Best At-Home Dog Allergy Test Kits of 2023 — Reviews & Top Picks
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Ever since my dog developed a bad case of allergies, I’ve been determined to find the best at-home dog allergy test kit to identify those pesky allergens that make my pup miserable.
I did some research and found a few different types of tests available. I put together this guide covering how dog allergy tests can help determine if your dog is allergic to certain foods, environmental factors, and other allergens. I also first-hand review the best at-home dog allergy test kits and recommend our top picks to help dog parents in similar situations.
If your dog is excessively licking or scratching or showing skin problems such as lesions, hives, hair loss, or even experiencing digestive issues, it’s time for some canine allergy testing. This can help you uncover what may be triggering your pup’s allergies, all from the comfort of your home.
But first, let’s learn about dog allergies and how allergy tests for dogs work before choosing one for your pup. Let’s dive in!
Best Dog Allergy Test Kits — At A Glance
Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best dog allergy test kits.
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(We encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision)
Why You Should Trust Us
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hours of research went into this review. Hands-on tests, our dog’s experience, competitive analysis and more
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dog allergy testing companies were under consideration for the top six
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experts’ opinions and research studies were used to provide accurate information and rankings
What Is A Dog Allergy Test?
Dog allergy tests can help determine whether your dog overreacts to certain substances (allergens), such as food sources or external environmental factors that could harm their health and overall well-being.
There are four main types of dog allergy testing methods:
At-home dog allergy test kits are only available as hair and saliva tests and provide a quick and painless experience as opposed to blood and skin allergy tests that veterinarians typically conduct. Generally, at-home pet allergy test kits test between 100 to 355 allergens that could cause some distress, like intolerances, sensitivities, or allergies.
Always consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
What Allergies Can At-Home Dog Allergy Kits Test For?
At-home dog allergy testing kits can test for the most common types of allergies in dogs, including:
These kits only test for non-IgE (Immunoglobulin E) allergies or intolerances that develop over time. A blood or skin prick test is recommended if you want to test for IgE allergies. IgE allergies are caused by your dog’s body’s immune system within minutes of ingesting food or exposure to an allergen.
How Does At-Home Dog Allergy Testing Work?
Most at-home dog allergy tests require a small saliva or hair sample. When you order a kit, you’ll receive everything you need to collect the sample.
After getting your dog’s hair or saliva sample, place it into the tube provided before mailing it back to the test company. Your kit will include detailed directions and all the materials you need. The whole process is straightforward. The results will then be emailed to you within a few weeks. You should discuss your puppy’s results with your veterinarian to determine the best treatment plan.
What Causes Dog Allergies?
Here is a breakdown of the most common dog allergy types that affect canines.
The most common allergy in dogs is allergic dermatitis (skin allergies). Food allergies and environmental allergies are the leading causes of skin allergies in dogs.
According to WebMD, 10 % of dog allergy cases are food allergies.[1] Dogs are most commonly allergic to the following foods: beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. Rabbit and fish are by far less common food allergens than the others. However, most dogs are usually allergic to more than one thing.
Common environmental and airborne triggers include fleas and dust mites, molds, and pollens from trees, grasses, weeds, flowers, and other inhalants. Home allergens may include perfumes, cleaning products, and other household items.
Why Test Your Dog For Allergies?
Do you really need to test your dog for allergies? In short, yes.
Our dogs can develop allergies, just like us. Information from dog allergy tests may help you and your veterinarian develop an allergy treatment plan that includes allergen avoidance, such as foods, medications, shampoos, and other environmental factors. Neglected dog allergies can result in poor health, lack of energy, mood changes and other health problems. Along with your dog’s medical history, dog allergy tests may be able to confirm whether a particular substance your furry friend touches, breathes, or eats is causing allergic reactions.
