Anyone who has a dog knows that they often start out as the family pet, but end up as a family member!
Humans and dogs have a special and unique bond - they’ve been in our ‘tribes’ for millennia and aren’t called ‘man’s best friend’ for nothing!
As such, we all want to make sure our four-legged friends live the best life possible - staying happy and healthy for as long as they can.
Just like humans, dogs are prone to a number of health issues and diseases - and just like humans, there are many things that can be done to improve their health and longevity!
One of the most impactful things you can add to your dogs' diet to keep them strong and healthy are mushrooms. Especially medicinal mushrooms!
It’s important to note that not all mushrooms are good for dogs (more on this in our FAQ at the end of this article), however, many mushrooms are very beneficial for dogs in many different ways.
They can help improve digestion, boost the immune system, increase energy levels, improve coat and skin health, reduce inflammation, aid in weight loss, reduce bad breath, reduce the risk of cancer and improve cognitive function.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used in human cultures around the world for thousands of years and have been extensively studied in recent years for their potential health benefits for humans and animals alike.
If you ask me, everyone should be adding medicinal mushrooms to their own diet, and their dog's diet as well!
15 Of The Best Health Benefits Of Mushrooms For Dogs:
1. They can help improve your dog's digestion
Mushrooms are a great source of fibre, which can help to regulate your dog's digestive system.
If your pup is suffering from a sensitive stomach, diarrhea, or constipation, adding mushrooms to their diet may relieve them.
2. They can boost your dog's immune system
Mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and other beneficial compounds that can help to strengthen your dog's immune system.
This is especially true for the highly-revered medicinal mushrooms such as turkey tail, reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, shiitake & tremella.
Veterinarian, Dr Andrew Jones, gives a great discussion in the video below on the benefits of turkey tail mushroom for dogs, particularly surrounding cancer treatment.
3. They can help increase your dog's energy levels
If your dog seems sluggish or doesn't have much energy, mushrooms can be a great addition to their diet.
The nutrients in mushrooms can help to increase your dog's energy levels and make them feel more lively.
4. They can help improve your dog's coat and skin
Mushrooms are a good source of fatty acids, essential for maintaining a healthy coat and skin.
If your dog has dry or flaky skin, adding mushrooms to their diet may help to improve their condition.
5. They can help to reduce inflammation
Mushrooms contain a number of compounds that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This can benefit dogs who suffer from arthritis or other joint conditions.
Inflammation can also lead to other health problems, so reducing it can help your dog feel better overall.
6. They can aid in weight loss
If your dog is overweight, mushrooms can be a helpful addition to its diet. The fibre in mushrooms can help your dog feel fuller for longer and reduce their overall calorie intake.
Mushrooms are also low in fat and calories, making them great weight-loss food.
7. They can help to improve your dog's breath
Mushrooms are natural antibacterial food that can help to reduce bad breath in dogs.
If your pup has a smelly mouth, adding mushrooms to their diet may be the solution you've been looking for.
8. They can help to reduce the risk of cancer
Mushrooms contain compounds that have been shown to help reduce cancer risk in humans - particularly reishi and turkey tail. Some of these compounds have also been effective in preventing cancer in dogs.
Adding mushrooms to your pup's diet shows promise when dealing with this horrible disease, and may be a powerful preventative measure.
9. They can improve cognitive function
Mushrooms contain compounds that can help improve cognitive function in both humans and animals.
If your dog is starting to show signs of cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness or confusion, adding mushrooms to their diet may help to improve their condition.
NOTE: Lion’s mane mushroom is particularly good for this.
10. They are a natural and healthy food
Many standard dog foods lack a number of quality nutrients that your dog needs. Mushrooms are a natural and healthy food that can provide numerous benefits for your dog.
They are low in calories and fat and high in fibre and nutrients. This makes them an ideal addition to anyone’s diet - including your furry friend.
11. They are a great source of antioxidants
Mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your dog's cells from damage and oxidation.
This is important for maintaining overall health and preventing diseases in all humans and animals.
12. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals
Mushrooms are a great source of many essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, potassium, and zinc.
This means that they can provide your dog with various essential nutrients that they may not be getting from their other food sources.
13. They come in a variety of different flavours & textures
Mushrooms come in various textures and flavours, so if your dog is a fussy eater, there is still a good chance you can find one your pup will love.
There are many options like white button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, etc. - so no one goes hungry!
14. They are easy to add to your dog's diet
Mushrooms are super easy to add to your dog's diet - especially if they are a liquid extract or powdered.
You can also easily give them whole fresh mushrooms or cook them as well - just see what your dog likes!
15. They have a long shelf life
If you’re keen to try powdered or liquid extracts of medicinal mushrooms - you’ll find that they have a very long shelf life.
You can easily stock up and keep them on hand to make sure you don’t run out, or have them available for whenever your pup particularly needs them. This makes them a convenient and easy-to-use food that you can always have on hand.
FAQ:
There are a lot of questions surrounding mushrooms and dogs - particularly about which ones are safe. We will dive into a few of them below for you:
Can dogs have mushrooms?
Yes, they definitely can! As with humans though, there are certain mushrooms that are not safe to eat for dogs. According to the Pet Health Network, a good general rule is that if they are sold in large grocery stores, they are generally safe for dogs. You should always consult your veterinarian first though.
Are mushrooms bad for dogs? Are they poisonous or toxic?
There are definitely some mushrooms that are poisonous and toxic for dogs. Generally speaking as far as mushrooms go, if you can eat it - your dog probably can too. You should always check in with your vet before adding mushrooms to your dog's diet and if you see your dog eating any mushrooms in the wild, stop them immediately.
Can dogs eat mushrooms from the garden or yard?
No, your dog shouldn’t eat mushrooms from the garden or yard. Not all are guaranteed to be poisonous or toxic, but you shouldn’t take the risk. If you see your dog eating mushrooms from the yard, stop them unless you know exactly what’s growing.
Should dogs eat mushrooms cooked or raw?
Dogs can eat mushrooms both raw and cooked - it depends on what your dog prefers! Some dogs are fussy eaters and will let you know which one they prefer. As with humans, all dogs are different so it is worth noting how your dog responds after raw mushrooms though as they can be a little harder to digest. Start out with a small piece first and see how they go.
What are the best mushrooms for dogs?
In our opinion, the best mushrooms for dogs are the medicinal mushrooms turkey tail, reishi, chaga and lion’s mane. These provide the best health benefits for your dog with studies showing they have the ability to help prevent many diseases.
That’s It!
Mushrooms are a versatile food for both us and our dogs. and the use of medicinal mushrooms can help.
They are a great natural and healthy food that can provide numerous benefits for all. Mushrooms are low in calories and fat, high in fibre and nutrients and packed with beneficial compounds that can help with a huge range of diseases and ailments.
Adding mushrooms to your dog's diet is a simple and easy way to improve their overall health.
So - click the links in this article to grab some amazing medicinal mushrooms for both yourself and your furry friend, and help keep everyone healthy and happy for as long as possible!