all about mushroom supplements and powders for dogs
By Traci Needles, Owner of Nadelhaus German Shepherds
Updated July 24, 2023
Are Mushroom Supplements Safe for Dogs? Unveiling the Facts
Mushroom supplements have gained significant popularity in the world of pet health and wellness. As a concerned dog owner, you may wonder whether these supplements are safe for your furry friend. In this article, we will delve into the topic and provide you with clear insights regarding the safety of mushroom supplements for dogs.
Are Mushroom Supplements and powders Safe for Dogs? Let's Find Out:
Natural and non-toxic: Mushroom supplements derived from reputable sources are generally safe for dogs. They are considered a natural alternative to synthetic supplements, as they are free from harmful chemicals and artificial additives commonly found in many conventional products. When selecting mushroom supplements, it's crucial to choose high-quality brands that prioritize organic ingredients and follow strict manufacturing standards.
Species Selection Matters: Not all mushrooms are safe for dogs. Certain varieties, such as lion’s mane, turkey tail, reishi, maitake, and shiitake, have been extensively studied and deemed safe for canine consumption. These species offer numerous health benefits and are often included in mushroom supplements or powders formulated specifically for dogs. However, it's important to avoid wild mushrooms or unknown species, as some can be toxic to dogs.
Dosage and professional guidance: As with any supplement, proper dosage and guidance are essential. Consulting with your veterinarian is highly recommended before introducing mushroom supplements to your dog's routine. A qualified professional can assess your dog's individual needs, consider any pre-existing health conditions or medications, and provide personalized recommendations regarding dosage and usage.
Potential allergies and sensitivities: While rare, some dogs may have individual sensitivities or allergies to specific mushrooms. It's crucial to observe your dog for any adverse reactions or changes in behavior after introducing mushroom supplements. If you notice any signs of discomfort, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive itching, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian promptly.
When sourced from reputable brands and used responsibly, mushroom supplements can be safe and beneficial for dogs. It's important to select high-quality products, choose the appropriate mushroom species, and follow professional guidance regarding dosage and usage. By prioritizing your dog's well-being and considering their individual needs, you can confidently incorporate mushroom supplements into their routine, supporting their overall health and vitality. Remember, when it comes to your dog's health, always consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice and recommendations.
What do veterinarians have to say about mushroom supplements for dogs?
According to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Rania Gollakner, DVM, MPH:
“Medicinal mushrooms are a group of fungi that are used to treat and prevent several different diseases or to promote general health. Examples of medicinal mushrooms include maitake (Grifola frondosa, Polyporous umbellatus, Grifola umbellatus, and Boletus frondosus), shiitake (Lentinus edodes), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), cordyceps (Cordyceps ophioglossoides), and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) mushrooms. It is important to note that not all mushrooms are medicinal, and some mushrooms are toxic and deadly.
The active ingredients in medicinal mushrooms include polysaccharides (complex sugars), proteins, and glycoproteins (sugar-protein compounds), and they are commonly used as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting supplements. Other conditions that have been treated with medicinal mushrooms include diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, lung disease, infection, gastrointestinal disease, and nerve disease.”
Holistic veterinarian Dr. Katie Woodley says mushrooms can naturally improve your pet’s health:
“There are a lot of different kinds of mushrooms and not all of them are medicinal. However, most mushrooms do have medicinal properties.
They are a very versatile food and supplement and can be used for:
- Prevention of disease
- Regenerating cells
- Protecting the body against cancer and radiation effects
- And treatment for certain diseasesMushrooms are very high in nutrition value – they contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins, lipids, polysaccharides like beta-glucans, and essential oils like triterpenes.”
reishi mushroom benefits for dogs
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Lindsay Butzer says this about Reishi mushrooms for dogs:
“Reishi mushrooms offer several benefits for dogs, starting with their anti-cancer properties. A study conducted at Peking University in Beijing, China revealed that these mushrooms have anti-tumor and immunomodulating effects. Specifically, the species Ganoderma lucidum showed positive effects on antigen presenting cells, NK cells, T cells, and B lymphocytes. The study demonstrated anti-tumor effects through immuno-enhancing activity, cytotoxicity against tumor cells, and anti-angiogenic effects that contributed to tumor shrinkage and prolonged animal lives.”
“Another benefit of Reishi mushrooms is their ability to protect the liver in dogs. These mushrooms possess antioxidant properties that nourish, detoxify, and safeguard the liver. A study conducted on rats at Taiwan's China Medical University showed that Reishi was effective in reversing liver fibrosis. This finding is significant, as liver fibrosis is an end-stage liver disease considered non-treatable. Therefore, reishi mushrooms offer a potential supplement to support liver health.”
“Reishi mushrooms also provide support for dogs with heart disease. While clinical trials on dogs are limited, studies in human medicine have indicated that reishi acts as a vasodilator, improving blood supply and oxygen delivery to the heart. Additionally, a study involving patients with angina, chest pain, concluded that the polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and antioxidants present in Reishi mushrooms have potent anti-atherosclerosis properties. By reducing hardening and thickening of the arteries in the heart, reishi mushrooms can contribute to prolonging the lives of pets diagnosed with heart disease.”
lion’s mane mushroom benefits for dogs
Lion's Mane mushrooms offer a range of potential benefits for dogs, supporting their cognitive health, nervous system function, and providing anti-inflammatory properties. Here are a few key reasons why incorporating Lion's Mane mushrooms into your dog's diet may be beneficial:
Cognitive support: Lion's Mane mushrooms have been associated with cognitive benefits in dogs. Studies suggest that Lion's Mane may help promote neuroregeneration and enhance cognitive function, including memory and learning abilities in aging dogs.
