Mushrooms for Dogs: Benefits and Uses
Mushrooms are having a moment. They’ve come into high demand for humans recently due to abundant research on their health benefits. and they are showing up in everything from coffees to teas and even chocolates. And they’re expected to continue gaining in popularity. according to a ReportLinker study.
It only makes sense that mushrooms for dogs are also penetrating the market for pets. and you may be considering adding them to your pet’s diet. Plus, you may recognize mushrooms popping up more in your pup’s treats or supplements.
As a pet parent, you may be wondering, are mushrooms good for dogs? And are mushrooms safe for dogs? We did the research on the benefits and potential side effects, and if they’re worth adding into your dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
“Cultivated mushrooms that are safe for people should usually be safe for dogs when ingested in moderation. or if the animal does not have an allergy to mushrooms. or have certain underlying medical conditions,” says Dr. Jerry Klein. veterinarian and chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club.
But, wild mushrooms can be toxic—and even deadly—for dogs. If you can’t identify a wild mushroom as 100 percent safe, it’s best to avoid it completely and keep it out of your dog’s reach.
“Wild mushrooms should always be consider dangerous and toxic due to the inherent. dangers in the proper identification of wild mushrooms by most people,” adds Dr. Klein.
Mushrooms for Dogs: Benefit and Uses
According to Dr Klein, most research on medicinal mushrooms has been perform on laboratory animals and humans. As such, any benefits when it comes to using mushrooms for dogs are anecdotal.
“There are very few studies on the use and benefits of medicinal mushrooms on dogs and cats. and it has not been approve for the treatment of medical conditions in dogs and cats,” says Dr. Klein.
Mushrooms are high in B vitamins (B2, B3, folate, B5), phosphorus, vitamin D, selenium, copper, and potassium, according to Harvard Health.
In various studies, mushrooms have found to support immune health and dementia prevention. while also aiding in the prevention of liver disease, kidney disease. and other chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseasein humans.
“The consideration and use of medicinal mushrooms should always be administer. following a veterinarian’s recommendation who is school in their use,” notes Dr. Klein. “Their usage is often as an adjunct with more traditional medical protocols.”
Mushroom Supplements for Dogs
“Pet owners should only consider starting the use of any supplements including mushrooms. for the use in dogs after consulting with their veterinarian,” says Dr. Klein. “The use of mushrooms for medical reasons has not been approve by the FDA.”
With that in mind, if you’re interested in adding a mushroom supplement to your dog’s diet. you may notice a few different types of mushrooms in the supplements.
Medicinal mushrooms contain polysaccharides (complex sugars), proteins, and glycoproteins (sugar-protein compounds). which are all active ingredients found in mushroom supplements meant for their anticancer. anti-inflammatory. and immune-boosting properties, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.
Below are some of the most common:
Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs
Turkey tail mushrooms, also known as Coriolus versicolor and yunzhi mushrooms. have been use in traditional Chinese medicine. These mushrooms stimulate the immune system and improve survival. rates in human patients with gastric and colorectal cancers. according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
These types of mushrooms may also be beneficial to dogs with cancer. says Dr. Katie Woodley of The Natural Pet Doctor. “A recent study done by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. showed that dogs with hemangiosarcoma that were treat with turkey tail mushrooms had the longest. survival times ever reported even for dogs that received chemotherapy.”
Reishi Mushrooms for Dogs
Reishi mushrooms known for their antioxidant properties, which may enhance immune response. They may also have blood pressure-lowering effects and slow blood clotting.
Cordyceps Mushrooms for Dogs
Cordyceps mushrooms are also used in traditional Chinese medicine. Research shows that cordyceps have blood-thinning properties. and may also reduce blood sugar levels.
“This type of mushroom has antifungal and antibacterial properties,” says Dr. Woodley. “If you have a pet that is battling allergies or chronic infections. adding cordyceps into their diet may help.”
Chaga Mushroom for Dogs
Chaga mushrooms have been use in folk medicine across northern Europe (they grow on birch trees in cold climates). and have found to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation and swelling.
How to Prepare Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs
Mushroom supplements for dogs come in many forms, but the most common is powder that can be scoop. and mixed into your dog’s food. Mushrooms are also an addition in certain pre-made snacks and treats.
But if you’re looking to prepare mushrooms for your pet, there are a few things to remember.
According to Harvard Health, mushrooms should be cleane before eaten to remove dirt. Rinse them under running water. If cooking mushrooms. keep in mind that high temperatures may reduce nutrients like B vitamins and potassium. If cooking, try simmering them over low heat (compared to high heat) to preserve nutrients.
Mushroom Dosage for Dogs
Check in with your veterinarian before adding a mushroom supplement to your dog’s food. While there may be dosing information on the product itself. it’s best to double check with your vet to ensure that the supplement and the dose is correct. based on your pet’s size and medical history.
For medicinal mushrooms, it gets tricky. “Since the use of mushrooms for medical reasons has not been approve by the FDA in dogs. there are no specific dosing guidelines for dogs and cats,” notes Dr. Klein. “Also, there is no drug interaction information. Medicinal mushrooms should be use in pets with bleeding disorders. low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, or immune-mediated disorders. They should be use in diabetics, animals on anticoagulants. pregnant or nursing pets, as safety has not been establish.”
