Mushrooms For Dogs

There are about 100,000 varieties of mushrooms in the world, and as many as 700 are used for food. And several medicinal mushrooms help boost the immune system and protect dogs from cancer (and shrink the size of tumours). So, it's a no brainer that mushrooms should be a part of your dog's diet. There's not any one plant that can do as much as a mushroom can. And so, in short, they're miracle plants.

Below we carefully break down the benefits from each mushroom when fed appropriately;

1. Reishi Mushroom:

• Support immune system function: Reishi mushrooms contain polysaccharides and triterpenes, which have immunomodulatory properties. These compounds help regulate and strengthen the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off infections and diseases.

• Aid in reducing inflammation: Reishi mushrooms possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate inflammation in various parts of the body, including joints and tissues. This can be beneficial for dogs with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or allergies.

• Assist in managing allergies: Reishi mushrooms have been found to modulate the body’s immune response, making them potentially useful in managing allergic reactions in dogs. They may help reduce the severity of symptoms associated with allergies, such as itching, redness, and inflammation.

• Promote liver health: Reishi mushrooms contain antioxidants and compounds that support liver function and detoxification. By promoting the liver’s ability to eliminate toxins from the body, reishi mushrooms can contribute to overall liver health and function in dogs.

• Help regulate blood sugar levels: Some studies suggest that reishi mushrooms may have hypoglycemic effects, meaning they can help lower blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for dogs with diabetes or those at risk of developing insulin resistance. However, it’s essential to monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult with a veterinarian before incorporating reishi mushrooms into the diet of diabetic dogs.

2. Shiitake Mushroom:

• Boosting the immune system: Shiitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, which have immunomodulatory properties. These compounds help enhance the activity of immune cells, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, thereby strengthening the immune response against pathogens and promoting overall immune function in dogs.

• Providing essential nutrients: Shiitake mushrooms are a rich source of various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin B complex (such as B2, B3, and B5), vitamin D, copper, selenium, and zinc. These nutrients play essential roles in maintaining overall health, supporting cellular function, and providing antioxidant protection against oxidative stress and free radicals.

• Supporting cardiovascular health: The compounds found in shiitake mushrooms, such as eritadenine and beta-glucans, have been shown to help regulate cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health. By lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation, shiitake mushrooms may reduce the risk of heart disease and support heart health in dogs.

• Possessing anti-inflammatory properties: Shiitake mushrooms contain bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for dogs with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, allergies, or digestive disorders.

• Supporting digestive health: The fiber content in shiitake mushrooms, along with their prebiotic properties, can help support digestive health in dogs. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, aids in digestion, and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthy digestive system and improved nutrient absorption.

• Providing antioxidant protection: Shiitake mushrooms contain various antioxidants, including phenolic compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This antioxidant activity helps protect cells from damage, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and support overall health and longevity in dogs.

3.Cordyceps Mushroom:

• Boosting energy and vitality: Cordyceps are known for their adaptogenic properties, meaning they can help regulate the body’s stress response and improve energy levels. For dogs, this may translate to increased vitality, stamina, and endurance, making it particularly beneficial for active or working dogs, as well as senior dogs experiencing age-related fatigue.

• Enhancing respiratory function: Cordyceps have traditionally been used to support respiratory health and improve lung function. They may help alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or coughing in dogs by dilating the bronchioles, reducing inflammation, and promoting better oxygenation of tissues.

• Supporting immune function: Cordyceps contain bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and cordycepin, which have been shown to modulate and enhance immune function. By stimulating the activity of immune cells such as macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells, cordyceps can help strengthen the immune response against infections, viruses, and other pathogens, potentially reducing the risk of illness in dogs.

• Improving circulation and cardiovascular health: Cordyceps have vasodilatory properties, meaning they can help widen blood vessels and improve blood circulation. This enhanced circulation may benefit cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease, improving blood flow to vital organs, and supporting overall cardiovascular function in dogs.