If allergies in dogs are left untreated, a secondary infection could lead to hot spots, inflammation, and even hair loss. Furthermore, allergies can lead to a condition known as Lick Granuloma. It occurs when a dog obsessively licks due to an itchy skin condition, such as an allergy. Affected dogs usually lick at one spot for hours daily, eventually creating a wound at the site. The wound stimulates further licking, and the dog falls into a cycle of self-trauma, inflammation, and infection.[2] If your dog is licking or scratching excessively, it’s essential to find the best dog allergy test to see if your dog suffers from allergies and avoid this from happening.
Additionally, dogs with food sensitivities and allergies can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive health. An at-home dog allergy test can help rule out certain foods at a significantly lower cost than a veterinary dog allergy test.
In my case, I was curious to find out whether my three dogs might have food allergies. My dogs have traditionally been picky eaters and have suffered from stomach issues in the past. Learning which foods triggered allergic reactions was invaluable because it enabled me to adjust their diet so they could enjoy their food without experiencing digestive issues. For instance, I wouldn’t want to feed my dog a beef diet if they’re allergic to beef, as this could potentially cause distress to my pet. Therefore, I decided to conduct an at-home dog allergy test.
Dog allergy tests are a valuable resource for dog parents when deciding what dog food to order, as well as providing a safe environment and lifestyle to ensure their dogs are happy and healthy.
Best Dog Allergy Test Kits
So, what is the best allergy test for dogs?
We’ve reviewed some of the best at-home allergy tests for dogs to help you choose the right one for your beloved pup.
Our researchers picked the top dog allergy tests based on several factors, including pricing, hands-on experience, customer reviews, substances tested, accuracy, results and more.
Best Overall — Easy DNA Dog Allergy Test Reviews
Why We Picked & Recommended It
The Easy DNA Dog Allergy Test kit is our best overall dog allergy test because it checks for over 120 common food and environmental allergens by measuring the antibodies in your dog’s saliva against each allergen. Your dog’s immune system produces antibodies in response to something foreign invading the body. The presence of high antibody levels indicates sensitivity and intolerance. It’s also one of the most affordable options at around $104. Furthermore, the company has over 18 years of experience in the DNA testing industry, making it one of the more reliable options.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
They offer the most comprehensive result reporting. Your dog’s test results will come in a list of the allergens broken down into three categories: strong intolerance (positive for the allergen tested), mild intolerance, and no intolerance (negative for the allergen tested). For each food or item your dog tested strong or mild intolerance, the report will include an insightful description of the substance and the potential associated symptoms.
Key Features
What We Like & Don’t Like
Pros
Cons
Our EasyDNA Dog Allergy Test Video Review
Looking for an Easy DNA promo code? Here is the best deal we found.
Best Dog Food Allergy Test — 5Strands Dog Allergy Test
Why We Picked & Recommended It
5Strands Pet Food Intolerance Test is your best choice if you are looking for the best food allergy test for dogs. It wins our top pick in this category because it tests for 275 food ingredients and preservatives, more than any other test. It’s affordable at $88. This dog food allergy test is intended to help you zero in on the key sensitivities and guide you in an elimination diet. It serves as a valuable screening tool that will help you create a safer dietary and nutritional plan for your dog and remove foods that may be triggering your pup’s allergies. It’s great for finding those ingredients that cause your pup to scratch, bite its paws, rub its face, or have overall discomfort.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
It uses bio-resonance technology to scan your pet’s hair. Bio-resonance measures the frequency of energy wavelengths to detect unhealthy frequencies of the cells within our bodies. This includes all the cells in the body and substances such as pollens, toxins, viruses, bacteria, food, etc.
Key Features
Offers different dog food allergy tests for specific needs. These include:
What We Like & Don’t Like
Pros
Cons
Our readers get 10% off their total order using “CANINEBIBLE” at checkout. Click here to get started.
