Make Room for Mushrooms!

Key Points

We’re either mushroom people or we’re not. It is one of those foods that has most people divided. That makes us wonder. Should our dogs eat them? Well, if humans can eat ‘em, our doggos can too!

Fun Fact: As kids, our grandmother discouraged us from eating button mushrooms. She said they grow when a dog pees on them. Well, sorry Daadi.. We love them and so does Bean!

So which varieties can dogs eat and are there any toxic ones that can harm dogs? Do they add any value to a dog’s health? Let’s start.

 Core Benefits

Mushrooms can be called a miracle plant for more reasons than one. They play a multi-faceted role of Prevention, Repair and Regeneration. When added to and rotated in diet, they help prevent diseases, protect the body from illnesses like cancer, diabetes, immune diseases. They help repair as well as regenerate cells which are impacted by these illnesses.

 

 The Good Ones

All store-bought mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat. The most common varieties available in India are:

Button are rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. Help in improving heart function and managing diseases like diabetes.

Shiitake are called the elixir of life because they’re rich in minerals and enzymes that help boost your dog’s body functions.

Portobello are full of B Vitamins like folate, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, and B6 along with minerals like copper, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc.  

Porcini has anticancer and antiviral properties along with B-complex vitamins and Vitamins A and C which protect your pup’s immune system.

 The Bad Ones 

 

Mushroom toxicity is real but manageable if we stick to the human-safe varieties. Those growing in the wild, in moldy places, of unknown variety, or a type unfit for human consumption, can safely be termed unsuitable for dogs. If your pup has consumed mushrooms of a variety unknown to you, you will need to induce vomiting, followed by an emergency vet visit.  

 Powdered or Dry Options

Many nutritional varieties may not be easily available or affordable in India. In such cases, look for organic powdered, medicine-grade, cultivated variants. Ensure that you purchase from a credible brand/source. There should be no seasoning, preservatives, or any chemicals added to the pack. Powdered mushrooms are in concentrated form. Feed in recommended doses for dogs. Some varieties that are available in India in powder form:

Reishi: The mushrooms of immortality! They have a host of benefits like anti-tumor effects, anti-inflammatory and are typically used to treat cancer, boost heart, liver and immune function.

Turkey Tail: Turkey Tail is considered to have anti-cancer properties and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to boost the immune system, support digestive health, and protecting the body from disease-causing free radicals.

Lion’s Mane: Made of 20% protein, Lion’s Mane symbolizes strength and is considered a powerful supplement for its anti-cancer properties. It helps in slowing tumor growth, reducing inflammation, treating diabetes, and helping the brain, eye, and circulation in dogs.

Maitake: The Maitake can stimulate the immune system and provide support for the dog’s health by preventing cancer, regulating blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, and aiding the liver in metabolizing fat more efficiently.

 

 

Preparing Mushrooms for your Dog

Choose store-bought mushrooms, wash them thoroughly, and steam/boil/sauté lightly without seasoning. Cut into small, bite-sized pieces while cooking. Basis the size of your dog, feed 1-2 mushrooms per day. As always, moderation is the key. Use them as one of the vegetables incorporated in the rotational foods for your pup’s meals.

As always, introduce in small quantities, and monitor your dog for any allergies or intolerances. Contact your veterinarian if your dog exhibits any symptoms of intolerance.

Ready to make some room for mushroom in your dog’s diet?