• Regulating blood sugar levels: Cordyceps may have hypoglycemic effects, meaning they can help lower blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for diabetic dogs or those with insulin resistance, as it may help improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, leading to better blood sugar control and reduced risk of diabetic complications.

• Supporting kidney health: Cordyceps have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to tonify the kidneys and improve renal function. In dogs, cordyceps may help support kidney health, enhance kidney function, and protect against kidney damage or disease, particularly in aging dogs or those with kidney-related issues.

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: Cordyceps contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help neutralize harmful free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and alleviate inflammation in the body. This antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity may help protect cells from damage, reduce inflammation-related pain and discomfort, and support overall health and well-being in dogs.

4. Chaga Mushroom:

• Immune system support: Chaga mushrooms contain bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes, which have been shown to modulate and enhance immune function. By stimulating the activity of immune cells like macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells, chaga mushrooms can help strengthen the immune response against infections, viruses, and other pathogens, potentially reducing the risk of illness in dogs.

• Antioxidant protection: Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, including melanin, polyphenols, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This antioxidant activity can help protect cells from damage, slow down the aging process, and support overall health and well-being in dogs.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Chaga mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory compounds like betulinic acid and ergosterol peroxide, which help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain and discomfort associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, allergies, and skin irritations in dogs. By modulating the inflammatory response, chaga mushrooms may help improve mobility and quality of life in dogs suffering from inflammatory disorders.

• Liver support: Chaga mushrooms have hepatoprotective properties, meaning they can help protect and support liver health. By promoting liver detoxification, enhancing liver function, and reducing liver inflammation, chaga mushrooms may benefit dogs with liver disease, toxin exposure, or impaired liver function, helping maintain overall liver health and function.

• Anticancer potential: Some research suggests that chaga mushrooms may have potential anticancer properties due to their ability to inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells, and enhance the immune response against cancerous cells. While more studies are needed to confirm these effects in dogs, chaga mushrooms may offer complementary support as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan for dogs with cancer.

• Gastrointestinal health: Chaga mushrooms contain dietary fibers and prebiotics that can support gastrointestinal health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improving digestion, and regulating bowel movements in dogs. This can help alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs, promoting a healthy digestive system.

5.Turkey Tail Mushroom

• Immune system support: Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which have immunomodulating properties. These compounds can help regulate and enhance the function of the immune system, including increasing the activity of immune cells such as macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells. By bolstering the immune response, turkey tail mushrooms may help dogs better defend against infections, viruses, and other pathogens.

• Antioxidant protection: Turkey tail mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, including phenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This antioxidant activity can help protect cells from damage, support healthy aging, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline in dogs.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Turkey tail mushrooms contain bioactive compounds like polysaccharides and triterpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain and discomfort associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, allergies, and skin irritations in dogs. By modulating the inflammatory response, turkey tail mushrooms may help improve mobility and quality of life in dogs with inflammatory disorders.

• Gastrointestinal health: Turkey tail mushrooms contain dietary fibers and prebiotics that can support gastrointestinal health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improving digestion, and regulating bowel movements in dogs. This can help alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), promoting a healthy digestive system.

• Anticancer potential: Some research suggests that turkey tail mushrooms may have potential anticancer properties due to their ability to stimulate the immune system, inhibit tumor growth, and induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. While more studies are needed to confirm these effects in dogs, turkey tail mushrooms may offer complementary support as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan for dogs with cancer.

• Liver support: Turkey tail mushrooms have hepatoprotective properties, meaning they can help protect and support liver health. By promoting liver detoxification, enhancing liver function, and reducing liver inflammation, turkey tail mushrooms may benefit dogs with liver disease, toxin exposure, or impaired liver function, helping maintain overall liver health and function.

6.Lions Mane Mushroom

• Brain Health: Lion’s mane mushrooms contain compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which have been shown to stimulate the growth of nerve cells and support brain function. This can help improve cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health in dogs, particularly senior pets or those experiencing cognitive decline.

• Nervous System Support: The neuroprotective properties of lion’s mane mushrooms may help support the nervous system and protect against neurological disorders. This includes conditions like neuropathy and degenerative nerve diseases.

