At BIOME9, our mission has always been to push the boundaries of canine gut health research and deliver the best microbiome testing and veterinary support.
Today, we’re excited to announce a new chapter in that journey: a collaboration with Pooch & Mutt.
This fresh new approach will continue to bring accessible, reliable, microbiome testing - paired with the same great supplements and expert advice you trust.
We’re excited to announce that the Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Test is now live, bringing accessible, science-backed microbiome testing directly to dog owners. Powered by BIOME9’s technology and research, this new at-home offering supports personalised nutrition through reliable gut health insights, and targeted supplement plans.
While the Gut Health Test is designed for at-home use by pet parents, BIOME9’s GutDiscovery® test remains the gold standard for veterinary professionals and researchers - to access high-resolution data for clinical, behavioural, and nutritional applications.
Together, these two offerings work in harmony, ensuring that all dogs, from the couch to the clinic, can benefit from a better understanding of their gut microbiome.
BIOME9 GutDiscovery® vs. Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Test: Understanding the Differences for Veterinary Professionals
The canine gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem influencing health, immunity, digestion, and behaviour. As veterinary professionals, making informed decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and nutritional advice increasingly depends on accurate and detailed microbiome analysis.
At BIOME9, we’re proud to offer cutting-edge microbiome testing designed to meet the needs of professionals and large-scale research projects - while Pooch & Mutt provide accessible, consumer-focused testing to support general nutritional guidance, utilising the same science-backed supplement plans.
The Evolution of Microbiome Testing in Veterinary Practices
BIOME9’s GutDiscovery® test represents the forefront of microbiome science. It uses full-length 16S rRNA long-read sequencing (Oxford Nanopore platform) to deliver species-level resolution and detailed pathogen detection. This high taxonomic precision allows vets, nutritionists, and behaviourists to gain deeper insights into the microbial communities affecting a dog’s health, insights that are critical for making clinical, nutritional, and behavioural decisions that truly target underlying issues.
In contrast, Pooch & Mutt’s Gut Health Test, powered by BIOME9 technology, employs short-read 16S sequencing focusing on the V4 region (Illumina NovaSeq platform). This approach offers broader coverage and greater read counts, making it highly sensitive and effective for general profiling and dietary recommendations. While it provides genus-level resolution and validated health scores consistent with BIOME9 standards, it lacks the finer species-level detail necessary for complex clinical cases.
Why BIOME9 GutDiscovery® Is Essential for Professionals
Species-Level Identification and Pathogen Detection: GutDiscovery’s long-read sequencing enables precise differentiation between closely related bacterial species, including potentially pathogenic strains. This level of detail is essential when diagnosing dysbiosis, infections, or chronic gut conditions.
In-Depth Functional and Health Insights: Beyond taxonomy, GutDiscovery analyses microbial diversity, richness, balance, resilience, and provides comprehensive health indicators, including immune, digestive, and metabolic function scores, to inform personalised interventions.
Clinical and Nutritional Decision Support: The detailed microbiome profile helps vets and nutritionists tailor treatment plans, supplements, and dietary strategies that address specific microbial imbalances or deficiencies. This targeted approach can support management of inflammatory bowel disease, behavioural issues linked to the gut-brain axis, and other complex health challenges.
Insurance Recognition: Increasingly, pet insurers are covering GutDiscovery® tests when recommended by veterinary professionals, recognising its value in providing actionable insights that improve patient outcomes.
Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Test: A Great Tool for General Nutritional Guidance
Pooch & Mutt’s Gut Health Test is designed for ease of use and accessibility, making it ideal for pet owners seeking general gut health insights and nutritional recommendations. Its genus-level analysis delivers a reliable overview of the core microbiome, health scores, and recommended supplement plans, based on validated standards derived from BIOME9’s extensive database of over 1,400 dogs.
This approach works well for guiding dietary choices and routine supplementation, but doesn’t provide the species-level resolution or pathogen detection necessary for clinical diagnostics or detailed behavioural investigations.
Comparative Overview
Feature
BIOME9 GutDiscovery®
Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Check
Sequencing Platform
Oxford Nanopore (long-read)
Illumina NovaSeq (short-read)
16S rRNA Region
V1–V9 (full-length)
V4 (middle region)
Taxonomic Resolution
Species-level and above
Genus-level and above
Reads per Sample
20,000 – 40,000
100,000 – 200,000
Turnaround Time
~14 days
~4 weeks
Pathogen Analysis
Yes
No
Health Indicators
Immune, digestive, and metabolic function
Immune, digestive, and metabolic function
Clinical/Nutritional Use
In-depth complimentary diagnostics and nutritional advice
General nutrition and personalised supplement plans
Insurance Coverage
Increasingly accepted with vet recommendation
Not typically covered
Collaborative Advancement
At BIOME9, we’re committed to advancing veterinary microbiome science through professional services, bespoke health plans, and large-scale research projects that benefit the whole community.
By partnering with Pooch & Mutt to provide accessible consumer testing, we ensure that individual dog owners can make informed decisions about their pet's nutrition. At the same time, vets and professionals have access to the highest-resolution tools needed for complex cases.
This dual approach strengthens the entire ecosystem of gut health from everyday dietary support, to precision veterinary care.
In Summary
For veterinary professionals seeking detailed microbiome data to guide diagnosis, treatment, and advanced nutritional or behavioural strategies, BIOME9’s GutDiscovery® test is the gold standard.
For pet owners looking for reliable general gut health insights and food advice, Pooch & Mutt’s Gut Health Test is a trusted and accessible option.
If you’d like to learn more about integrating GutDiscovery® into your practice or research, please get in touch with Vets@BIOME9.com.
At BIOME9, our mission has always been to push the boundaries of canine gut health research and deliver the best microbiome testing and veterinary support.
Today, we’re excited to announce a new chapter in that journey: a collaboration with Pooch & Mutt.
This fresh new approach will continue to bring accessible, reliable, microbiome testing - paired with the same great supplements and expert advice you trust.
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