Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
There are so many questions about the right food for dogs. While some foods that humans enjoy are perfectly harmless for our canine buddies, others can pose significant health risks. Mushrooms are a particularly tricky and their safety for dogs varies significantly.
Mushrooms that are safe for us, including most store-bought mushrooms like white button, cremini (baby bella), and portobello, are generally considered safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. The real potential danger is with wild mushrooms. Wild mushrooms can be highly toxic to dogs, and distinguishing between safe and unsafe mushrooms can be difficult.
Can dogs have mushrooms? Are mushrooms bad for dogs? Are they safe? What happens if they eat a wild mushroom during a walk? These questions, and more, will be addressed below.
What Mushrooms are Safe for My Dog?
Generally, the types of mushrooms you find at your local grocery store are safe for dogs to consume in moderate amounts including:
White button mushrooms
Chestnut
Cremini
Matake
Portobello
Porcini
Reishi
Shitake
These mushrooms are non-toxic and are often used in various dog food recipes. However, moderation is key as large amounts can lead to an upset tummy, and if you have any concerns, ask your vet before first.
Here are some of the most commonly used mushrooms in dog food or as dog food additives:
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes): Often praised for their health benefits in humans, shitake mushrooms can also provide some nutritional value for dogs. These mushrooms are rich in vitamins, minerals and can support overall health and the immune system.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Often referred to as the "mushroom of immortality," Reishi mushrooms are known for their potent antioxidant properties, their ability to support immune health and are believed to help reduce stress.
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor): Turkey Tail is packed with polysaccharopeptides, which can support the immune system and it is commonly used in supplements for dogs to help support their immune responses and maintain healthy liver function.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa): Maitake mushrooms are known for supporting immune health and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. They are also considered helpful in maintaining healthy weight and supporting cardiovascular health.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis): This mushroom is often used for its energy-boosting properties. It's believed to help improve stamina, endurance, and overall vitality
Are Mushrooms Good for Dogs?
Mushrooms in moderation can be good for dogs, but it is essential to stick to mushrooms that are safe for humans. Never feed your dog wild mushrooms. Here are some of the key vitamins and nutrients found in safe, store-bought mushrooms that can benefit dogs:
B Vitamins: Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins such as riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3), which are important for maintaining healthy skin, and coat as well aiding in digestion.
Vitamin D: When mushrooms are exposed to UV light, they produce vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) which is important for bone health and calcium absorption.
Antioxidants: Mushrooms contain antioxidants like selenium, which help protect against cell damage and support the immune system.
Fiber: The fiber in mushrooms can aid in digestion.
Protein: Mushrooms provide a source of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health.
Minerals: Mushroom can also be a source of important minerals such as potassium, which helps maintain normal heart and muscle function, and phosphorus, important for bone health.
What Mushrooms are Poisonous for Dogs?
While not all wild mushrooms are toxic, it is best to keep your dog way from eating them as some wild mushrooms are poisonous for dogs.
In the UK, the following mushrooms are common.
Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric): This iconic mushroom is common in UK woodlands, especially those with birch, pine, and spruce trees. Its distinctive red cap with white spots makes it easily recognizable.
Amanita phalloides (Death Cap): Though not as widespread as some other species, the Death Cap can be found in woodlands, often near oaks. As its name suggests, the Death Cap is highly toxic.
Chlorophyllum molybdites (False Parasol): While not native to the UK, there have been increasing reports of its presence, particularly in urban and suburban areas. It's recognized by its large size and greenish gills.
Galerina marginata (Funeral Bell): This small, brown mushroom is common in mossy or wooded areas, especially on rotting wood.
Cortinarius rubellus (Deadly Webcap) and Amanita virosa (Destroying Angel): Both of these species are found in UK woodlands and are extremely toxic.
Clitocybe rivulosa (Fool’s Funnel): This mushroom is also common in grassy areas across the UK. Its toxicity, coupled with its common presence in lawns and parks, makes it a risk for dogs.