He also adds that pet parents should not use medicinal mushrooms without veterinary monitoring. as prolonged use or high doses may cause harm.
Mushrooms for Dogs: Side Effects
Before you feed your pup mushrooms. you should know that there are some potential side effects and risks.
“Side effects would depend on the type of mushrooms ingested. and may include gastrointestinal signs of vomiting and. or diarrhea, wobbliness, or skin rashes,” says Dr. Klein. “More serious side effects could saymushroom toxicity and those signs could include seizures. severe vomiting and diarrhea. weakness and jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes).”
You definitely should talk to your vet before feeding your dog any type of mushroom. or mushroom supplement. This is especially true if your dog takes medication. to cut the risk of harmful drug interactions.
“Vitamins, herbal therapies. and supplements all have the potential to interact with each other as well. as with prescription and over the counter medications,” says Dr. Klein. “It is imperative to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including all vitamins. supplements. or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.”
Where to Buy Mushrooms for Dogs
For raw mushrooms. you can find fresh mushrooms in the produce section of your local grocery store.
As for mushroom supplements for dogs. there are tons of options that are plan for dogs that are available from pet retailers. Since supplements are not FDA regulated. it’s important to discuss all supplements with your dog’s vet before adding them into their diet.
Mushrooms are making their way into more meals in recent years, but can your dog enjoy a nibble on fungi too? Find out if dogs can eat mushrooms and which ones to avoid in our guide.
Mushrooms bought from the shops are an versatile ingredient and as humans. we enjoy the fungi in a great number of meals. Whether it’s an earthy addition to a fry up or a hearty meat alternative in veggie dishes. mushrooms pop up in some of our favourite dishes. There are many varieties in the UK, thousands of species in fact. Some of these are poisonous so you should only forage for wild mushrooms with expert guidance.
You may have wondered “can dogs eat mushrooms? Especially when a straggler falls on the floor whilst cooking. or a dog gives you puppy eyes as you tuck into dinner. At Purina, we’ve got all the information you need to know about if mushrooms are bad for dogs or not.. and the low down on the varieties you should avoid.
Can dogs eat mushrooms?
Similar to humans, some mushrooms are fine for dogs to eat, while others can be toxic. Dogs can eat mushrooms bought from a supermarket or other shop. organic, unseasoned and raw. But you should always avoid any wild mushrooms. As there’s such a vast variety of mushrooms and they’re so difficult to tell apart. you should treat any wild mushroom with caution as some are poisonous. If you suspect your dog has eaten one, contact your vet as soon as possible.
If you spot wild mushrooms growing in your garden, you should remove them as soon as possible.
Can dogs eat cooked mushrooms?
Shop-bought mushrooms cooked in a small amount of olive oil are fine for your dog to eat. but, mushrooms in meals are often cooked with added extras such as salt. as well as onions and garlic which aren’t safe for your dog to eat, and could make them sick. Rather than giving your dog food from your plate, consider cooking mushrooms for them .
Are mushrooms bad for dogs?
As mentioned before, dogs can eat mushrooms, raw and cooked. They contain vitamins B and D, minerals and antioxidants. They are also low calorie, have no fat or cholesterol and contain very little salt. They’re fine for your dog to eat, but you don’t have to give them as a supplement to their diet. as your dog should get everything they need from their complete, balanced dog food.
Safe varieties of mushrooms
Most options purchased in supermarkets are fine, such as the following:
-
White button
-
Cremini (white or chestnut mushrooms)
-
Portobello
-
Porcini
-
Reishi
-
Shiitake
-
Maitake
Poisonous wild mushrooms in the US:
A few wild mushrooms which are poisonous to both dogs and people are:
-
Death Cap (Amanita Phalloides)
-
Agaric (Amanita Muscaria). the iconic fairy-tale mushroom with the red cap and white spots
-
Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius Rubellus)
-
Funeral Bell (Galerina Marginata)
-
Destroying Angel (Amanita Virosa)
-
Fool’s Funnel (Clitocybe Rivulosa)
-
Panther Cap (Amanita Pantherine)
-
Angel’s Wings (Pleurocybella Porrigens)
Be aware that often these mushrooms can be mistaken for the safe varieties you buy in shops. so always err on the side of caution and avoid them.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs:
If your dog has eaten a poisonous mushroom the symptoms vary between different varieties. but generally you should be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
-
Drooling
-
Vomiting
-
Diarrhoea
-
Abdominal pain
In more serious cases:
-
Collapse
-
Weakness
-
Organ (liver or kidney) failure
-
Seizures
-
Coma
If you suspect your dog’s eaten a wild mushroom, seek veterinary help right away. A speedy diagnosis areatment are key in helping your dog recover nd
How to feed mushrooms to your dog
If you want to offer your dog a mushroom it’s best to stick to shop-bought, raw,. organic options and never feed wild mushrooms. Chop a small piece of mushroom and offer it to your dog. be aware though that few will enjoy the taste, so don’t be surprise if they turn their nose up!
Now you know that dogs can eat mushrooms! Want to find out more about what dogs can and can’t eat? Learn if dogs can eat celery, next.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.