Mushrooms come in two forms: Tasty and life-threatening. And there are plenty of mushrooms that we know of can kill humans in the blink of an eye, and plenty go into our favorite Chinese takeouts. But what about dogs? Can dogs eat mushrooms?

In short, the answer is yes. Dogs can safely eat the mushrooms that humans can eat. And precautions that you need to take to feed them some are very easy. 

But shall we discuss what mushrooms dogs can or cannot eat and what symptoms you should look out for?

Are Mushrooms Safe For Dogs?

When you think of human foods, you surely would not want to feed your dog anything poisonous to you. That would be the right thing to do as well. Dogs can only eat those mushrooms, which are also safe for humans. 

Store-bought edible mushrooms that even humans can eat are okay for your furry friend to eat, but canned or seasoned ones are a BIG NO!

Okay, but now we need to talk about how edible mushrooms benefit dogs.

Health Benefits of Feeding Mushrooms to Dogs

Edible mushrooms are not just yummy; they are equally nutritious. Some of their benefits are-

1. Vitamin A

Mushrooms are rich in vitamin A, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin A does not just support your pupper’s reproductive health and their healthy vision and immune system.  

And for dogs with degrading eyesight, Vitamin A is a staple nutrient. 

2. Vitamin B

All the B vitamins in mushrooms work together to regulate your pup’s enzyme release, functionality, and energy metabolism. 

They also support heart health and the nervous system. 

3. Vitamin C

We talk about the benefits of Vitamin C all the time! Vitamin C is a magical antioxidant that reduces cellular damage in your furry friend’s cells and supports their overall immune system by delaying aging and getting rid of cancerous cells.

4. Potassium

Potassium is an essential mineral found in mushrooms as this mineral helps your pup’s kidneys function correctly and supports efficient muscle and heart function. 

5. Ergothioneine

Ergothioneine is one of the most potent antioxidants found in mushrooms. It reduces the effects of cognitive aging and chronic diseases in dogs. This antioxidant also reduces the risk of cancer and inflammation. 

6. Glutathione

Glutathione is another powerful antioxidant found in mushrooms, as this helps to enhance the efficiency of other antioxidants that your pooch intakes. It also reduces cell damage and inflammation and delays aging (article). 

What Mushrooms Are Okay For Dogs to Consume?

Now that you know the positive effects of feeding edible mushrooms to your pup, what mushrooms can dogs eat?

1. Shiitake mushrooms

The deliciousness of Shiitake mushrooms cannot be compared as they are immune-boosting mushrooms with anti-tumor and anti-cancer benefits. 

Shiitake mushrooms also offer anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties while supporting and modulating the immune system.

2. Porcini Mushooms

Porcini mushrooms are a staple in Italian dishes and have an earthy scent and flavor. Also, dried porcini mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin D. 

3. White Button Mushrooms

Who does not love a quesadilla filled with button mushrooms, chicken, and yummy Mexican spices? Button mushrooms are the most common mushroom species found in departmental stores. They are jam-packed with nutrients and minerals such as phosphorus, selenium, and vitamin D.

Mushrooms That Are Unsafe For Dogs

As mentioned before, not all mushrooms are safe for dogs (or YOU). Some mushrooms have properties that can kill your pup (and you).

Some of them are: 

1. Death Cap Mushrooms (Amanita phalloides)

As their name suggests, death cap mushrooms are poisonous and even the deadliest in the world. These mushrooms contain a toxic element called amatin, which is responsible for causing severe gastrointestinal problems and, eventually, liver failure. 

They can be identified by their light green and white color.

2. Fly Agaric Mushrooms (Amanita muscaria)

These mushrooms are one of the most commonly found poisonous mushrooms from the Amanita family. When consumed, they can imbalance your pooch’s neurological system and cause symptoms such as tremors and seizures.

But these are some pretty red and white mushrooms you see in cartoons.

