Are Mushrooms Good For Dogs? Everything You Need To Know
Published: 27 Jan 2025
Hello, fellow dog parent!
Are you someone who loves to eat mushrooms like me? Now, imagine you are eating a mushroom sandwich. You have a dog who loves to taste every meal you eat. He comes and looks at you with innocent, demanding eyes. Now you might be wondering, Can dogs eat mushrooms?
In this article, we will explore whether mushrooms are safe for dogs and the potential benefits or hazards of giving mushrooms to your dog. So, make sure to read until the end.
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
Yes, dogs can eat mushrooms, but it depends on the type. There are thousands of mushroom species, and while some are safe and even beneficial for dogs, others are highly toxic and can cause severe illness or death. Therefore, understanding the difference between safe and harmful mushrooms is crucial.
What Are the Safe Mushrooms for Dogs?
Mushrooms can be an excellent way to boost your dog’s meal. Packed with essential minerals, fibre, and protein, they offer a variety of health benefits when served in moderation. Let’s discover some safe mushrooms!
Store-bought Mushrooms:
You can feed your dog mushrooms that you bought from the supermarket as they are certified as safe and edible fungi. These include:
- Shiitake Mushroom
- Wood Ear Mushroom
- Portobello
- Straw Mushroom
- Button Mushroom
- Oyster Mushrooms
- Morels
- Cioppino
- Enoki Mushrooms
- Cremini Mushrooms
- Chestnut Mushrooms
- Beech Mushrooms
- Porcini Mushrooms
- Trumpet Mushrooms
- Pioppino Mushrooms
Wild Mushrooms:
While many wild mushrooms are toxic to dogs, some species are safe to eat. However, it’s crucial to be extremely cautious when foraging or identifying wild mushrooms, as the appearance of a safe mushroom can be very similar to a toxic one. Here are a few wild mushroom species that are generally considered safe for consumption:
- Horse Mushroom
- Pinewood Mushroom
- Field Mushroom
- Orange Peel Fungus
- Caesar’s Mushroom
- Honey Mushroom
- Bay Bolete
- St George’s Mushroom
- Saffron Milk Cap
- Shaggy Mane
- Chanterelle
- Chicken of the Woods
Medicinal Mushrooms:
Medicinal mushrooms are edible and mostly used to treat or prevent several diseases. Here is the list of medicinal mushrooms:
- Reishi
- Chaga
- Maitake
- Shiitake
- Turkey Tail
- Lion’s Mane
- Cordyceps
- Tremella
- Phellinus Linteus
- Chaga Birch Polypore
- Birch Polypore
- Poria
- Polyporus Umbellatus
- Ganoderma Tsugae
Medicinal mushrooms contain active compounds such as polysaccharides (complex sugars), proteins, and glycoproteins (sugar-protein complexes). These compounds are often used in supplements for their anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. They can also help manage conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, lung diseases, infections, digestive disorders, and nerve diseases.
If you’re unsure about which mushrooms are safe for your dog, consult your veterinarian for personalised advice tailored to your dog’s nutritional needs
What Are the Toxic Mushrooms for Dogs?
Most of the mushrooms that grow in our yard or the wild are toxic. Here are some toxic mushrooms that dogs can’t have:
- Fly Agaric (often red with white spots)
- Death Cap
- Destroying Angel
- Deadly Galerina
- Ivory Funnel
- Fool’s Webcap
- Deadly Webcap
- Brown Dapperling
- Crested Dapperling
- False Morel
- Jack-O’-Lantern
- Inocybe (various species)
- Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
- Brown Roll-Rim
- The Saffron Cup
Veterinarians and mushroom experts believe that wild mushroom poisoning is an under-reported cause of fatal poisoning in dogsAmerican Kennel Club
There’s a common misconception that dogs can detect toxic mushrooms by their aroma and that all wild mushrooms emit a toxic scent. However, this is not true. Dogs are often attracted to mushrooms because of their fleshy texture and appearance, which makes them appealing to sniff and eat. Unfortunately, most toxic mushrooms lack a distinct or strong scent, making it impossible for dogs to recognise the danger. As a result, they can accidentally consume these harmful mushrooms, leading to severe and sometimes fatal consequences.
What Are The Benefits Of Giving Mushrooms To Your Dog?
Although mushrooms are not an extraordinary treat for your dog, depending on the type, they may have some potential health benefits.
- Mushrooms contain Vitamins A, D, and B6, amino acids, potassium, magnesium, thiamine, zinc, and selenium. They are also a great source of fibre and protein.
- Certain mushrooms, such as shiitake and maitake, contain beta-glucans, which help strengthen the immune system and fight infections.
- Mushrooms such as reishi have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially alleviating conditions like arthritis.
- Mushrooms like lion’s mane contain compounds that support gut health by promoting healthy gut bacteria and improving digestion.
- Some mushrooms, like oyster mushrooms, are linked to heart health benefits due to their ability to reduce cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular function.
- Certain mushrooms, such as turkey tail, are believed to have anticancer properties due to their immune-boosting effects.
Why Are Some Mushrooms Harmful?
Some mushrooms are harmful because they contain toxic compounds that can severely affect your dog’s health. These compounds vary by species and can target specific organs or systems in the body:
- Some mushrooms contain amatoxins, which damage the liver and kidneys—for example, Amanita phalloides (Death Cap).
