“The love for a dog gives us the strength to move mountains - or at least to never stop trying."
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Can dogs eat mushrooms?
Read this now if you love a 4-legged pooch
As a loving dog parent, you've probably wondered "can dogs eat mushrooms?" while preparing dinner or watching your curious pup investigate fungi during walks.
This question is particularly close to my heart, as mushrooms have played a crucial role in my own dogs' health journeys.
Can dogs eat mushrooms?
Most of the mushrooms on the planet are poisonous
First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that not all mushrooms are created equal.
The golden rule is simple: never let your dog eat wild mushrooms.
Even experienced mushroom foragers can sometimes mistake poisonous varieties for edible ones, so it's not worth risking your beloved pet's life.
If your dog ever eats a wild mushroom, treat it as an emergency.
Contact your veterinarian immediately and, if possible, bring a sample of the mushroom (carefully collected with gloves) for identification.
Watch for symptoms like:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- lethargy, or
- yellowing of the eyes and gums
Both of my chocolate boys have lived LONG and HAPPY lives, despite facing major medical issues, which still baffles all veterinarians whom have managed their care.
Franti survived mast cell cancer for five years after diagnosis, living to just three months shy of his 14th birthday.
I suspect his cancer was triggered by Round Up pesticides sprayed in our former neighborhood for the first decade of his life.
Cordyceps mushrooms, originally found parasitizing caterpillars in the Himalayas, can help increase oxygen utilization in dogs, making them particularly beneficial for senior dogs or those with respiratory issues.
Similarly, I lost my first dog, Sammy, to liver cancer, likely due to weedkiller exposure from a neighbor's yard.
Jackson was diagnosed with a super rare auto-immune disease in 2020, which is managed with chemo injections and daily prednisone to keep his brain from swelling.
Even though my chocolate boys have lived with severe diseases, they both have lived very happy, puppy-like lives the entire duration of their lives.
I 1000% contribute their longevity and happiness to:
- a raw diet
- functional mushrooms, and
- a broad spectrum CBD
And of course, lots and lots and lots of love and puppy snuggles.
I 1000% contribute my chocolate boys' incredible health and longevity to a raw diet, functional mushrooms, and a broad spectrum CBD.
Erin Taylor, Shroommystic
Store bought mushrooms are generally safe
The good news?
...in answering the question "Can dogs eat mushrooms?"...
Store-bought mushrooms are generally safe for dogs to eat!
Common varieties like:
- button
- cremini
- portobello mushrooms
...can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet when properly prepared.
These mushrooms are not only safe but can provide valuable nutrients like:
- protein,
- vitamins B and D, and
- minerals
What about functional mushrooms for dogs?
Here's where it gets really exciting - certain medicinal mushrooms can actually boost your dog's health significantly!
Of course this is all backed by science!
I've witnessed this firsthand with my current dog, Jackson, who's currently 13 1/2 and, as stated earlier, lives with a rare neurological disorder.
Despite requiring chemo injections every three weeks and daily prednisone since age 9, he continues to defy veterinarians' expectations.
Lion's Mane mushroom has been shown in studies to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production, which shows promise in helping dogs with degenerative nerve conditions or recovery from nerve injuries.
About 6 months ago, I conducted an experiment with Jackson.
Typically, the week before his injections, he experiences pretty low energy.
I started giving him a double dose of Real Mushrooms Cordyceps and a dose of Lion's Mane.
The results were stunning - I noticed a remarkable increase in his energy levels, as if it wasn't even his pre-injection week!
Reishi mushrooms contain triterpenes that can help reduce allergic responses in dogs - beneficial for pets with environmental allergies or skin sensitivities.
How do functional mushroom supplements benefit dogs?
If you're wondering "Can dogs eat mushrooms - in the form of mushroom supplements?", the answer is a resounding yes!
These specially formulated supplements are becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious pet parents.
They're particularly beneficial for senior dogs, those with compromised immune systems, or pets dealing with chronic conditions.
The key is choosing high-quality supplements from reputable manufacturers.
The benefits of medicinal mushrooms for dogs are truly remarkable.
The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.
Konrad Lorenz
Functional mushrooms can help:
- support the immune system
- support the gut
- joint and muscle health
- stress management
- overall vitality
- support cognitive function in aging pets
My dogs' experiences are testament to these benefits - it's worth mentioning again...they've consistently lived longer, happier lives despite serious health challenges, leaving their veterinarians amazed at their resilience.
Some medicinal mushrooms, particularly Cordyceps and Reishi, can help regulate cortisol levels in dogs, potentially helping stress-prone or anxious pets.
Be really picky when choosing your supplements
When choosing mushroom supplements for your dog, look for products that use whole mushroom extracts rather than fruiting bodies only or mycelium (the root structure).
Whole mushroom extracts typically contain higher concentrations of beneficial compounds.
Also, ensure the product is specifically formulated for pets and comes from a company with good manufacturing practices, like 3rd party testing.
If you are familiar with my site and writing, you've heard my soapbox about the functional mushroom market...
Over 95% of functional mushroom companies are a complete scam...full of fillers and a complete waste of your money.
In my exhaustive functional mushroom supplement research, I've found most companies don't know what they're doing...or they're deceiving you on purpose because nobody regulates functional mushroom supplements.
The chitin in mushroom cell walls acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and potentially improving digestive health in dogs.
So, can dogs eat mushrooms that are verified not poisonous?
Yes....and...
When introducing mushrooms to your dog's diet, start slow.
Begin with small amounts of cooked mushrooms (always cook store bought fresh and gourmet mushrooms!) or a low dose of a mushroom supplement.
Monitor your pet for any adverse reactions, though these are rare with properly prepared store-bought mushrooms or quality supplements.
Remember, while mushrooms can be a wonderful addition to your dog's wellness routine, they're not a replacement for veterinary care.
Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if your dog has existing health conditions or is taking medications.
I never expected to have a "special needs" dog, but here I am, and I'm grateful for the knowledge I've gained about natural supplements like medicinal mushrooms.
They've been one of my secrets to helping my dogs live long, happy lives despite their health challenges.
With proper guidance and high-quality products, mushrooms can be a safe and beneficial part of your dog's health journey too.
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