Mushrooms For Dogs: Buyer Beware

It’s no secret that mushrooms are starting to dominate in the health industry, and fast! Research is recognizing and acknowledging the vast health improvements in people, and now pets, for the better. But when buying mushrooms for dogs it’s important to remember, as with any natural health supplement or food, that quality is important. There are plenty of mushroom companies popping up, but are they all equal in value?

The answer is NO.

WHAT’S A GOOD MUSHROOM FOR DOGS? WHAT’S A BAD MUSHROOM FOR DOGS?

There’s really no such thing as a BAD mushroom.

Wait, no, that’s a lie, some can be poisonous. Don’t touch those.

What I mean to say is, for the purpose of this post, we’re talking about medicinal mushrooms for dogs and whether or not your pal is getting the full health benefits from their mushroom extract or not. As the do-gooder pet parent that I’m sure you already are (or else you wouldn’t be reading this post) it’s up to you to do the research.

But I can help. In order to distinguish whether the mushroom supplement for dogs you’re interested in is high quality ask yourself these questions…

4 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING A MUSHROOM PRODUCT FOR YOUR DOG

Is it a mushroom extract or ground up dried mushrooms?
When choosing a mushroom supplement for dogs, you want to choose a mushroom extract (liquid or powdered).

Is the mushroom product from mycelium or the fruiting body?
Choose a mushroom extract that is hot water extracted from the fruiting body, where all the medicinal properties live. Stay away from products that include mycelium, grown on medium (like grains) or fillers.

Where are the mushrooms grown?
Mushrooms are bio-accumulators, which means the absorb toxins from polluted air and earth. Although China has been known for its mushroom cultivation methods, it is one of the most polluted countries in the world. Mushrooms growing in their natural environment in the United States’ Pacific Northwest region* are not exposed to these pollutants and toxins, which is an important factor to consider when choosing mushrooms for dogs.

How are the mushrooms being grown?
This has a HUGE impact on the benefits of mushrooms for your dog. Did you know mushrooms can be grown on things like grain and rice? It’s a cheap and quick way to mass produce. The problem is, well, you are what you eat. So mushrooms that are grown on grains take in the nutrients from those grains, which are severely lacking in the health benefits your dog needs. If the mushroom is grown on a tree, in the wild (where they naturally grow), it’s able to absorb all of the important vitamins and nutrients your dog needs to thrive.   

*Note: A lot of people don’t realize this, but there are actually mushrooms growing, wild-harvested, extracted and packaged in the United States! If you do a little research, you’ll see that the Pacific Northwest is a mushroom heaven that’s been supplying us with naturally grown mushrooms for over 2,400 years. It’s America’s little secret, but so important to know about to make sure we aren’t only finding the best mushroom sources for ourselves and our pets, but that we continue to support our local farmers.

Learn more about Angie’s best mushroom tinctures for dogs.

MUSHROOM TINCTURES VS. MUSHROOM POWDERS

The next thing to think about is HOW your mushroom supplement for dogs is produced.

The medicinal compounds in the mushrooms must first be hot water extracted (and alcohol for Reishi) from the fruiting body. This results in a full spectrum of medicinal compounds like polysaccharides (beta-d-glucans, triterpenoids, ergosterol, antioxidants and Vitamins B & D). 

The mushroom extract is then typically put in alcohol for humans, while mushroom extracts for dogs use glycerin. Or the mushroom extract is then dried and sold as a mushroom extract powder.  However, most powdered products on the market are just dried mushrooms, ground up along with the growing medium, and not actually extracts at all.

Mushroom extracts for dogs are better preserved in organic glycerin, rather than packaged as mushroom extract powders, which can begin to oxidize the moment the package is opened. 

And here’s another benefit of mushroom extract tinctures for dogs—they are typically more bioavailable than powdered versions. Since they can be absorbed into the bloodstream upon consumption, they can skip the whole digestive process altogether. This is a bonus for dogs with sensitive stomachs who are searching for a mushroom supplement for dogs.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MUSHROOM FOR YOUR DOG

Mushrooms are adaptogens and when you put several together or combine them with other adaptogens (cannabis, astragalus root, ashwagandha) they work synergistically to bring the body to homeostasis. Here are some mushrooms for dogs with serious benefits:

turkey tail mushrooms for dogsTURKEY TAIL MUSHROOMS FOR DOGS

One of the most well-known and extensively researched immune activators and cancer fighters, Turkey Tail mushrooms boast a powerful resume of potential benefits including boosting immune cell production, containing antiviral components to fight against infections, and preventing inflammation, especially of the upper respiratory, urinary, and digestive tracts. In fact, Turkey Tail has even been approved as a cancer therapy for patients in Japan.