• Digestive Health: Lion’s mane mushrooms contain polysaccharides and beta-glucans that support gastrointestinal health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This can aid in digestion, reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, and alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.

• Immune Support: The beta-glucans found in lion’s mane mushrooms have immunomodulating effects, meaning they help regulate the immune system. This can enhance the body’s ability to defend against infections and diseases, making it particularly beneficial for dogs with weakened immune systems.

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Lion’s mane mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can be beneficial for dogs with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, allergies, or skin issues.

Feeding Guidelines

You can find many good mushroom varieties at your local supermarket - the main power mushrooms are reishi, maitake, and shiitake. Always look for organic. To give your dog mushrooms, you can give your dog whole mushrooms, in their original form, it's best to gently steam them to increase their bioavailability and break down the cell wall so your dog can absorb all of the nutrients.

Feed no more than 10% of their daily food allowance. Another good option is to add mushrooms  to your bone broth when cooking.

Always introduce new foods gradually and monitor your dog for any signs of adverse reactions. If your dog has any underlying health conditions or specific dietary requirements, consulting with a holistic veterinarian before incorporating mushrooms into your dog’s diet is also recommended.

Supplements

With mushroom supplements it’s important to note that not all are created equal - you want to ensure that they are grown on wood and natural substrates as well as being organic.

Fruiting body; Fruiting body refers to the complete mushroom structure, often dried and ground into powder. It's important to note that raw, powdered mushrooms can be harsh on the liver, so dogs should avoid consuming them in this form.

Mycelium; unfortunately, a lot of mushroom supplements contain “mycelium on grain” which are grown in sterile environments - far from natural! Mycelium or Grain spawn as it’s sometimes referred to is not mushroom and definitely not a genuine medicinal mushroom product. Mycelium constitutes the "root" of the mushroom rather than the complete fruiting body. It's commonly cultivated in grains and referred to as "full spectrum" mushrooms. However, it's crucial to understand that mycelium generally contains lower levels of beta-D-glucans. Moreover, any beta-glucans present in the product might be sourced from plants rather than the mushroom itself. Typically, mycelium grown on grain contains approximately 5 to 7% beta-glucans on average.

Hot water extract supplements; Most mushroom studies are done with a hot water extract supplement. In fact, this is how mushrooms have always been prepared in traditional Chinese medicine. The cell wall of the mushroom is indigestible to dogs (and humans), so extracting the mushrooms in hot water makes the medicinal ingredients more bioavailable and safer to eat. On average, hot water extracted mushrooms contain 30% to 40% beta-glucans.   

Sources

Brown DC, Reetz J. Single agent polysaccharopeptide delays metastases and improves survival in naturally occurring hemangiosarcoma. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012.

The Top 5 Mushrooms For Dogs: Multi-Dimensional Healing - Ihor Basko DVM

Lin B, Li S. Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011.

Liu X et al. Cordyceps sinensis protects against liver and heart injuries in a rat model of chronic kidney disease: a metabolomic analysis. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2014 May;35(5):697-706. 

Top reishi benefits - Julia Henriques

TT study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3440946/

In vitro TT study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5298263/

Hong Kong TT study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22185453

Guggenheim AG, Wright KM, Zwickey HL. Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1):32-44.

Wasser SP. Medicinal mushroom science: Current perspectives, advances, evidences, and challenges. Biomed J. 2014 Nov-Dec;37(6):345-56.

N. Sheena, T.A. Ajith & K.K. Janardhanan (2003) Anti-inflammatory and Anti-nociceptive Activities of Ganoderma lucidum Occurring in South India, Pharmaceutical Biology, 41:4, 301-304.

Beta-glucan content of mushrooms and mycelium: https://www.nammex.com/redefining-medicinal-mushrooms/

Anti-inflammatory properties of turkey tail: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29521529

Liver protection: http://www.discoverymedicine.com/Yajing-Chang-2/2017/04/coriolus-versicolor-polysaccharopeptide-as-an-immunotherapeutic-in-china/

More studies: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mushrooms-pdq