5Strands - Pet Raw Food and Environmental Intolerance
Description
TL;DR: The 5Strands Pet Raw Food and Environmental Intolerance kit is an at-home hair-sample test that screens for over 300 food and environmental sensitivities in dogs and cats. It's designed for pet parents whose animals show signs of chronic itching, digestive upset, or restlessness and who want clear data before adjusting diet or surroundings.
Among at-home intolerance test kits, this 5Strands option stands out because it 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 like beef and chicken, plus grains and dairy) and environmental factors such as grass, fabrics, dust, and household cleaners. The goal 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, 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
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | 5Strands |
| Product type | Intolerance test kit |
| Sample type | Hair |
| Items screened | 300+ food and environmental |
| Protein categories covered | Beef, chicken (among others) |
| Suitable for | Dogs and cats |
Who is it for?
This kit is a fit for 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 also useful for puppy owners building a long-term feeding plan and wanting baseline information before committing to a single protein or kibble.
Because the sample collection is gentle and needle-free, it works well for animals who find vet visits stressful.
How do you use it?
Collect a small hair sample from your pet following the included instructions, register your kit online, and mail the sample back in the prepaid envelope. Once results are returned, you can use them to 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.
Pairs well with
If your results suggest sensitivities to certain proteins, you may want to explore single-protein options like Healthy Paws - Canine Complete Dinner Beef or Healthy Paws - Canine Complete Dinner Salmon. 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 test kits? Ashario Pets also carries options such as test kits for drugs and test kits for mold to support a broader home-wellness routine.
Available for same-day pickup at our North York, Toronto storefront, or ships Canada-wide.
5Strands - Pet Raw Food and Environmental Intolerance
Frequently asked questions
Everything pet parents usually ask about this product.
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What does the 5Strands Pet Raw Food and Environmental Intolerance kit test for?
It screens your pet's hair sample for intolerances to a wide range of raw food items and environmental factors. The panel includes common proteins your pet may be eating, such as beef and chicken.
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Can I use this test kit on a puppy?
Yes, the kit can be used on dogs of any age, including puppies, since it only requires a small hair sample. No blood draw or vet visit is needed to collect the sample.
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Is this an allergy test or an intolerance test?
This is an intolerance test, not an allergy test. It identifies items that may be causing low-grade reactions or sensitivities, rather than diagnosing IgE-mediated allergies.
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How do I collect the sample?
You collect a small amount of your pet's hair at home and mail it in using the materials included in the kit. Results are then returned digitally once the lab completes the analysis.
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Can I pick this up locally or do you ship across Canada?
Yes — same-day pickup is available at our North York storefront in Toronto, and we ship Canada-wide.