5Strands - Pet Raw Food and Environmental Intolerance Test Kit
Description
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's built for pet parents whose animals show 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
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | 5Strands |
| Product type | Intolerance test kit |
| Sample type | Hair |
| Items screened | 300+ food and environmental |
| Protein categories covered | Beef, chicken, salmon (among others) |
| Suitable for | Dogs and cats |
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 also 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.
Feeding & use
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 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 Test Kit
Frequently asked questions
Everything pet parents usually ask about this product.
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What does the 5Strands Pet Test Kit check for?
It screens for raw food and environmental intolerances, covering common protein sources such as beef, chicken, and salmon. It helps identify items your pet may be sensitive to so you can adjust their diet and surroundings.
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Can I use this test kit for a puppy?
Yes. This test kit is suitable for puppies, and results are often used by owners focused on supporting skin and coat health through dietary adjustments.
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How do I collect a sample for the test?
The kit uses a hair sample from your pet, which you mail back to the lab for analysis. No blood draw or vet visit is required to collect the sample.
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Does this test diagnose allergies?
No. It identifies potential intolerances and sensitivities to help guide dietary and environmental choices, and it is not a medical or veterinary diagnostic tool.
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Can I pick this up in Toronto?
Yes — same-day pickup is available at our North York storefront, or we ship Canada-wide.