Top 8 Best Dog Allergy Test Kits

James Vega | 15-02-2026

If your dog is constantly scratching, licking, or experiencing digestive issues, allergies or sensitivities could be the culprit. Pinpointing the exact triggers can be challenging, leaving many pet owners frustrated by trial-and-error diets and environmental changes.

At-home dog allergy test kits offer a practical way to identify potential food and environmental sensitivities without repeated vet visits. This guide reviews the top dog allergy test kits available, comparing their strengths, ease of use, and the types of insights they provide, so you can make a confident, informed choice for your pet’s comfort.

Editor's Choice
5Strands Pet Food & Environmental Sensitivity Test
5Strands Pet Food & Environmental Sensitivity Test
Premium Pick
DNA MY DOG Allergy Cheek Swab Test
DNA MY DOG Allergy Cheek Swab Test
Budget Pick
Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Intolerance Test
Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Intolerance Test

Top 8 Best Dog Allergy Test Kits

Finding the right Dog Allergy Test Kits isn’t always straightforward. To simplify the process, we compared leading products and shortlisted the ones that truly stand out.

1. 5Strands Pet Food & Environmental Sensitivity Test

Best for Comprehensive Coverage
5Strands Pet Food & Environmental Sensitivity Test
9.8

5strands

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For pet owners struggling to identify the cause of their dog's persistent symptoms—like itching, digestive upset, or watery eyes—this kit offers a thorough solution. Understanding both food and environmental sensitivities is essential for managing your dog's health and comfort at home.

This 5Strands test stands out by screening over 855 potential triggers, making it ideal for those who want the broadest possible insight. It's especially well-suited for multi-pet households or dogs with complex, unexplained symptoms.

  • Extensive item coverage: Tests 575 food ingredients and 282 environmental items for a complete sensitivity profile
  • Simple hair sample collection: Non-invasive and stress-free for pets, with results delivered in about 4 days
  • Clear response levels: Categorizes sensitivities as Insignificant, Mild, Moderate, or Severe for actionable planning

Compared to most kits, this test prioritizes breadth of coverage and clear categorization, helping owners create targeted elimination plans. The tradeoff is that such a wide scope may include items less relevant to some households.

Strength
  • Covers 855+ food and environmental items
  • Quick 4-day results
  • Easy at-home hair collection
  • Results categorized by severity
  • No vet visit required
Weakness
  • May include less relevant items
  • Requires mailing hair sample

2. DNA MY DOG Allergy Cheek Swab Test

Best for Actionable Food Guidance
DNA MY DOG Allergy Cheek Swab Test
9.5

Dna My Dog

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If your dog suffers from itching or digestive discomfort, identifying specific allergens is key to improving their quality of life. An at-home test can help you move beyond guesswork and make informed changes.

DNA MY DOG’s cheek swab test is designed for owners seeking clear, practical recommendations. It analyzes over 120 allergens and provides customized food suggestions, making it ideal for those who want direct, actionable steps to manage their dog’s sensitivities.

  • Painless cheek swab: Simple sample collection with no discomfort for your dog
  • Personalized food recommendations: Report includes tailored dietary advice based on your dog's results
  • Online access to results: Receive a detailed analysis and guidance within 3 weeks

Compared to broader tests, this kit focuses on delivering practical, easy-to-follow advice. The tradeoff is a narrower range of allergens tested than some hair-based kits.

Strength
  • Easy cheek swab collection
  • Includes food recommendations
  • Covers food and environmental allergens
  • Detailed online report
  • Trusted by veterinarians
Weakness
  • Longer turnaround time
  • Tests fewer items than some kits

3. Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Intolerance Test

Best for Fast Hair & Saliva Testing
Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Intolerance Test
9.1

Glacier Peak Holistics

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Persistent itching, digestive issues, or unexplained symptoms in dogs can be difficult to resolve without clear answers. A comprehensive intolerance test helps owners identify potential triggers and take informed action.

Glacier Peak Holistics offers a non-invasive kit that screens over 395 food and environmental stressors using both hair and saliva samples. It's a strong choice for pet parents who want fast results and a stress-free experience for their dog.

  • Dual sample method: Uses both hair and saliva for a broader sensitivity snapshot
  • Quick results: Reports delivered in 7–10 business days after mailing
  • Addresses multiple symptoms: Helps pinpoint causes of itching, digestive upset, and more

While not as broad as some competitors, this kit prioritizes convenience and a non-invasive process. The main tradeoff is a slightly smaller allergen panel.