Here is a more complete list of wild mushrooms you’ll definitely want your dog to steer clear of:
Amanita bisporigera (Death Angel)
Amanita gemmata (Jeweled Deathcap)
Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric)
Amanita pantherina (Panther Cap)
Amanita phalloides (Death Cap)
Amanita virosa (Destroying Angel)
Chlorophyllum molybdites (False Parasol)
Clitocybe dealbata (Ivory Funnel)
Clitocybe rivulosa (Fool’s Funnel)
Cortinarius rubellus (Deadly Webcap)
Galerina marginata (Funeral Bell)
Gyromitra esculenta (False Morel)
Helvella lacunosa (Elf’s Saddle)
Inocybe (Inocybe species)
Pleurocybella porrigens (Angel’s Wings)
What To Do If My Dog Eats a Wild Mushroom?
Contact your vet immediately. While only a handful of mushrooms are truly toxic to dogs, identifying the specific type of mushroom and its danger level is difficult and seeking professional advice is best.
If possible, bring the mushroom to the veterinary clinic. This will help them in assessing the potential risks and on deciding on the appropriate treatment. If the mushroom is in fact toxic, prompt care will significantly improve your dog’s chance for a speedy and full recovery.
How Do I Know If My Dog Ate a Poisonous Mushroom
If your dog eats a poisonous mushroom, the symptoms can range from a mildly upset stomach to severe neurological issues and organ failure, potentially leading to coma or death. The specific symptoms will depend on specific mushroom ingested as different toxins affect dogs in various ways. The severity of symptoms may also depend on your dog's underlying health conditions.
Symptoms may not appear immediately and it can take up to 12 hours for signs of poisoning.
Common Symptoms Include:
Vomiting and diarrhea
Excessive drooling and salivation
Abdominal pain
Lethargy and weakness
Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
Uncoordinated movements, staggering gait (ataxia)
Severe cases may exhibit collapse, seizures, coma, and even death
Mushroom Types and Their Effects:
Amanita mushrooms cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, potentially leading to liver failure and death.
Inocybe spp. and Clitocybe dealbata lead to neurological symptoms, including excessive salivation and watery eyes.
The false morel (Gyromitra spp.) typically causes vomiting and diarrhea but is usually not fatal.
Urgent Care:
Prompt veterinary intervention is crucial. Bring your dog and a sample of the mushroom (or a photo) to the vet for a swift diagnosis and treatment plan.
Treatment might involve inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, and running blood and urine tests to minimize organ damage.
The liver and kidneys are particularly at risk, and symptoms related to these organs may take longer to appear but require immediate treatment to prevent irreversible damage.
Tips on How to Feed Dogs Mushrooms
Feeding mushrooms to your dog can be beneficial. Here’s how to safely introduce mushrooms into your dog's diet:
Choosing Mushrooms:
Opt for store-bought, thoroughly washed, and plainly prepared mushrooms. As described above, avoid wild mushrooms due to toxicity risks.
Raw, organic mushrooms are preferred. Ensure they are cut into small pieces to prevent choking.
Dogs can eat cooked mushrooms, but they should be prepared without oils, salt and other unnecessary ingredients.
Consider trying fresh, dried, or mushroom powders.
Ensure snacks, including mushrooms, only make up 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% being well-balanced dog food.
Mushroom Supplements:
Select supplements made from whole mushrooms.
Read labels carefully to check for any unwanted added ingredients.
Start with small doses and gradually increase to avoid digestive upset.
For mushroom powders and other supplements follow the recommended doses and product instructions.
Summary
Introducing mushrooms to your dog's diet can be a nourishing addition when done correctly. Always prioritize safety by choosing the right mushrooms and preparing them properly. Never feed your dog wild mushrooms as they can be severely toxic and in some cases lethal. As always, before introducing any new food item into your dog's diet, it's wise to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide guidance based on your dog's specific health needs.
The following images are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which can be found at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
Image credits are as follows: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma (Amanita muscaria), Daniel Neal (Amanita phalloides), (Chlorophyllum molybdites), Rand Workman (Galerina marginata), Eric Steinert (Cortinarius rubellus), Per Erik Lyberg (Amanita virosa), Andreas Kunze (Clitocybe rivulose), Dan Molter (Amanita bisporigera), Dick Culbert (Amanita gemmate), Holger Krisp (Amanita pantherine), Archenzo (Clitocybe dealbata), Len Worthington (Helvella lacunose), Greg Fitchett (Pleurocybella porrigens)