Turkey Tail mushroom extract for dogs supports:

  • Cancer fighting
  • Healing after injury
  • Regulate blood pressure
  • Reproductive health
  • Kidney and urinary health
  • Support the immune system
  • Promote healthy, normal cell growth
  • Healthy inflammation response 

Related: Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs

reishi mushrooms for dogsREISHI MUSHROOMS FOR DOGS

Reishi mushrooms are known as the “mushroom of immortality”, and for good reason. Reishi mushrooms have anti-aging and rejuvenating properties, it inhibits histamine release, induces apoptosis, improves cognitive function, and helps to calm stressors.

Reishi mushroom extract for dogs supports:

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Immune system 
  • A healthy histamine response
  • The body’s ability to cope with oxidative stress
  • Healthy liver functioning
  • Healthy cardiovascular system function
  • The body’s natural ability to promote healthy, normal cell growth
  • A healthy inflammation response 
  • Radiance and physical/energetic warmth

shiitake mushrooms for dogsSHIITAKE MUSHROOMS FOR DOGS

Shiitake mushrooms are a delicious, edible mushroom that has also been widely studied for its health-promoting properties. Shiitake is an immunomodulator, is a great liver protectant, provides cardiovascular support, and has shown to possibly extend survival periods if conventional cancer treatments are pursued. 

Shiitake mushroom extract for dogs supports:

  • Optimal digestive functioning
  • The body’s ability to regulate blood pressure
  • Liver health
  • The body’s innate immune system
  • The body’s natural ability to promote healthy, normal cell growth
  • A healthy inflammation response 

maitake mushrooms for dogsMAITAKE MUSHROOMS FOR DOGS

One of the most widely-cultivated mushrooms, Maitake also shows potential benefits for lowering blood glucose levels, enhancing immune function, antioxidant components, and it’s a common remedy for arthritis in Japan.

Maitake mushroom extract for dogs supports:

  • Healthy sugar metabolism
  • The body’s ability to regulate blood pressure
  • The female reproductive system
  • The body’s innate immune system
  • The body’s natural ability to promote healthy, normal cell growth
  • A healthy inflammation response 

chaga mushrooms for dogsCHAGA MUSHROOMS FOR DOGS

Is not truly a “mushroom” at all, but a concentrated mass of mycelium and wood precursor, Chaga has been used for centuries to protect the heart, aid as an anticancer remedy, has an anti-histaminic effect, and has antibacterial properties. It’s also known for its free-radical scavenging antioxidant effects. 

Chaga mushroom extract for dogs supports:

  • The body’s ability to cope with oxidative stress
  • The body’s natural ability to regulate blood pressure
  • The body’s ability to protect itself from damage caused by harmful chemicals
  • A reduction in our exposure to harmful microbials
  • The body’s innate immune system
  • The body’s natural ability to promote healthy, normal cell growth
  • A healthy inflammation response

artist's conk mushrooms for dogsARTIST CONK MUSHROOMS FOR DOGS

Related in species to Reishi, Artist Conk is also an immunomodulator and can help prevent infections. It has properties that are anti-inflammatory, and can help support the liver while preventing further damage.

Artist Conk mushroom extract for dogs support:

  • The body’s innate immune system
  • Respiratory strength
  • Healthy skin
  • A reduction in our exposure to harmful microbials and viruses
  • The body’s response to pain
  • Healthy sugar metabolism
  • Supports healthy mucus production and elimination
  • The body’s natural ability to promote healthy, normal cell growth
  • A healthy inflammation response 

red conk mushrooms for dogsRED BELTED CONK MUSHROOMS FOR DOGS

Red Belted Conk has powerful anti-cancer properties. It’s been shown to regulate blood sugar, support absorption and elimination, and has been used as a strong emetic and coagulant. 

