Mushrooms are a popular, versatile food and a staple in many dishes. These fungi can have numerous health benefits for people and, in some cases, possess medicinal properties for various ailments. It may be tempting for dog owners to share these tasty, bite-size fungi with their furry best friend. However, not all types of mushrooms are safe for people or pets, so pet owners must understand the risks of feeding dogs mushrooms. Always consult your veterinarian before offering your pup any human food to ensure it’s safe.
What are mushrooms and their common uses?
Mushrooms are unique organisms that are not plant or animal; instead, they are classified in their owner category as fungi, similar to yeasts and mold. Mushrooms are found throughout the United States, and there are more than 10,000 different species. Of these types, approximately 100 different types of mushrooms are considered toxic, and some are lethal when ingested.
Edible mushrooms are generally low-calorie, high in fiber, and contain various minerals and vitamins, including vitamins A, B, C, and E. For people, mushrooms are frequently used in a variety of ways, including:
- Food sources or standalone dishes
- Medicinal uses, such as anti-inflammation or antioxidant for cell and immune system support
- Mental health support
Are mushrooms safe for dogs?
Not all kinds of mushrooms are created equal, and many are toxic or deadly to dogs. Additionally, the nutritional values and benefits of edible mushrooms for people differ for dogs. In general, there are no real dietary benefits to feeding your dog mushrooms as part of their daily nutrition, and they should never be used in place of feeding your pup an AAFCO-approved complete and balanced dog food. In addition to a balanced diet, dog owners who want to boost their pup’s nutrition can do so with a veterinary-approved supplement like Native Pet The Daily, which supports a variety of bodily functions, including mobility, gut health, normal inflammatory response, digestion, bladder, sensitive skin, seasonal allergies, immune health, heart health, and cognition.
Although feeding your dog mushrooms is not necessary or required to keep them healthy, early studies have shown that the use of some medicinal mushrooms may benefit some dogs with various illnesses, like cancer. However, medicinal mushrooms should only be used in dogs under the direct supervision of a knowledgeable veterinarian with specialty training in holistic care.
What mushrooms ARE safe for dogs to eat?
Generally, most store-bought fresh mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat as the occasional treat. Before offering dog-safe mushrooms, ensure they are thoroughly washed, plain, and in small enough pieces to avoid a potential choking hazard. Always consult your DVM before offering new foods or treats, including mushrooms. Common varieties of mushrooms that are safe for dogs include the following:
- Baby Bella
- Shiitake
- Porcini
- Portobello
- Cremini
- White button
- Maitake
What mushrooms are NOT safe for dogs to eat?
Although found in most grocery stores, never feed your dog canned or marinated mushrooms as store-bought mushrooms often contain high levels of salt, oil, and other potentially toxic ingredients to dogs. Also, never feed your dog sauteed or cooked mushrooms containing salt, seasonings, or other poisonous ingredients, including garlic and onions.
A small percentage of the world’s wild mushrooms are considered toxic; however, these fungi can be deadly when ingested. In some cases, eating just one poisonous mushroom can be fatal to some dogs. Whether walking, hiking, or playing with your pup in the backyard, ensure that your dog does not ingest any wild mushrooms, and treat any wild mushroom as though it is toxic. Poisonous mushrooms can grow in various environments, including rocky terrains, grassy parks, and wooded areas. In warmer climates, toxic, wild mushrooms may grow year-round, but in most areas, they are more prominent in spring and early fall. Although the list of mushrooms that are unsafe for dogs is extensive, the most common types include:
- Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides)
- Death angel (Amanita bisporigera)
- Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria)
- False parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites)
- Funeral bell (Galerina marginata)
- False morel (Gyromita esculenta)
Signs of mushroom poisoning in dogs
Dog owners should treat all wild mushrooms as poisonous because it is nearly impossible to determine which are safe unless you are a fungi specialist. Immediately bring your dog to the closest emergency veterinarian if they accidentally ingest a wild mushroom. When possible, take a photo or bring a sample of the mushrooms to your veterinarian so it can be appropriately identified. Mushroom poisoning and severity depends on the type and amount of toxic fungi your dog ingests. Clinical signs can occur anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours after ingestion. Dogs who ingest toxic mushrooms are at risk for liver and kidney failure, which may take days to occur after initial ingestions. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty or labored breathing
- Uncoordinated movement
- Seizures
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Inappetance
- Disorientation
- Increased thirst and urination
- Coma
- Sudden death
Alternatives to feeding mushrooms to dogs
Plain, dog-safe edible mushrooms can be fed as the occasional treat. Always consult your veterinarian before offering any mushrooms, and ensure the mushrooms are fed plain, without any seasonings, oil, or additives. Although treats are essential to bonding with your pup and a great way to reward good manners, they should not comprise more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories to prevent weight gain. Healthy, dog-safe, and nutritious treat alternatives to mushrooms include:
- A long-lasting chew, like Native Pet Yak Chews
- Plain, raw, or steamed green beans and carrots
- A frozen, hydrating pupsicle made with Native Pet Bone Broth
- Homemade fiber dog treats made with Native Pumpkin Powder
An adequately prepared dog-safe mushroom can be fed to most dogs without any adverse effects as the occasional treat, but always consult your DVM before offering any new foods to your pup. Never allow your dog to eat wild mushrooms, and immediately seek veterinary care if your pup accidentally ingests a wild mushroom or a mushroom prepared with dog-toxic ingredients like garlic or onions. For more information and tips on your dog’s health, check out the Native Pet blog.
