Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
One of the most complicated food groups is mushrooms. These edible additions have been a human favorite in many dishes and can be found in our gardens, parks, and yards. Yet, we hear many stories about how consuming mushrooms can go wrong fast.
So, can dogs eat mushrooms? Let’s find out!
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
If you've been searching for different foods to give your dog, mushrooms may not be your first choice. While mushrooms such as portabella and white button mushrooms are considered safe for dogs when correctly prepared, they don't have much nutritional value for dogs to gain any benefits.
Not only do these mushrooms not contain nutritional value for our furry friends, but some wild mushrooms are considered highly toxic for dogs. If you're taking your dog to a grassy or wooded area, stay clear of wild mushrooms. Even some mushrooms that are considered safe can be toxic for dogs if they’re eaten raw.
While dogs can eat mushrooms if they’re correctly prepared and cooked, there are far more risks than benefits.
There is, however, one exception, which involves medicinal mushrooms. Even though there’s been little research, some evidence still suggests that Maitake or Shiitake mushrooms have immune-boosting qualities that can help slow the growth of tumors and inflammation.
Puppies and Mushrooms
There are many issues when feeding mushrooms to dogs, especially with young puppies whose bodies are small and have a weaker immune system. Additionally, when exploring, puppies love to taste things with their mouth, so they tend to eat what’s in front of them.
With these child-like tendencies, puppies are more at risk of ingesting toxic mushrooms that could be growing in your very own backyard. Refrain from giving your puppies mushrooms as treats, as this may confuse them if they come across a poisonous mushroom.
In general, puppies may eat store-bought mushrooms unless they experience health issues and, in that case, can consume medicinal mushrooms.
Safest Mushrooms for Dogs to Eat
Dogs can have a variety of mushrooms when they’re safely prepared and cooked. These mushrooms include porcini mushrooms, baby bella mushrooms, portabella mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, and white button mushrooms.
Certain medicinal mushrooms are safe for dogs, which include Reishi mushrooms, Shiitake mushrooms, Maitake mushrooms, and Turkey tail mushrooms.
Amount of Mushrooms Safe for Dogs to Eat
So, can dogs eat mushrooms, and is there a specific amount safe for dogs to eat? In moderation, dogs can consume mushrooms if they’re prepared correctly and store-bought. If you are considering giving mushrooms to your dog, ensure you’re including it with their treats.
However, it’s essential to remember that even mushrooms considered safe for dogs can sometimes cause gastrointestinal issues, so ensure you only give them a few pieces.
When giving your dog medical mushrooms, they come in either dried form or powdered. Before giving them to your pet, read the instructions to provide the correct dosage and adjust as needed. If unsure of how much medicinal mushrooms your dog should be considered, contact your vet immediately.
Dogs and Wild Mushrooms
If you ever come across a mushroom in the wild, this doesn’t always mean that it’s toxic, but in many cases, most are, so it’s best not to take any chances. Various kinds of mushrooms come in different shapes and sizes, but not all of them are poisonous. If you’re a dog owner and frequently outdoors, it’s best to assume these mushrooms are toxic if ingested.
If you are outside and your dog eats a mushroom, you should treat every situation as an emergency. You should immediately call your veterinarian or, in the worst case, visit an animal emergency room. If possible, put a mushroom sample in a baggy so the vet can identify it and appropriately treat your dog.
One of the best ways to avoid further absorption of the poisonous mushrooms is to use activated charcoal.
Dogs and Mushroom Poisoning
Can dogs eat mushrooms, and is there such a thing as mushroom poisoning? Some mushrooms have different types of toxins within them, which can take anywhere from fifteen to twenty-four hours to show symptoms.
Some of the signs of mushroom poisoning include seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle weakness, excessive drooling, and loss of coordination. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
If your dog experiences mushroom poisoning, there are pet insurance policies that will reimburse you for the cost. However, some pet insurance companies might even reimburse you if you need to visit the emergency room for mushroom poisoning.
Additionally, medicinal mushrooms aren’t covered by pet insurance since many companies don’t cover herbal remedies. Whether your insurance provides this coverage depends on the policy. If you’re unsure if your pet insurance covers mushroom poisoning, contact your provider for details about your policy.
