Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

Introduction: Rising Demand & Market Trends

Can dogs eat mushrooms? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While some store-bought varieties can offer immune support, others—particularly wild mushrooms—pose serious health risks. In this article, we explore the science, safety, and emerging trends in using functional mushrooms for pets.

Over the past several years, pet owners and integrative veterinarians have increasingly turned to natural, herbal, and functional supplements—particularly those supporting immune health. The global pet herbal supplements market was estimated at approximately USD 1.18 billion in 2025, with a projected growth to USD 2.96 billion by 2034 (Precedence Research, 2025). Immunity support is one of the leading applications, highlighting high interest in preventive, holistic animal care.

In 2024, the broader pet supplements market was valued at USD 1.3 billion, and is expected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2033 (IMARC Group, 2024). Within that, the mushroom immune pet supplement market alone was estimated at USD 382 million in 2024 (Growth Market Reports, 2024).

In Japan's animal health industry, Zenoaq, ranked among the top 20 global animal health companies in 2023, began distributing Agaricus blazei mushroom extract for companion animals starting in 2021 (Arms Co., Ltd, 2023; Zenoaq, 2021). These market data and manufacturers' research efforts support the fact that dogs can eat mushrooms. 

Dogs Can Eat Mushrooms -  Safety Considerations

Culinary Mushrooms vs. Wild Mushrooms

Many common store-bought mushrooms like button (Agaricus bisporus), cremini, portobello, and shiitake are generally safe for dogs when plain, thoroughly cooked, and served in small amounts (The Spruce Pets, 2023). However, wild mushrooms pose a significant risk. There are over 10,000 mushroom species in North America alone, with around 100 known to be toxic to pets (PetMD, 2023).

If a dog consumes a wild mushroom or mushrooms of unknown origin, it's crucial to treat it as a veterinary emergency. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, neurological signs, and organ failure (PetMD, 2023).

Safe Practices for Mushrooms

  • Only feed cultivated, store-bought varieties.
  • Cook thoroughly.
  • Avoid toxic seasonings for dogs and cats (e.g., garlic and onions).
  • Introduce gradually and monitor for sensitivity.

Medicinal Mushrooms & the Dog's Immune System

Why Mushrooms?

Many medicinal mushrooms contain beta-glucans and polysaccharides—bioactive compounds that modulate immune activity, particularly enhancing innate immunity and regulating adaptive responses (Hetland et al., 2011).

Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM)

Also known as Agaricus subrufescens, this mushroom stimulates both innate and adaptive immune responses, modulates cytokine production, activates the complement system, and enhances leukocyte activity (Hetland et al., 2011).

In human Phase I studies, AbM supplements were well tolerated, with only mild, transient side effects like digestive upset or allergy (Ohno et al., 2011).

Some veterinary reports also include real-world clinical case insights:

  1. Post-operative recovery and oncology support: AbM was used during surgical recovery and adjunctively with cancer treatment. Vets observed enhanced quality of life and symptom stabilization (Villalobos, 2017).
  2. ADR Cases ("Ain't Doing Right"): In veterinary medicine, ADR refers to vague, nonspecific symptoms where no clear diagnosis has been established. AbM can be used in these in-between cases to support general immune health, nutritional stability, and promote recovery while further diagnostics are pending (Yoo, 2021).

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

Turkey Tail is considered safe for both dogs and cats when used in appropriate amounts and properly extracted. Integrative veterinarians often recommend supporting normal immune function in pets of all ages.

This mushroom contains naturally occurring polysaccharopeptides, including PSK and PSP, which help support the body's natural immune surveillance mechanisms. In dogs, Turkey Tail has been studied for its role in helping maintain healthy cellular function and normal tissue responses, particularly during times of physiological stress (Brown & Reetz, 2012).

For pets facing age-related immune challenges or seeking general immune system support, Turkey Tail may be a valuable addition to a wellness routine under veterinary guidance.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Maitake is also suitable for both dogs and cats, especially when the goal is to support their natural immune defenses and overall vitality.

It contains a unique beta-glucan complex known as D-fraction, which has been shown in laboratory studies to support the activity of immune cells responsible for maintaining normal cellular balance (Fujimiya et al., 1999). For companion animals, Maitake may assist the immune system during seasonal changes, aging, or when pets experience environmental or physical stressors.

Veterinary-formulated Maitake extracts are typically easy to mix into food and are well-tolerated when introduced gradually.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds that support a balanced physiological response to stress in dogs and cats.