Nervous system health: Lion's Mane mushrooms are believed to support a healthy nervous system in dogs. They may help maintain and protect nerve cells, potentially improving overall nerve function and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Lion's Mane mushrooms contain compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. By reducing inflammation in the body, these mushrooms may contribute to the management of various inflammatory conditions in dogs, including arthritis and gastrointestinal issues.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Rob Silver says this about Lion’s Mane mushrooms for dogs:
“There are some other very unique compounds in the Lion's Mane mushroom. There’s erisinones and herisinones and others that are even more difficult to pronounce which we have discovered actually benefit the brain and benefit the nerves and nerve growth. There’s nerve growth factors: one of the molecules from the Lion’s Mane stimulate, which help with the repair of damaged tissue.
This there's a condition that pets get when they get older and so do some of us as we get older it's in which they have some issues with their cognitive function. We sometimes call it geriatric senility or even dementia, we call it canine cognitive disorder (CCD). And there is some evidence from pet parents and some veterinarians who have been using lion's mane that it may actually have a benefit in a multi-factorial program to address this problem in these older pets.”
are turkey tail mushrooms good for dogs?
The benefits of turkey tail mushrooms for dogs include:
Immune system support: Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharopeptides and polysaccharides that can help boost the immune system in dogs, enhancing their ability to fight off infections and diseases.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: The mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. The anti-inflammatory properties of turkey tail mushrooms can aid in managing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis in dogs.
Gastrointestinal health: Turkey tail mushrooms have prebiotic properties that can support a healthy gut microbiome in dogs. They promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Potential anti-cancer effects: Some studies¹ suggest that turkey tail mushrooms may have anti-cancer properties. Certain compounds found in these mushrooms, such as polysaccharide-K (PSK), have shown promising results in supporting cancer treatments in both humans and animals.
Is turkey tail a safe mushroom to give my dogs?
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Andrew Jones states this on whether its safe to give dogs Turkey Tail mushrooms:
“Is it safe? Is it safe for you to be giving this to your dog, to be giving it to your cat? When I was looking at reported adverse effects in terms of side effects, it’s minimal. My report in some people can get dark stools diarrhea, but very uncommon. They're not seeing it interact with other medications. So even if your dog is on chemotherapy for instance they can also be on this turkey tail mushroom. What the mushroom is doing is just making the immune system that much more effective.
So just think of all these different processes going on in the body trying to fight these cancer cells which are trying to grow form new blood vessels and spread, it's just making that immune system much more prime to be able to fight it.”
what about shiitake and maitake mushrooms for dogs?
Here's why incorporating shiitake and maitake mushrooms into your dog's diet can make a world of difference:
Boost your dog’s immune system: Shiitake and maitake mushrooms are packed with immune-boosting compounds, such as beta-glucans, that fortify your dog's defenses. Strengthening their immune system can help ward off infections and keep your beloved companion healthy and active.
Fight inflammation naturally: Help your dog find relief from inflammation-related conditions like arthritis and allergies. Shiitake and maitake mushrooms possess potent anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate discomfort and promote joint health, allowing your furry friend to move with ease and comfort.
Nutritional powerhouses for pets: These mushrooms are not only delicious but also offer a range of essential nutrients. Shiitake and maitake mushrooms are low in calories and fat while providing vital vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Give your dog a nutrient boost and support their overall well-being.
Potential anti-cancer support: Shiitake and maitake mushrooms have shown promise in supporting cancer treatments and potentially inhibiting cancer cell growth. The presence of compounds like lentinan and beta-glucans highlights their potential as a natural complement to cancer care for dogs.
King Kanine Mushroom Plus Supplement for Dogs
The ultimate blend of nature's powerhouse mushrooms and chia seeds to support your dog's well-being. Packed with a curated selection of lions mane, turkey tail, reishi, shiitake, maitake, cordyceps, king trumpet, and chia seeds, this premium supplement is designed to unlock a world of health benefits for your dog.
At Nadelhaus German Shepherds, we feed our German Shepherds King Kanine supplements, which are tailored to complement a dog's raw diet, enriching it with essential vitamins, anti-inflammatory properties, immune system support, and potent antioxidants.
7 Mushroom Blend + Chia Seeds
Ingredients: Lions Mane, Turkey Tail, Reishi, King Trumpet, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Maitake, and Chia Seeds
References:
Brown, Dorothy & Reetz, Jennifer. (2012). Single Agent Polysaccharopeptide Delays Metastases and Improves Survival in Naturally Occurring Hemangiosarcoma. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. 2012. 384301. 10.1155/2012/384301. Compound Derived From a Mushroom Lengthens Survival Time in Dogs With Cancer, Penn Vet Study Finds
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Traci Needles is the founder and owner of Nadelhaus German Shepherds™. Traci has been breeding German Shepherds since 1996. With nearly 30 years of experience with German Shepherds, she has extensive knowledge about this incredible working dog breed. Her mission is to breed German Shepherd dogs that have the ability to obtain Schutzhund titles and the highest possible conformation ratings. The German Shepherds she breeds are from 100% German bloodlines and Nadelhaus is a member of the GSDCA-WDA and SV of Germany.
All information presented on this website is for informational and/or educational purposes only and based on Traci Needles’ personal experience of breeding German Shepherd dogs for nearly 30 years. These statements have not been evaluated by a veterinarian. This website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not intended to be a substitute or replacement for any medical treatment. Please seek the advice of a veterinarian for your dog’s specific health concerns.
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