Yes, Your Dog Can Have Mushrooms
Any mushrooms that are safe for human consumption are safe for dogs too. Each mushroom has unique medicinal benefits, so you can choose which to feed depending on the type of support you need. Learn more below.
For General Health & Wellness
Try Porcini, White Button, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Maitake, Reishi, Shimeji and Oyster mushrooms.
Button mushrooms are the most cultivated edible mushrooms in the world, and easily found in supermarkets. They are not expensive either! Button mushrooms are packed with naturally-occurring antioxidants, including all the B vitamins (except B12), copper, phosphorus, potassium and selenium.
Shiitake mushrooms are a symbol of longevity in Asia and considered one of the top five medicinal mushrooms. They are rich in many nutrients, including essential amino acids and enzymes, vitamins A, B6 and C, along with copper, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, pantothenic acid, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, thiamin, zinc and dietary fibre. Shiitake mushrooms support the immune system against cancer and viral diseases, help lower cholesterol, improve circulation and support heart health. See Bowie’s Shiitake Bone Broth Recipe.
Maitake mushrooms have an incredible range of healing powers and have been referred to as an anti-cancer agent. They are known to stimulate t-cells, inhibit tumour growth, lower cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar.
Reishi mushrooms are known as the mushrooms of immortality. They have anti-tumour effects, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and immune-stimulating properties. This makes them great for boosting overall health and immune system. They also help increase energy, improve digestion, relieve allergy symptoms and support heart health.
Shimeji is a really cool little mushroom that grows in clusters and is easy to prepare as a topper for your dog’s food. See Bowie’s Shimeji Topper Recipe. Shimeji mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides and ergosterol steroids, B vitamins, biotin, copper, provitamin D2, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin and zinc. They also have antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties, and compounds that may inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells.
For Anti-Inflammatory and Cancer Fighting Properties
Try Chaga and Turkey Tail mushrooms.
Chaga mushrooms contain 215 phytochemicals, 29 polysaccharide derivatives, betulin and betulinic acid (also called trierpenes), phytosterols, beta-D-glucans, polyphenols, superoxide dismutase and micronutrients. They are antioxidant powerhouse, making them excellent contenders for fighting free radicals and inflammation.
Turkey Tail mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, including phenols, flavonoids and quercetin, which help reduce inflammation. They are full of beta-glucan polysaccharides which aid in activating the immune system to help protect the body from infection and fight off disease. Turkey Tail mushrooms are perfect adjunct to regular cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, not only for us, but for our dogs too.
For Brain Boost
Try Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms foster the production of the bio-protein nerve growth factor (NFG) and myelin (an insulation around nerve fibres), both are absolutely crucial to brain health. They also have been shown to improve cognition, memory, concentration and alleviate anxiety and irritability.
For Energy Boost
Try Cordyceps mushrooms.
In alternative medicine, Cordyceps mushrooms are often touted as natural energy booster. They also have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-tumour properties, and help protect against liver, kidney and heart disease. Cordyceps mushrooms are also good for treating leaky gut syndrome and respiratory diseases.
Note: If you feed fresh mushrooms, cook them first to break down their tough cell walls for easier digestion, and to kill any harmful pathogens.
Sources: Animal Wellness Magazine, Dogs Naturally, Healthline | Image: Pexels, Healthline, Medical News Today
