Are Mushrooms Safe for Dogs? A Vet’s Guide to Functional Fungi

Many pet owners wonder: can dogs eat mushrooms? The answer is yes—when you choose the right ones. Here’s what you need to know about safely incorporating functional mushrooms into your dog’s diet.

Safe vs. Toxic Mushrooms for Dogs

✅ Safe (and Beneficial!):

• Turkey Tail (immune support)

• Reishi (calming effects)

• Chaga (joint health)

• Shiitake (antioxidants)

❌ Toxic (Avoid These!):

• Wild mushrooms (especially Amanita species)

• Raw store-bought mushrooms (difficult to digest)

Always use canine-specific mushroom products—never feed mushrooms meant for human consumption.

3 Key Benefits of Mushrooms for Dogs

1. Immunity Boost: Turkey tail contains beta-glucans that support white blood cell function

2. Anxiety Relief: Reishi helps regulate stress responses

3. Joint Support: Chaga reduces inflammation in older dogs

Dosage Guidelines

• Small dogs (<20 lbs): 1/4 tsp powder or 1 small treat daily

• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1/2 tsp powder or 2 treats daily

• Large dogs (50+ lbs): 1 tsp powder or 3 treats daily

Start with half doses for the first week when introducing mushrooms.

What If My Dog Ate a Wild Mushroom?

1. Take photos of the mushroom (cap, stem, gills)

2. Call ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

3. Watch for symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy

Try Our Vet-Approved Mushroom Treats

Our mushroom dog treats are:
🔬 Lab-tested for purity
🌱 Organic and grain-free
🐕 Formulated specifically for canine health