Medicinal mushroom supplements can be incredibly beneficial to both your body and mind. Like humans, dogs can also benefit from the addition of mushrooms into their diet, but there are limits. There’s an old quote well-known in the mushroom community that describes mushroom foraging perfectly; “There are old mushroom hunters, there are bold mushroom hunters, but there are no old, bold mushroom hunters.” It means that mushrooms are extremely difficult to identify and choosing the wrong mushroom species to ingest can be detrimental. However, incorporating the right mushrooms into your diet is widely beneficial. So, can dogs have mushrooms? Learn more below.
Mushrooms for Dogs
A common question we get is “can dogs have mushrooms?” and the short answer is yes, but you need to be very careful about the type of mushroom you let your dog eat. Like humans, dogs can surely benefit from mushrooms, but some mushroom species can be toxic or lethal to humans and dogs. Because of this, you want to avoid letting your dog eat wild mushrooms. As stated earlier, it is very difficult to identify mushrooms correctly and this may lead to serious complications. If your dog does ingest a wild mushroom, contact your veterinarian right away. It’s also important that you collect as much of the mushroom as possible and bring it with you to the vet.
It’s generally safe to give your dog traditional store-bought mushrooms that are left plain and uncooked. These mushrooms are full of necessary nutrients such as Vitamin B and potassium which are great for your pup. You may also cook the mushrooms, just be sure to use other pet-friendly ingredients when doing so.
Dog-Friendly Mushrooms
The best mushrooms to give your dog are organic store-bought mushrooms or certified organic mushroom supplements such as the ones produced by Aloha Medicinals. Mushrooms tend to absorb pesticides and toxins, which can be harmful to your pets. Instead, get yourself some organic mushrooms that have not been contaminated with these products. And if you’re considering getting mushrooms for your dog, try these species:
- White Button
- Cremini
- Portobello
- Reishi
- Shiitake
- Maitake
- Porcini
Health Benefits of Mushrooms for Dogs
Mushrooms are a great source of nutrients that are essential for a healthy dog. They contain high amounts of beta-glucan, are low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol, and have more potassium than bananas. Some of the key health benefits of mushrooms for dogs include:
- Improved nutrition in weak or older animals
- More regulated blood sugar and metabolism
- Lowers cholesterol
- Promotes weight loss
- Aids in preventing fatty liver disease
- Supports liver and kidney function
- Limits the risk of viral infection
- Boosts immune system
- Prevents joint deterioration
- Reduces blood pressure
- Prevents heart disease
- Supports various body systems
Mushrooms That Are NOT Dog-Friendly
While there are a wide variety of mushrooms that are okay for dogs to have, there is a small list of dangerous mushroom species that you should be aware of. These include:
- Amanita phalloides – also known as “death cap”
- Galerina marginata – also known as “deadly Galerina”
- Amanita gemmata – also known as “jeweled death cap”
- Amanita muscaria – also known as “deadly Agaric”
- Clitocybe dealbata
- Gyromitra spp
- Inocybe spp
Symptoms
It’s important to know the symptoms that your dog has ingested a bad mushroom. There are several symptoms that may arise and if you notice any of them, be sure to get in touch with your vet right away. Some of these symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Disorientation
- Jaundice
- Salivation
- Tremors
- Sedation
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Liver failure
- Seizures
- Abdominal pain
- Neurological problems
Aloha’s Mushrooms for Dogs
K9 FullFlex™
The K9 mushroom line from Aloha Medicinals is specifically designed for the health and wellness of dogs. K9 Fullflex™ supports joint and hip health and helps the body to mount a defense against the further wear and tear of aging joints. We’ve found that more than 90% of dogs using K9 FullFlex™ will see a dramatic improvement within the first 5-7 days of use! You will be able to see very quickly that your dog is moving easier, running, jumping, and is more comfortable and happier in general.
K9 Immunity Plus™
Like the K9 FullFlex™ formula, our K9 Immunity Plus™ was created specifically for dogs. This formula is an intense immune-boosting daily supplement designed to provide maximum support for dogs with health challenges. K9 Immunity Plus™ is made from the same pharmaceutical-grade human quality raw materials and is 100% Made in America with no imported ingredients. These are highly flavored chewable wafers, like a piece of sausage that most dogs will take with no problem. The wafers contain important immune-active polysaccharides, immuno-proteins, and Omega 3 fatty acids which aid in boosting overall immune health.
About Aloha Medicinals
Aloha Medicinals manufactures the very best medicinal mushrooms and organic cordyceps available anywhere today. And we back this with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! Connect with us today to learn more about medicinal mushroom supplements, or check out our products here.