- Others, like the False Morel, contain gyromitrin, which turns into a toxic chemical affecting the nervous system and liver.
- Hallucinogenic mushrooms produce psilocybin, which affects the brain and can cause severe disorientation.
What Happens If a Dog Eats Toxic Mushrooms?
If a dog consumes a toxic mushroom, the consequences can range from mild discomfort to severe health issues, like mushroom toxicity, depending on the type and quantity of mushrooms ingested. Major symptoms of Mushroom toxicity are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Drooling or panting
- Increased thirst and urination
In severe conditions, dogs show the following symptoms:
- Seizures or Tremors
- Loss of consciousness
- Organ Damage
- Coma
- Death
“Pets may become ill within 15 minutes of nibbling on these mushrooms or symptoms may be delayed for up to 6 hours. “ Says By Lynn Buzhardt, DVM.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Toxic Mushrooms:
- Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
- If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom to help identify the type.
- Do not induce vomiting unless advised by a professional.
Timely medical attention is crucial to preventing serious outcomes when a dog consumes toxic mushrooms. Always supervise your dog outdoors to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion.
How to Serve Mushrooms to Dogs? Raw or Cooked
When it comes to mushrooms, cooking is always the better option for dogs. Raw mushrooms can be hard for dogs to digest and might cause an upset stomach. Cooking mushrooms makes them easier to digest and removes any potential bacteria or contaminants that could harm your dog.
Tips for Serving Mushrooms to Dogs
- Choose safe mushrooms like button, cremini, or portobello.
- Wash mushrooms thoroughly.
- Cook them plain without salt, oil, butter, or seasonings, as these can be harmful to dogs.
- Cut mushrooms into bite-sized pieces to make them easier to eat.
- If it’s your dog’s first time eating mushrooms, start with a small amount to check for any adverse reactions.
How Much Mushroom Should a Dog Eat?
Moderation is key when feeding mushrooms to your dog. They should be offered only as an occasional treat and not a regular part of their diet.
Guidelines for Serving Mushrooms:
- Portion Size: For small dogs, offer no more than 1-2 small pieces of cooked mushroom. Larger dogs can have 2-3 pieces, depending on their size.
- Frequency: Serve mushrooms sparingly, perhaps once or twice a week, as a supplement to their balanced diet.
You can use a dog calorie calculator to determine the appropriate calorie content of mushrooms per meal. For accurate portion sizes for your dog, consult your veterinarian.
Can Puppies Eat Mushrooms?
Yes, puppies can eat safe mushrooms, but it’s safer to avoid feeding them mushrooms. Puppies have weak immune systems, and their stomachs are still growing. Mushrooms may be harder to digest and cause digestive issues. But if you want to feed them mushrooms, then opt for medicinal mushrooms because they are easier on their guts.
Conclusion
Ok, pet parents! You have got the answer to your question,” Can dogs eat mushrooms?”
Dogs can eat mushrooms but in moderation. Ensure to give them store-bought or medicinal mushrooms but do not give mushrooms as a whole meal. Only add 10% mushroom into their complete meal.
As a veterinarian, I recommend if you include mushrooms regularly in your dog’s diet, track their overall health and energy levels. Mushrooms can offer unique nutrients, but any changes in stool, appetite, or behaviour should be taken seriously to avoid potential health risks.
Be careful because it is better to be cautious early than regret later. I hope you enjoyed reading this article. Share your thoughts in the comment section. We really appreciate your opinion.
FAQs
Let’s discuss frequently asked questions about dogs and mushrooms.
It can be very difficult to tell just by looking, as many toxic mushrooms resemble safe ones. Some signs of toxic mushrooms include:
- Bright colors (e.g., red, yellow, or orange)
- A strong, unpleasant odor
- A slimy or sticky cap
- A white or pale gills under the cap
However, visual identification is not always reliable. It’s best to never eat wild mushrooms unless you’re an expert or with one.
Store-bought mushrooms, like white button mushrooms, cremini, and portobello, are generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. However, they should be given cooked and in moderation. Raw mushrooms contain trace amounts of toxins that could upset your dog’s stomach, so always cook them before offering them as a treat.
Yes, some apps and guides can help with mushroom identification. Some popular ones include:
- Mushroom Identificator
- Seek by iNaturalist
- Mushroom Guide
These apps allow you to upload photos for identification and offer details about various species. Always double-check with an expert before handling or consuming wild mushrooms.
Yes, even safe mushrooms can cause digestive upset or more serious issues if eaten too frequently. Mushrooms are rich in fiber, and excessive amounts can lead to gastrointestinal problems like diarrhoea or bloating.
Mushrooms in backyards can be either safe or toxic. Toxic mushrooms, like the Death Cap or the Destroying Angel, can sometimes grow in yards and gardens. It’s essential to keep your dog away from any mushrooms they may find outside. If you’re unsure whether a mushroom is safe, preventing your dog from eating it is always safer.
The best way to prevent your dog from eating mushrooms outdoors is to:
- Supervise your dog closely while they’re outside.
- Remove any mushrooms you see growing in your yard.
- Train your dog with commands like “leave it” or “drop it” to discourage them from picking up things they shouldn’t.
- Walk your dog on a leash, especially in areas where mushrooms are common.
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
