5Strands - Pet Raw Food and Environmental Intolerance Test Kit

TL;DR: The 5Strands Pet Raw Food and Environmental Intolerance Test Kit is an at-home hair-sample kit that screens for over 300 food and environmental sensitivities in dogs and cats. It suits pet parents whose animal shows ongoing itching, digestive upset, or restlessness and who want clear data before adjusting diet or surroundings.

Among at-home test kits, this 5Strands option requires no needles, blood draws, or vet visits — just a small hair sample mailed in for analysis. Results arrive in an easy-to-read format that highlights items your pet may be reacting to.

What does this test kit screen for?

The kit screens over 300 items across two categories: raw food ingredients (including common proteins such as beef, chicken, and salmon, plus grains and dairy) and environmental factors like grass, fabrics, dust, and household cleaners. The aim is to give you a starting point for elimination diets or environmental adjustments.

Key features

• Screens over 300 food and environmental items
• Identifies raw food intolerances including beef, chicken, salmon, grains, and dairy
• Detects environmental triggers such as grass, dust, and fabrics
• Non-invasive hair sample — no blood draws or swabs
• Results help guide diet and lifestyle decisions
• Suitable for both dogs and cats

Specifications

Who is it for?

This kit suits pet parents whose dog or cat shows persistent signs of discomfort — itchy skin, recurring ear issues, loose stools, or anxious behaviour — and who want a structured way to narrow down possible triggers.

It's especially useful for puppy owners building a long-term feeding plan who want baseline information before committing to a single protein or kibble. Because sample collection is gentle and needle-free, it works well for animals who find vet visits stressful.

How do you use the test kit?

Collect a small hair sample following the included instructions, register your kit online, and mail the sample back in the prepaid envelope. Once results are returned, you can plan an elimination trial, switch proteins, or remove environmental items your pet appears sensitive to.

Note: this is a wellness screening tool, not a diagnostic test. It's intended to inform conversations with your veterinarian and support thoughtful diet and lifestyle adjustments.

If results point to certain protein sensitivities, you may want to explore single-protein options like Raw Performance - Pure Rabbit Raw Dog Food or Healthy Paws - Canine Complete Dinner Beef. Owners focused on skin and coat support after dietary changes often add Carino - Seal Oil as a daily omega supplement.

Looking for other at-home options? Ashario Pets also carries test kits for drugs and test kits for mold to round out a broader home-wellness routine.

Available for same-day pickup at our North York, Toronto storefront, or ships Canada-wide.