3. Panther Cap Mushrooms (Amanita pantherina)

These mushrooms have a protienous fishy smell that can grab the attention of animals that consume protein-based foods. 

But if your pup consumes it, they might face severe repercussions. Panther Cap Mushrooms induce scary symptoms like diarrhea, excessive drooling, and peeing. They even have the capacity to put your dog in a coma-like state.

4. Angel of Death Mushrooms (Amanita ocreata)

As pretty as the name is, eating these mushrooms never has such pretty results. These mushrooms can damage your pup’s kidneys liver, and cause severe gastrointestinal disorders. Angel of death mushroom poisoning can be lethal.

What Are the Signs of Mushroom Poisoning?

Our beloved furry friends are curious but, sadly, cannot conduct scientific experiments. So, they just eat or sniff stuff. This means that you need to be extra cautious outdoors, mushroom hunting with your pup. 

Symptoms you should look out for if your pooch has eaten a poisonous mushroom:

  • Diarrhea
  • Puking
  • Loss of coordination
  • Seizures
  • Muscle spasms
  • Abdominal pain
  • Body ache
  • Excessive drooling
  • Excessive urination
  • Tremors

They can also get allergic reactions from even edible mushrooms. Doggy tummies are unique and will not necessarily process every food the same way as hoomans. 

So, they can have allergic reactions such as hives, itching, and skin issues. You must always consult a veterinarian before introducing new food, especially mushrooms, to your pup. Allergies are not to be taken lightly.

a dog in the woods with mushrooms

Best Ways to Serve Edible Mushrooms to Your Dog

Now that you have sorted and picked the best ones for your dog and had a word with your vet, you can feed some mushrooms to your pup. But how do you do it?

Let us discuss:

  • Choose organically grown and locally sourced mushrooms to avoid the ingestion of any harmful chemicals. 
  • Wash them thoroughly to get rid of any foreign particles or dirt.
  • Boil the mushrooms. Washing may sometimes not eliminate all of the bacteria occupying the surface of mushrooms, so boiling kills the bacteria and breaks down the nutrients in mushrooms a little so that it is easier to digest them.
  • SKIP ANY SEASONING OR SAUCES. Your pup’s delicate stomach will not be able to handle any of those.
  • Chop them well to avoid any choking hazards. Mushrooms are soft when cooked, but small dogs are still prone to choking on large pieces.
  • Add them to their regular, well-balanced meals.
  • Control the portions. Food item should be at most 10% of your pup’s regular meals.

Note: If you have a young dog, feeding your puppy raw mushrooms can harm their stomach, due to the .

Final Thoughts

Some tasty mushrooms in your dog’s diet can instantly make their health soooo much better. They can provide energy and help your beloved pupper feel satiated for a long time.

But when you are out hiking with your pooch, they may eat dangerous mushrooms that can have lethal effects if you do not pay attention. We advise you not to go around areas where mushrooms grow when you are on a walk.

And always remember to talk to a medical professional about your dog’s allergies so, that you can avoid any allergic reactions. These few steps can ensure that your puppy dog stays healthy and happy fur-ever!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat cooked mushrooms?

Mushrooms are best when they are boiled or baked without seasonings. Any food item that contains seasonings is dangerous to dogs, moreover, frying them or cooking the in oils and butter increases their fat content, which can lead to obesity in dogs. So, it is best to bake them or boil them plain.

Are Baby Bella mushrooms safe for dogs?

Baby Bella mushrooms are just as safe for dogs as they are for humans, but we need to mention that, you CAN NOT feed your dog Baby Bella mushrooms from your meal or your white sauce pasta. Cooked human foods are never suitable for dogs. So, it is better to separately bake or boil them.

Can dogs have mushrooms with broccoli?

Broccolis are jam-packed with nutrients but along with the goodness of mushrooms, it will be a delicious and even more healthy snack. You can add some mashed broccolis and mushrooms together in their well-balanced meals.

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