Strength
  • Hair and saliva collection
  • Covers food and environmental triggers
  • Quick 7–10 day results
  • No blood draw required
  • Vet-approved
Weakness
  • Smaller allergen panel
  • US return shipping only

4. 5Strands Pet Food Intolerance Test

Best for Food-Only Sensitivity Insights
5Strands Pet Food Intolerance Test
8.9

5strands

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Food intolerances can cause a range of symptoms in dogs, from digestive upset to skin irritation. Pinpointing the specific foods responsible is crucial for long-term relief.

This 5Strands kit is tailored for owners who want to focus exclusively on food sensitivities. It screens over 570 ingredients across 14 categories, making it a practical choice for those starting an elimination diet or managing ongoing symptoms.

  • 570+ food items tested: Broad coverage across proteins, grains, dairy, and more
  • Severity-based results: Categorizes responses to help prioritize dietary changes
  • Fast turnaround: Results available in about 4 days via email or app

Unlike broader kits, this test is streamlined for food-related issues. The tradeoff is that it does not screen for environmental sensitivities.

Strength
  • Focuses on food sensitivities
  • Covers 570+ ingredients
  • Quick results
  • Severity levels provided
  • Easy hair sample process
Weakness
  • No environmental testing
  • Requires mailing sample

5. TotalVet Dog Allergy & Sensitivity Hair Test

Best for Personalized Actionable Reports
TotalVet Dog Allergy & Sensitivity Hair Test
8.7

Totalvet

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If your dog’s symptoms persist despite dietary changes, a targeted allergy and sensitivity test can help clarify the next steps. Understanding both food and environmental triggers is key to effective management.

TotalVet’s kit stands out for its detailed, personalized reports and actionable recommendations. It screens for over 350 common allergens and is well-suited for owners who want clear, easy-to-understand guidance for making changes at home.

  • Personalized allergy profile: Report includes customized recommendations for diet and environment
  • Covers 350+ allergens: Screens foods, environmental triggers, and household items
  • Simple at-home process: Hair sample collection is stress-free and pain-free

Compared to kits with broader panels, this option prioritizes clarity and actionable advice. The tradeoff is a smaller number of allergens tested.

Strength
  • Personalized recommendations
  • Covers food and environmental triggers
  • Easy hair collection
  • Results in 7–10 days
  • Made in the USA
Weakness
  • Tests fewer items than top kits
  • No cheek swab option

6. Better Life Science Pet Sensitivity Hair Test

Best for Simple Informational Use
Better Life Science Pet Sensitivity Hair Test
8.5

Better Life Science

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For pet owners curious about potential sensitivities but not seeking a medical diagnosis, an informational test can provide helpful guidance. This is especially useful for making informed diet or lifestyle adjustments at home.

Better Life Science’s kit analyzes over 460 food and environmental triggers using a straightforward hair sample. It’s best for those who want an easy, non-invasive way to gain insight into their pet’s reactions without clinical claims.

  • 460+ items analyzed: Covers proteins, additives, preservatives, and environmental items
  • Clear reactivity grouping: Results organized by reactivity level for easy interpretation
  • All-in-one kit: Includes everything needed for at-home collection and mailing

Compared to diagnostic kits, this test is designed for informational purposes only. The tradeoff is that it does not provide medical advice or diagnosis.

Strength
  • Covers 460+ triggers
  • Simple hair collection
  • Clear reactivity results
  • No vet visit needed
  • Informational use
Weakness
  • Not for medical diagnosis
  • No food recommendations

7. DNA MY DOG Ultimate Health & Breed Bundle

Best for Health and Breed Insights
DNA MY DOG Ultimate Health & Breed Bundle
8.3

Dna My Dog

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Understanding both your dog’s breed and their allergy profile can be valuable for long-term health planning. This is especially true for mixed breeds or dogs with unknown backgrounds.

DNA MY DOG’s bundle combines allergy testing (120+ allergens) with breed identification, making it a strong choice for owners who want a complete picture of their dog’s health and heritage. The painless cheek swab is suitable for dogs of all ages.

