The Best Home Food Allergy Test Kits for Pets – A Full Guide
As a pet owner, you want nothing more than to ensure your furry companion is healthy and happy. But when your pet shows signs of food allergies—such as itching, digestive upset, or unusual behavior—it can be frustrating and heartbreaking. Diagnosing food allergies can be tricky, but fortunately, there are home food allergy test kits that make the process easier and more convenient.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best home food allergy test kits for pets, explain how they work, and help you decide which one might be the right fit for your furry friend.
Understanding Food Allergies in Pets
Before diving into the test kits, it’s essential to understand what food allergies in pets look like. Symptoms of food allergies in cats and dogs include:
Itching and scratching (especially around the face, paws, and ears)
Gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea
Ear infections that recur
Hair loss or skin irritations
Behavioral changes, such as lethargy or irritability
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, it’s important to rule out other health conditions with a vet visit before pursuing food allergy testing. Once other causes are excluded, a home food allergy test kit can help pinpoint specific ingredients that trigger allergic reactions.
How Do Home Food Allergy Test Kits for Pets Work?
Food allergy test kits for pets typically work by analyzing your pet’s DNA or hair samples to detect sensitivities or intolerances to various foods. These kits can test for common allergens like grains, dairy, beef, chicken, and more. Results usually come with recommendations for eliminating or avoiding certain ingredients in your pet’s diet.
The testing process is easy and usually involves three simple steps:
Collecting a sample: Depending on the kit, you’ll collect either saliva, hair, or blood (via a small prick).
Sending the sample to the lab: Most companies provide prepaid shipping for your convenience.
Receiving the results: The results are typically delivered within a couple of weeks, and many companies offer follow-up support to help you interpret the findings.
Let’s look at some of the best home food allergy test kits for pets available on the market.
1. 5Strands Pet Food Intolerance Test
Key Features:
Sample Type: Hair
Test Results: 10-14 days
Price: Moderate
The 5Strands Pet Food Intolerance Test is one of the most popular home allergy test kits for pets. It tests for over 250 potential food allergens, including grains, dairy, proteins, and additives. This test uses bioresonance technology to measure energy frequencies in your pet’s hair sample, identifying intolerances rather than true IgE allergies (which involve the immune system).
Pros:
Tests for a wide variety of foods
Results include easy-to-understand charts and recommendations
Non-invasive and painless (hair sample)
Cons:
Intolerance testing, not true allergy testing
May produce false positives or require further validation from a vet
2. Allergy Test My Pet
Key Features:
Sample Type: Saliva
Test Results: 1-2 weeks
Price: Budget-friendly
Allergy Test My Pet offers a straightforward saliva-based test that checks for over 100 food and environmental allergens. It’s a good choice for pet owners who suspect food sensitivities but also want to know about other potential irritants like pollen and dust.
Pros:
Comprehensive report with both food and environmental allergens
Saliva collection is easy and non-invasive
Affordable price point
Cons:
Saliva sample may be difficult to collect in some pets
Limited to sensitivities, not full IgE allergy detection
3. PetMedella Pet Sensitivity Test
Key Features:
Sample Type: Hair
Test Results: 10-15 days
Price: Mid-range
The PetMedella Pet Sensitivity Test is another hair-based test that checks for over 300 food and environmental intolerances. Along with food allergens, this test can also detect sensitivities to chemicals, fabrics, and more. It’s a holistic option for pet parents looking to identify both food and non-food irritants.
Pros:
Wide variety of food and environmental allergens tested
Detailed report with dietary recommendations
Holistic approach for identifying all potential triggers
Cons:
Not a medical test (intolerance vs. true allergy)
Hair sample may not be suitable for pets with very short fur
4. NutriScan Food Sensitivity and Intolerance Test
Key Features:
Sample Type: Saliva
Test Results: 2-3 weeks
Price: Premium
Developed by renowned veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds, the NutriScan Food Sensitivity and Intolerance Test is a scientifically backed option for dogs and cats. It tests for sensitivities to 24 common foods, including proteins like beef and chicken, and carbohydrates like soy and corn.
Pros:
Backed by scientific research
Tests for both proteins and carbohydrates
Trusted by veterinarians
Cons:
More expensive than other options
Limited to 24 common foods
5. Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan
Key Features:
Sample Type: Saliva and Hair
Test Results: 10-14 days
Price: Moderate
The Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan takes a more holistic approach to allergy testing. It looks at imbalances in your pet’s body that may indicate food intolerances, environmental factors, or stress. The test covers over 300 potential stressors, including food allergens.
Pros:
Holistic, whole-body approach
Covers a large number of food and environmental triggers
Includes both saliva and hair sample testing
Cons:
Results may require interpretation by a holistic vet
Not a true allergy test
How to Choose the Right Allergy Test for Your Pet
Choosing the right food allergy test for your pet depends on several factors, including:
Your pet’s symptoms: Is your pet showing signs of food allergies or other sensitivities (like environmental allergens)?
Sample collection: Some pets tolerate saliva swabs better than hair collection, and vice versa. Consider which method is easier for your pet.
Budget: Home food allergy test kits range from budget-friendly to premium prices, so choose one that fits within your financial constraints.
Type of testing: Decide if you’re looking for a test to detect food intolerances (common in many kits) or if you need a true allergy test that measures immune system responses.
Conclusion
If your pet is showing signs of food allergies or sensitivities, using a home food allergy test kit can be an effective way to identify problem foods. While these tests can give valuable insights, they should be used as part of a broader approach that includes advice from your veterinarian. Always consult your vet before making significant changes to your pet’s diet based on test results.
By choosing the right kit and taking a careful approach, you can help your pet live a healthier, happier life free from the discomfort of food allergies.