How to Feed Mushrooms to Dogs Safely
Even with mushrooms that are safe to give dogs to ingest, there are still some problems that you may run into. First, if feeding your dog non-organic mushrooms, these mushrooms are typically covered with pesticides. Second, raw mushrooms contain monomethyl hydrazine, which is highly toxic for dogs.
Third, mushrooms cooked for humans may contain salt, oil, or garlic, which can be unhealthy for dogs. Lastly, mushrooms can also be considered a choking hazard.
To safely feed your dog, ensure you’re washing the mushrooms thoroughly, cut them into small pieces, cook them without butter or oil, and give them to your dog plain without seasonings.
If giving your dog medical mushrooms, it’s safer to give them to them in powdered form. Before incorporating any mushrooms into your dog’s diet.
Health Benefits
When growing mushrooms, growers use mushroom substrate to grow different mushroom species. Since mushrooms have different species, it’s essential to use a suitable mushroom substrate to receive the best results. Grown in the proper condition, mushrooms can have some health benefits.
Supports Heart & Lungs
Some mushrooms, such as Turkey Tail, have been used to help with pulmonary disorders, help lower cholesterol, help prevent blood clots, and help improve the overall health of dogs and humans.
Supports Kidneys & Liver
Some mushrooms, such as Maitake, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail, have also been used to help support kidney and liver functions for those experiencing chronic disorders. Cordyceps mushrooms can also be used to help treat kidney failure. For issues that are rooted in diabetes, Reishi mushrooms can be helpful.
Fights Allergies
Shiitake and Reishi mushrooms can help relieve problems with itching and other systems when dogs experience allergies because they contain antihistamines.
Helps With Blood Sugar
It’s possible to help reduce blood sugar levels using Reishi and Maitake mushrooms; they can also help dogs manage their diabetes. It’s essential to contact your veterinarian and to use caution when giving your dog medicinal mushrooms.
In the U.S., herbal supplements aren’t monitored as heavily as prescription medications when given to your dog. The ingredients won’t always match its label either. Some products veterinarians recommend have been used to help improve the body’s immune system.
Helps Inflammation
When using medicinal mushrooms for dogs, these mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and can help their bodies reduce inflammation. These medicinal mushrooms can help older dogs who are suffering from joint pain, in addition to treating auto-immune disorders.
Helps the Immune System
Medicinal mushrooms contain many antioxidants and can help dogs with their immune systems. Additionally, they also contain antibacterial properties that can help dogs fight off contagious illnesses.
Dogs and Morel Mushrooms
As long as you prepare and properly cook morel mushrooms, these mushrooms are generally safe for dogs, but some morel mushrooms may cause gastrointestinal issues. It can be challenging to distinguish between mushrooms to determine which ones are toxic and non-toxic.
If your dog ingests any unidentified mushrooms, contact your veterinarian immediately. However, if you’re planning to give your dog morel mushrooms to ingest, you’ll want to learn more about how to store morel mushrooms.
The Bottom Line
If you prepare and cook mushrooms correctly, dogs can eat a lot of the same mushrooms that humans eat. However, dogs won’t receive the same nutritional benefits as humans when ingesting mushrooms, as many wild mushrooms are incredibly toxic to dogs. In contrast, there are many benefits to using medicinal mushrooms for dogs.
Medicinal mushrooms can help a dog’s immune system, but there’s no reason to give mushrooms to your dog as a treat.
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? FAQ
1. Is it okay for dogs to eat cooked mushrooms?
In small amounts of olive oil, dogs can eat store-bought mushrooms; however, avoid using extras such as salt and garlic.
2. Are mushrooms toxic to dogs?
Mushrooms purchased in a store are safe for dogs to ingest, but if your dog comes across a wild mushroom, these mushrooms can be poisonous if ingested.
3. Are portobello mushrooms safe for dogs?
Store-bought mushrooms, such as portobello and Shiitake, are safe for dogs and have many health benefits.
4. Are yellow mushrooms poisonous to dogs?
Yellow mushrooms (death cap mushrooms) are the number one cause of mushroom poisoning that can become fatal.
5. How much mushroom can a dog eat?
If giving your dog cooked mushrooms, they should be given small amounts. When outside, avoid consuming mushrooms altogether to avoid confusion about toxic mushrooms.