A Pet Parent’s Guide to Lab Work

Lab work provides a detailed look inside your pet’s body and is essential for checking if a diet is working well. While the pages of numbers and terms can be confusing, understanding the basics can help you make more informed decisions for your pet.

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How Lab Results Work

Most lab tests provide results as numbers, which are then compared to a “reference range” to see if they are high, low, or normal.

• A number on its own is not meaningful; its meaning comes from the comparison to these “normal” values.
• What’s considered “normal” can change depending on the lab. Due to different equipment and methods, reference ranges are not always universal.

The Problem with “Normal” for Raw-Fed Pets

It’s important to know where reference ranges come from. “Normal” ranges are typically based on the 95% of pets fed commercial kibble or canned diets, which are lower in protein and moisture.

Because a high-protein, raw-food diet is different, the lab results for a perfectly healthy raw-fed pet may naturally fall outside the standard “normal” range.

What Can Influence Lab Results?

A result that is outside the normal range does not automatically mean there is a disease. Many factors can cause temporary changes in your pet’s blood work.

• Diet: A high-protein raw diet can naturally raise certain values, like Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. This is often a reflection of protein metabolism, not necessarily kidney disease.
• Stress: The anxiety from a car ride and a vet visit can alter chemical levels in the blood.
• Timing: The amount of time that has passed since your pet’s last meal can cause fluctuations in the results.
• Your Pet’s Body: An animal’s muscle mass can affect creatinine levels.

Your Role in Your Pet’s Health

Your veterinarian is your partner in interpreting these results, but knowing these factors allows you to ask better questions. You are ultimately responsible for making health decisions for your pet. The better you understand the full picture behind the numbers, the more confident your choices will be.