Best Environmental Dog Allergy Test — Dog Seasonal Allergies Test
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Dust, pollen, and mold are all environmental allergens that can cause dogs’ allergic reactions or atopic dermatitis. Oftentimes, these are seasonal. If your pup suffers from allergies caused by environmental allergens, a pet environmental intolerance like 5Strands Pet Environment Intolerance Test will help you learn how your dog’s body responds to current lifestyle surroundings.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
It will test your dog for 105 of the most common indoor and outdoor environmental dog allergens (i.e., plants, grass, flowers, essential oils, fabrics, cleaning solutions, etc.). The results will yield the environmental items that are most likely to be triggering your pet’s allergies and causing them physical discomfort like skin scratching, paw biting, head shaking, eye mucus, hot spots, etc.
Key Features
What We Like & Don’t Like
Pros
Cons
Our readers get 10% off their total order using “CANINEBIBLE” at checkout. Click here to get started.
Most Affordable Dog Allergy Test — Allergy Test My Pet Reviews
Why We Picked & Recommended It
A.T. My Pet’s Dog Allergy Test is the most affordable allergy testing option for discovering allergens that may be affecting your dog. This test was designed to measure up to 150 of the most common allergens your pet may be reacting to, including food, environmental, and household products. Unlike a fur test, this test uses a saliva collection device for full analysis at their laboratory. They measure the antibody reaction in your dog’s saliva against each allergen and report if there is a positive, possible, or negative reaction to each allergen.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Compared to EasyDNA and 5Strands Food & Environmental tests, it’s $3 and $47 cheaper, respectively. This cost-effective dog allergy test will help your dog on the path to greater wellness.
Key Features
What We Like And Don’t Like
Pros
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Allergy Test My Pet often has discounted prices off of MSRP on Amazon.
Best Vet-Recommended Dog Allergy Test — Nutriscan
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Nutriscan Dog Allergy Test wins the gold medal for best vet-recommend dog allergy test because it was developed by W. Jean Dodds, a world-renowned veterinarian and co-authored of the best-selling book Canine Nutrigenomics. Furthermore, the company conducted clinical trials that validated the test’s efficacy and has tested 23,000+ dogs. This kit tests only for dog food sensitivities.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
By comparison, hair, serum, and DNA (300 foods) tests are NOT clinically predictive of adverse food effects. This test measures antibodies to 24 selected foods in the saliva of dogs and cats. High antibody levels indicate that the animal has a food sensitivity and intolerance to the food. They provide a report with specific results on your dog’s food intolerance or sensitivities. They list the foods your pup tested for borderline reaction (avoid), intermediate reaction (avoid), weak reaction, and no reaction.
Key Features
What We Like And Don’t Like
Pros
Cons
Best Dog Allergy Test For Allergen Quantity — UCARI
Why We Picked & Recommended It
UCARI Pet Intolerance Test Kit wins the trophy in this category for testing one thousand allergens with a single test. By analyzing the hair strands of your pet, UCARI’s pet intolerance test can reveal detailed information about your pet’s diet and well-being. It identifies possible imbalances, intolerances and sensitivities causing your pet to itch, sneeze, experience digestive issues, and more.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
A single test that tests for 1000 allergens. That is more than any other company in this review. It tests for 350+ potential food intolerances, 300+ environmental intolerances, 400+ potential nutritional imbalances, 100+ common pet care ingredients. The company offers very fast results compared to competitors. It usually takes 24-48 hours to get your results after your sample is received back in the mail from the USPS.
Key Features
What We Like And Don’t Like
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Cons
Best Holistic Dog Allergy Test — Glacier Peak Holistics Scan
Why We Picked & Recommended It
If you are into holistic medicine, you will like this test. The Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan by Glacier Peak Holistics differentiates from traditional dog allergy testing because they use Biofeedback Technology with hair and saliva samples to measure your dog’s body’s bioenergetic balance or homeostasis in relation to various food and environmental factors that they have been exposed to.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This test is not a standard dog allergy testing kit. This test looks for reactions to 300 stressors in your pet’s diet using a method based on traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, and Western holistic medicine.
Key Features
What We Like And Don’t Like
Pros
Cons
Types of Dog Allergy Tests
A deeper look at the four types of dog allergy tests.