  • Dual testing: Includes both allergy screening and breed identification
  • Detailed online reports: Access allergen and breed results digitally
  • Expert recommendations: Guidance tailored to your dog’s sensitivities and breed traits

Compared to single-purpose kits, this bundle offers broader insight but covers fewer allergens than the most comprehensive allergy-only tests.

Strength
  • Allergy and breed testing
  • Easy cheek swab
  • Digital reports
  • Tailored recommendations
  • Suitable for all ages
Weakness
  • Fewer allergens tested
  • Longer wait for results

8. Embark Breed & Health DNA Kit

Best for Genetic Health Screening
Embark Breed & Health DNA Kit

If you want to understand your dog’s genetic health risks alongside allergy tendencies, a DNA-based kit offers a more comprehensive view. This is especially useful for proactive care and breed-specific planning.

Embark’s kit tests for over 270 genetic health conditions, provides breed identification, and includes allergy risk scores for four allergy types. It’s best for owners interested in both health and ancestry, not just allergies.

  • Genetic health screening: Tests for 270+ conditions for proactive care
  • Allergy risk insights: Includes risk scores for food, environmental, contact, and flea allergies
  • Accurate breed identification: Covers over 400 breeds using advanced genotyping

Compared to dedicated allergy kits, Embark prioritizes genetic health and breed data. The tradeoff is that allergy results are risk-based, not specific trigger lists.

Strength
  • Genetic health insights
  • Allergy risk scores
  • Comprehensive breed ID
  • Trait analysis
  • Veterinary support
Weakness
  • Not a direct allergen test
  • Longer result turnaround

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Allergy Test Kit

Dog allergy test kits are technical tools designed to help pet owners identify food and environmental sensitivities that may be causing their dog's discomfort. Choosing the right kit involves balancing the scope of testing, ease of use, and the type of insights you want. Many buyers misunderstand the difference between direct allergen testing and risk-based genetic screening, or assume all kits provide medical diagnoses when most are for informational use.

Choosing Between Food, Environmental, and Combined Tests

The main decision is whether your dog's symptoms are likely food-related, environmental, or a mix of both. Food-only tests are ideal for digestive issues or reactions to specific diets, while environmental kits help with symptoms like paw licking or watery eyes. Combined kits offer the broadest insight but may include less relevant data for some households.

Sample Collection: Hair, Cheek Swab, or Saliva?

Sample collection methods impact both comfort and convenience. Hair and saliva tests are non-invasive and easy for most pets, while cheek swabs are quick but require gentle handling. Consider your dog's temperament and your comfort with each method before choosing.

Report Clarity and Actionability

Some kits provide highly detailed, personalized reports with actionable recommendations, while others simply list potential sensitivities. If you want step-by-step guidance, look for kits that highlight severity levels or offer tailored advice. Informational kits are best for those who prefer to interpret results independently.

Environmental Testing for the Home

If your concern is indoor air quality or family allergies, an environment-focused kit can help you assess allergen levels in your living space. These tests do not diagnose your dog's sensitivities but are useful for managing the home environment.

Final Buying Advice

Choosing the right dog allergy test kit depends on your goals, your dog's symptoms, and your preferred method of sample collection. Avoid overbuying by matching the kit's scope to your needs, and remember that most kits are for informational use only.

FAQ For Dog Allergy Test Kits

1. What is the difference between food and environmental allergy tests for dogs?

Food allergy tests screen for sensitivities to ingredients like proteins, grains, and additives, while environmental tests focus on triggers such as pollen, fabrics, and cleaning products. Some kits combine both for a broader overview.

2. How accurate are at-home dog allergy test kits?

Most kits provide useful insights for managing sensitivities, but results are best used as a guide for dietary or environmental changes. They are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis.

3. How do I collect a sample for these tests?

Depending on the kit, you may collect a hair sample, saliva, or use a cheek swab. Each method comes with step-by-step instructions and is designed to be non-invasive and stress-free for your dog.

4. How long does it take to get results?

Turnaround times vary by kit, ranging from about 4 days to 3 weeks after the sample is received by the lab. Check each product's details for specific timelines.

5. Can these tests diagnose medical allergies?

No, at-home allergy test kits are for informational use and do not provide a medical diagnosis. Always consult your veterinarian for persistent or severe symptoms.

6. Are there kits that test the home environment instead of the dog?

Yes, some kits are designed to assess allergen levels in your home, which can be helpful for managing indoor air quality and family allergies.

James Vega

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