York researchers are set to cash in on an American love affair with their pets - thanks to a £45,000 Government grant.

Staff at York Nutritional Laboratories are using the cash to develop a new version of their pioneering blood test for food sensitivity - for dogs.

And they believe the test could prove a real winner in the United States.

John Graham, a director of the privately-run laboratory at Clifton Moor, said many owners, particularly in the US, seemed almost more concerned about their pet's health than about their own.

He said: "We believe this test should do well.

"Dogs do have illnesses, and many owners would be really glad to learn what foods their pet might react to."

Business at the lab has been booming since the launch of its home pin-prick test - for humans - a year ago.

Customers take a tiny sample of blood in their own home, pop it in the post - and technicians at the lab can then test it against up to 93 common foods to see if customers are sensitive to them.

A year ago the lab employed three people. Now it employs nine - and has had to take on extra staff temporarily to cope with demand.

The Department of Trade grant is being used to pay the salary of researcher Peter Cousins to develop the new doggy test - and to carry out initial market research.

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