Discover the key things to consider and learn how to easily understand lab results. Plus, we provide a variety of training resources to help. Did you know that what your pet is fed can affect how their blood work should be interpreted? Learn more…
Bloodwork should be done every 6 months for seniors, otherwise once a year or when necessary.
We suggest anyone transitioning their pet to a raw or cooked diet have their tests done beforehand, so you have something to compare with down the road.
Vets will often recommend they do bloodwork. This can be very costly. The pet parent has a right to know what tests they will run, the cost and why they need it BEFORE they get the blood drawn. Make this clear to your vet at every vet visit.
There are many tests your vet may order that the pet parent can order online. You can also get many of the supplements they recommend cheaper directly through the vendor website.
Current research demonstrates that the laboratory results of hematological parameters in pets consuming a raw diet may exhibit variances when compared to those following a kibble diet. It is noteworthy that some veterinarians may not account for these disparities during the evaluation of your pet’s blood analysis. What are the implications of the various blood count markers? Explore this and additional insights…
How often should bloodwork be done?
Holistic vets recommend every 6 months for seniors, otherwise once a year or when necessary. We suggest anyone transitioning their pet to a raw or cooked diet to have tests done before hand, so you have something to compare with down the road.
“Understanding your pet’s lab tests” by Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Blood work in raw-fed animals may exhibit variances compared to those fed a kibble-based diet, highlighting significant differences that could impact their overall health. It’s important to understand these key considerations when evaluating the health and nutritional status of pets on different diets.
Lab results often show hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels can be higher in raw-fed dogs, which is generally considered a normal variation related to a higher protein diet, not a cause for concern. Raw-fed dogs also show increased fecal IgA and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), indicating a potentially more robust gut immune response. In contrast, kibble-fed dogs may show higher total serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a marker sometimes associated with liver and bone health.
Hematocrit
Raw-fed pets may have higher percentage of red blood cells (hematocrit), which is usually normal with diets high in protein, providing sufficient iron intake.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) & Creatinine
These markers assessing kidney function tend to be higher in raw-fed pets due to the high protein content in their diet. These elevated levels are often considered normal when they remain within acceptable ranges.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Serum ALP: Kibble-fed pets may show higher levels of serum ALP.
Fecal Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase (IAP): Raw-fed pets often have higher levels of IAP, which is a protective enzyme in the gut, suggesting a healthier immune state against inflammation.
Gut Health Markers
Fecal Immunoglobulins (IgA): Raw-fed pets typically have higher levels of fecal IgA, a beneficial immunoglobulin that plays a crucial role in immune tolerance and protecting against pathogens and allergens in the gut.
Fecal pH and Bacterial Diversity: Some studies indicate that raw diets can lead to different fecal pH levels and alter fecal microbial communities compared to kibble diets.
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