The first two are the saliva and hair tests, commonly performed at your home’s comfort with an at-home dog allergy test kit like the ones above. The blood and skin test will require you to visit your vet.
| Saliva | Hair | Blood (RAST test) | Skin (Intradermal Skin) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where to Take | At-Home | At-Home | Veterinarian | Veterinarian |
| Sedation Required | No | No | No | Yes |
| Risk | No | No | No | Yes |
| Price | Affordable | Affordable | Costly | Costly |
| Best Test | EasyDNA Dog Allergy Test | 5Strands | N/A | N/A |
| Procedure | Non-Invasive | Non-Invasive | Invasive | Invasive |
Dog Allergy Saliva Test
A dog saliva allergy test measures antibodies to the most common allergens through saliva, providing information that can help guide appropriate treatment throughout your dog’s diet. You need to collect a sample of your dog’s saliva and send it for testing. EasyDNA Dog Allergy Test is your top choice.
Dog Allergy Hair Test
With this test, you collect dog hair instead of blood or hair samples and send them to the lab. 5Strands dog allergy test is the best in this category.
Dog Allergy Skin Test (Dog Skin Prick Test)
Veterinary dermatologists perform dog allergy skin testing, which can be expensive. Intradermal skin testing is regarded as the ‘gold standard in determining the cause of atopic dermatitis, and it requires your dog to be anesthetized and have its hair shaved. Once this is done, the dermatologists inject small amounts of potential allergens under the skin’s surface and monitor the injection sites for any allergic reaction.[3]
A positive reaction could happen right away or take 5 to 20 minutes. If there’s no reaction, it’s unlikely your pup is allergic to the substance. If the test is positive, a typical response looks like a small hive with swelling and redness will occur.[4]
Your vet may avoid skin testing if your dog’s risk for anaphylaxis or a severe reaction is high.
Dog Allergy Blood Test
Blood allergy testing for dogs looks for Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood specific to a certain food or another allergen. The higher the IgE levels, the more likely your pup is allergic to that food or allergen. Blood tests can be less accurate than skin tests but are safer since only a single blood sample is taken and submitted to a reference laboratory for analysis. Unlike skin tests, no allergens are injected into your dog, so there are zero risks of triggering an allergic reaction.
Dog Allergy Testing Blood vs Skin
The main difference between these two allergy tests is that blood testing in dogs is safer and less expensive than dog skin allergy tests. Blood tests pose no risk of triggering a severe reaction compared to a skin test.
Are At-Home Dog Allergy Tests Accurate?
How accurate is allergy testing for dogs? No dog allergy test is one hundred percent accurate. These tests can help you gain insightful information to prevent ingestion or exposure to potential allergens that can cause harm to your dog. Our research indicates dog allergy tests have accuracy levels of 75%.[5] Anecdotal evidence shows similar accuracy numbers, but some parents have high satisfaction levels with their results. Every dog is different, so take the results with a grain of salt and talk to your vet.
Dog Allergy Test Cost
At-home dog allergy test cost versus dog allergy testing cost at your veterinarian. Are they cheaper than a blood test or skin prick test for dogs?
How Much Is A Dog Allergy Test At A Vet’s Office?
The cost of dog allergy testing varies from clinic to clinic and may depend on the number of allergens tested. A pet dermatologist generally performs dog allergy skin testing and involves pricking the skin and checking for reactions to possible allergens. On average, you can expect to pay about $260, according to the Animal Allergy & Dermatology Clinic.[6]
On the other hand, the cost of dog allergy blood testing fluctuates between $200 to $300. However, keep in mind that the examination and additional fees are not included in the skin test or blood costs. This increases the price for both tests.
At-Home Dog Allergy Test Cost
Most at-home dog allergy tests for dogs are less expensive. You find these tests for as low as $55 to $280.