Key Compounds and Their Functions:

  1. Triterpenoids:
    Reishi is rich in ganoderic acids, a class of triterpenes shown to influence the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, helping the body regulate its response to physical or emotional stress. These compounds have been observed to support normal cortisol levels, calm behavior, and balanced inflammatory responses (Wachtel-Galor et al., 2011).
  2. Beta-glucans (1,3 and 1,6):
    These complex polysaccharides are known for interacting with innate immune cells like macrophages and dendritic cells, helping the immune system maintain healthy surveillance and promote tissue recovery (VetMed, 2023).
  3. Sterols and polyphenols:
    Reishi also contains ergosterol, a precursor of vitamin D2, and antioxidant molecules that protect cells from oxidative damage associated with aging and immune system activation (Wachtel-Galor et al., 2011).

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushrooms are well‑tolerated by dogs and cats when given in appropriate, veterinary‑formulated doses. This mushroom is commonly found in integrative veterinary formulas and is known for its support of immune, liver, and digestive wellness.

Key Compounds and Their Functions:

  1. Lentinan (β-1,3-glucan): A well-documented polysaccharide that supports immune cell signaling, helping maintain a healthy immune response in dogs and cats. It has been shown to modulate immune function in preclinical studies (Vetvicka et al., 2014).
  2. Eritadenine, a naturally occurring compound in shiitake mushrooms, has been studied in animal models. In rats, dietary eritadenine has been shown to support healthy cholesterol and lipid metabolism (Sugiyama et al., 1997; Asada et al., 2019). In healthy dogs, supplementation with shiitake powder, delivering approximately 0.60–0.65 mg/kg/day of eritadenine, led to improvements in total cholesterol and antioxidant markers, while liver enzyme levels remained stable (Kusaba & Arai, 2024).
  3. Mannans and Prebiotic Fibers: Shiitake contains polysaccharides, such as mannans, that may support a balanced gut microbiota, contributing to digestive health and immune homeostasis in pets (Kusaba et al., 2024).

Best Practices & Precautions

  • Consult a vet before introducing supplements
  • Start with low doses
  • Monitor response over 2–4 weeks
  • Avoid wild mushrooms completely
  • Choose reputable, tested products

Conclusion

Yes, dogs can safely eat certain types of mushrooms. Store-bought, cooked mushrooms in small amounts are generally safe. Pet supplements formulated with medicinal mushrooms, such as Agaricus blazei Murill, Turkey Tail, and Maitake, offer promising immune support. Among these, Agaricus blazei stands out with strong safety data, case studies, and veterinarian satisfaction. Consider Agaricus Bio 300 mg for dogs and cats or organic turkey dog treats with Agaricus blazei to support your pet's long-term immunity naturally.

References

  1. Brown, D. C., & Reetz, J. A. (2012). Single-agent polysaccharopeptide prolonged survival of naturally occurring hemangiosarcoma in dogs. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, Article ID 384301. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/384301
  2. Business Wire. (2022). Study into the satisfaction level of veterinarians regarding the effects of Agaricus blazei mushroom KA21 supplement on dogs & cats. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220807005048/en
  3. Fujimiya, Y., Suzuki, Y., Oshiman, K., Kobori, H., Moriguchi, K., Nakashima, Y., ... & Katakura, R. (1999). Selective tumoricidal effect of soluble proteoglucan extracted from the basidiomycete, Grifola frondosa (Maitake). Mycoscience, 40(3), 301–307.
  4. Growth Market Reports. (2024). Mushroom immune pet supplement market report. https://growthmarketreports.com
  5. Hetland, G., Johnson, E., Lyberg, T., Bernardshaw, S., Tryggestad, A. M. A., & Grinde, B. (2011). Effects of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill on immunity, infection and cancer. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 73(4), 330–345. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3083.2010.02432.x
  6. IMARC Group. (2024). Pet supplement market: Industry trends. https://www.imarcgroup.com
  7. Ohno, S., Sumiyoshi, H., Hashine, K., Shirato, A., Kyo, S., & Inoue, M. (2011). Phase I clinical study of the dietary supplement Agaricus blazei Murill in cancer patients in remission. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nep195
  8. PetMD. (2023). Mushroom poisoning in dogs. https://www.petmd.com/dog/poisoning/mushroom-poisoning-in-dogs
  9. Precedence Research. (2025). Pet herbal supplements market. https://www.precedenceresearch.com
  10. Superfood Science. (2025, September 3). Why functional mushrooms are gaining traction with vets. https://www.superfoodscience.com/blogs/health-blog/why-functional-mushrooms-are-gaining-traction-with-vets
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