at Cornell under their belt, the founders bring scientific rigor to consumer tests.
The Embark dog DNA kit aims to help you "deepen the bond with your dog" by revealing information like ancestry, family tree connections going back generations, over 175 health conditions and 20+ physical traits reportable by genetics. It uses state-of-the-art technology to let you easily peek into your dog‘s past – results you can share with your vet to personalize care.
How Does Embark Dog DNA Testing Work?
The process is straightforward. After ordering a kit online, Embark sends you materials to collect and ship back a saliva DNA sample from your pup‘s cheek cells. In 2-4 weeks your dog‘s genes are analyzed and results made available on an online portal.
You‘re shown a wolfiness score estimating what percentage of your dog‘s genome aligns with a wolf vs domesticated dog. A family tree analyzer can determine possible breeds going back to great-grandparents and enable you to connect with other Embark dogs who are likely cousins.
The part most appealing to vets and owners alike is the genetic health screening. Embark claims to test over 175 known canine genetic diseases including those that may one day strike your pup. This early health insight allows you to be proactive, discussing risks and prevention with your vet before issues arise.
Embark Dog DNA Test Kit Options
Embark offers three test kit options, from the breed-focused Breed Identification Kit to the more extensive Breed + Health Kit covering disease risks too.
Breed Identification Kit ($129) – This most affordable test tells you your dog‘s breed breakdown across over 350 breeds and types in their database. You learn wolfiness, family tree connections and can find doggy relatives.
Breed + Health Kit ($159) – The mid-level kit adds genetic health screening covering over 175 conditions across 16 body systems. Also tests over 20 physical traits influenced by your dog‘s genes.
Breed + Health + Traits Kit ($199) – The most comprehensive test that provides info on over 225 known genetic conditions and over 125 physical canine traits impacted by genetics.
I opted to have the Breed + Health test done to best understand predisposition for diseases that run in my Labrador‘s lines. The kit came quickly and was simple enough to use on my wiggly pup.
Analyzing Embark‘s Accuracy
As I anxiously awaited results, the burning question was: Just how accurate is this expensive DNA test really going to be?
Embark reassures customers of the validity of their advanced genotyping techniques used in research environments and vetted by scientific partners. Their tests capture around 200,000 genetic markers – significantly more than many competitor tests. This depth should translate into greater accuracy of results.
The proof is in hundreds of positive reviews validating Embark‘s breed determinations. My Embark results named two prominent likely breeds in my mixed shelter rescue which aligns perfectly with wisdom panel guesses made by multiple vets over the years.
Beyond breed ID, thousands of reviewers report health conditions identified by Embark testing matched eventually confirmed diagnoses by their vet. So while the sheer number of genetic health risks tested for makes error or false positives likely in some cases, overall customer feedback indicates Embark picks up on inheritable conditions with fairly impressive reliability.
What I Learned from My Embark Results
I was pleased at the level of detail provided on breed ancestry and family connections with other Embark dogs. Seeing photographic evidence of likely close relatives was heartwarming and piqued my curiosity about my pup‘s story prior to adoption.
The health screening proved more worrisome however. Two genetic mutations were flagged – one predisposing for eye issues and a variant indicating drug sensitivity that I now know to discuss with my vet. This insight is invaluable for preventative care, though the number of results to parse through was overwhelming.
I can see how pet owners less familiar with canine medicine could easily become alarmed at the sheer volume of raised health risks without context on severity and penetrance. While eye and drug metabolism issues have actionability for me, I wish Embark provided clearer guidance to owners on which results are most pressing to address rather than overwhelming us laypeople will hundreds of risks, most of which may never develop into actual disease.
Still, I can‘t deny this inside peek into potential future health woes has opened my eyes to risks I can now minimize with vigilance.
What Owners Have to Say in Their Embark Reviews
The vast majority of Embark reviews online are positive – over 18,000 on their website earning an average 4.6 of 5 stars. Beyond confirming breed guesses to delight, owners feel empowered by genetic insights they can share to improve care. Negative reviews tend to cite concerns with inaccurate breed identification or skepticism over some predicted health risks not yet evident in their seemingly healthy dog.
Critical reviewers conclude "interesting but not necessarily 100% reliable information" – a fair assessment in my view as well given the reality that genetics is not black and white. Embark makes clear results indicate predispositions and possibilities, not guarantees, so some discrepancy is expected.
Is Embark Worth the Cost?
At $159 for breed and health results, Embark is certainly one of pricier dog DNA kits out there. Competitors offer comparable testing for less. Ultimately you have to weigh up the value genetic insights provide against cost.
For owners specifically seeking high quality breed ancestry and family tree connections, Embark offers tremendous value. If health screening is equally important though, it pays to compare alternative tests like Wisdom Panel that offer genetic disease testing for $100-150. That said, Embark screens for more known conditions than any test I analyzed so provides breadth other kits can lack.
You can trim costs through sales – Embark often offers $20 off plus I saved a further $40 through a coupon code. Multi-dog households can test all their pups at a discounted bundling price too.
For the quality and quantity of results provided, Embark sits at the higher end of fair market value in my opinion. It‘s an investment well justified if receiving early warning to hidden inherited illnesses could positively impact care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about Embark‘s Dog DNA test kits? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How accurate is Embark dog DNA testing?
Independent research indicates Embark‘s genotyping is highly precise with over 99% accuracy due to advanced technology. Customers widely report breed determination aligns with veterinary wisdom.
What health conditions can Embark‘s tests identify?
Their expanded health kit screens over 225 known inherited diseases. This includes early onset conditions impacting eye, heart, skin, joints, blood and neurological function.
Can testing be done without paying upfront?
Yes, Embark offers payment plans allowing you to pay for your kit over 3-6 months through partner Affirm.
I hope this detailed Embark dog DNA kit review has been helpful if considering a testing kit for your furry friend! Let me know if you have any other questions.