Dog Breeds That Need Allergy Testing The Most
If you own a breed predisposed to allergies, you should monitor your dog for any adverse allergic reactions and consider testing your dog for allergies.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, these are the dog breeds most predisposed to developing allergies include:
Other breeds include pugs, Maltese Terrier, Pekingese, Bichon Frise, German Shepherds, Pitbulls, Yorkies, and Poodle. However, any dog breed (or mixed breeds) can be allergic.[7]
The age of allergy onset for dogs is generally between 6 months and 3 years. Signs are usually seasonal but may be seen all year.
Dog Food Allergy Test
Dog food allergy is a condition that causes the immune system to treat a normally harmless type of food as if it was a dangerous virus, bacteria, or another infectious agent. Food-related allergies can manifest in chronic ear inflammation, gastrointestinal problems, chronic diarrhea to chronic gas, rashes, licking feet, or an itchy rear end.
In more severe cases, your dog may suffer from a life-threatening complication called anaphylactic shock, similar to severe peanut allergies in humans, says The American Kennel Club (AKC) Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein.
Dr. Klein also adds that “True food allergies can range from skin conditions (hives, facial swelling, itchiness), gastrointestinal signs (vomiting or diarrhea) or a combination of both.[8]
According to the latest research, beef, dairy products, chicken, and wheat are the most likely food allergens contributing to skin-related allergies.[9] Note that some foods are known to be toxic for dogs. A dog food allergy test can be performed to find the cause of food-related allergies. Read our in-depth article on dog food allergy testing for more.
5Strands Dog Food Allergy test is our top recommendation for testing dog food allergies
Allergy Test For Dogs Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about allergy tests for dogs.
Does My Dog Need A New Food Diet?
If your dog has tested positive for certain foods and ingredients, removing those ingredients from their current diet is advised. The ideal elimination diet for dog allergies is homemade or switching to a dog food brand that doesn’t know contains the ingredients your pet is allergic to.
Did you know plant-based diets are less common to cause allergic reactions than animal protein-based kibble? Experts from Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University” reported that dogs’ most common food allergies are chicken, beef, dairy, and eggs, all found in traditional dog kibble. Read our best dog vegan foods guide to learn how they can benefit your dog and find an alternative.
When To Visit A Dog Allergist?
Some allergy problems, such as sessional allergies (dust and pollen), aren’t harmful to dogs and may not need treatment. Sometimes your allergies can be controlled with the occasional use of a dog allergy over-the-counter medication. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends dog antihistamines such as Benadryl as an excellent medication for dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. In most cases, seasonal, food, and environmental allergies respond to Benadryl, says the AKC.
However, sometimes allergies can interfere with your dog’s day-to-day activities or decrease their quality of life. Allergies can even be life-threatening. Taking your dog to the vet is crucial if you suspect it has an allergic reaction. Testing your dog for allergies is a great way to minimize allergy risks.
Dog Allergy Testing Near Me
If you are looking for a dog allergist in your area, the chances of finding one are slim. Stop searching on Google for “dog allergy testing near me” and allergy-test your dog from the convenience of your home with one of our top picks above. You can also use a service like Vetster to find a licensed veterinary professional ready to provide online pet care through video chat. They can answer all your dog allergy-related questions.
If your dog has an allergy emergency, please visit the vet ASAP.
Are Dog Allergy Tests Worth It? Verdict
I personally advocate using an at-home dog allergy test. It can help pet parents learn more about their canines’ allergies and avoid food and exposure to environmental allergens that could cause intolerances, sensitivities and distress in your pet’s life.
However, we suggest you interpret the result with the help of your vet, or you may wind up more confused than you were beforehand. With proper interpretation and guidance, you can develop a new dietary plan or adjust your dog’s experimental lifestyle so your pup can live happily and allergy-free.
Allergic reactions can take their toll on a dog’s body, whether the condition is digestive or skin-related. If one of these tests (and a discussion with your vet) reveal that your dog is intolerant to certain ingredients, you should change his diet. A great alternative to consider is fresh dog food. We encourage you to read our reviews of the best gently cooked fresh food delivery services. Fresh food options contain all-natural ingredients with zero preservatives and additives, and you can tailor them for your dog’s food allergies.
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