Red Belted Conk mushroom extract for dogs supports:

  • The body’s own natural ability to heal itself
  • A healthy histamine response
  • Optimal digestive functioning
  • A healthy inflammation response in the gut
  • The body’s innate immune system
  • The body’s natural ability to promote healthy, normal cell growth
  • A healthy inflammation response 

LION’S MANE MUSHROOMS FOR DOGS

Referred to as “Nature’s Nutrient for the Neurons” or the “smart mushroom”, Lion’s Mane has been lauded for its ability to stimulate nerve regeneration, which means it helps grow new neurons and create new pathways. This mushroom helps to regulate mood, acts as an antibiotic, an appetite stimulant, and is incredible for memory and cognitive function. This funny looking mushroom has also been shown to improve memory and prevent damage that occurs in the brain during Alzheimer’s Disease.

Lion’s Mane mushroom extract for dogs supports:

  • The body’s own natural ability to heal itself
  • The body’s ability to repair the nervous system
  • A healthy stress response
  • Optimal digestive functioning
  • The body’s innate immune system
  • The body’s natural ability to promote healthy, normal cell growth
  • A healthy inflammation response 

Related: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms for Dogs

CORDYCEPS MUSHROOMS FOR DOGS

Growing off an insect host rather than a plant substrate, Cordyceps is rather unique, however it still has the potential to protect the kidneys, increases oxygen uptake in the lungs to effectively deliver it to the tissues, boosts energy levels, and can activate energy and warmth. 

Cordyceps mushroom extract for dogs supports:

  • Healthy energy levels
  • Healthy circulation and oxygenation of cells
  • Kidney and adrenal health
  • The body’s ability to cope with oxidative stress
  • Healthy sugar metabolism
  • The body’s innate immune system
  • The body’s natural ability to promote healthy, normal cell growth
  • A healthy inflammation response 

MUSHROOM EXTRACT TINCTURES FOR DOGS

Knowing what your dog needs is half the battle. And although one of these individual mushrooms above might sound right for your pet, here’s a good buyer’s tip: Look for a product with several mushrooms in vegetable glycerin for your pets.

Mycodog is a sustainable line of mushroom tinctures for dogs. Formulated in collaboration with a myco-alchemist, Mycodog offers three mushroom tinctures for dogs, all triple-extracted from the fruiting bodies of fungi cultivated and wild-harvested in North America.

Clarity was designed to support your dog’s cognitive disorder, nervous system, mental and emotional health, formulated with a proprietary water extract of Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Cordyceps, with Bacopa Monnieri and Ashwagandha. 

Vitality was designed to help support dogs dealing with Cancer, Autoimmune Disease, Liver issues and Respiratory issues, formulated with a proprietary water extract of Turkey Tail, Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Chaga, Artist Conk and Red Belted Conk, with Astragalus Root and Ashwagandha.

Breathe was designed to help your dog’s respiratory and cardiovascular systems, formulated with proprietary water extract of Cordyceps, Reishi, Artist Conk and Chaga, with Ashwagandha.

HOW TO GIVE MUSHROOM TINCTURES TO YOUR DOG

Mushroom tinctures for dogs can be administered orally, by putting it in their mouth, on their food, or with a treat.

Recommended mushroom extract dosage for dogs per day:

90mg/kg – for cancer, autoimmune disease, IVDD, CCD

50mg/kg – for respiratory issues, cardiovascular issues, nerve, kidney and liver support

20mg/kg – Immune and inflammation support

About Angela Ardolino

Angela Ardolino Author Photo with Odie the SchnauzerAngela Ardolino is a holistic pet expert who has been caring for animals for over 20 years. Angela owns and operates Fire Flake Farm, her animal rescue farm, as well as two locations of a natural pet salon and shop, Beautify the Beast. She’s also the founder of CBD Dog Health, which offers high quality, all-natural cannabis health and wellness products MycoDog, producer of sustainable mushroom products for pets.

To see Angela on her rescue farm today, surrounded by animals, is to truly see her in her element. Looking at this furry, joyful family you would never suspect that Angela and her pets were once full of aches, pains and anxiety. Angela is the mother to Odie (15-year-old mini-schnauzer), Nina (10-year-old Doberman), Jolene (9-year-old mutt), Maza (9-year-old mutt), Rhemi (10-year-old poodle), multiple ducks, roosters, chickens and geese, plus pigs Ellie and Penelope, Brenda the one-legged pigeon, and the many dogs that she fosters from time-to-time at Fire Flake Farm.