Whether you dropped a mushroom or are in the forest hunting for wild mushrooms, we are answering all your questions about whether dogs can eat mushrooms!
Mushrooms have been one of the most common sources of food for humans for thousands of years. So can dogs eat mushrooms?
Whether by mushrooms you mean typical store-bought options or wild mushrooms that your dog has sniffed and found on the trail, this article has got you covered!
In this article, we’ll walk you through a complete guide about the safety of consuming mushrooms in dogs. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Mushrooms?
Store-bought mushrooms are generally considered safe for dogs’ consumption. However, the safety here is only for plain mushrooms without any seasoning or oil.
Avoid feeding them mushroom-based dishes because we typically add a lot of ingredients that are delicious for us, but unhealthy for dogs.
This includes seasoning, oils, butter, garlic, onions, which can cause some unwanted side effects on dogs, such as bowel issues and gastric upsets.
In other words, if you want your dog to have a taste of mushrooms, make sure that they’re plain and unseasoned.
You should also keep in mind that mushrooms are not essential for dogs’ diets, so they can never be a replacement for animal-based protein.
What Are the Safest Types of Mushrooms for Dogs?
The safest types of mushrooms are of course the store-bought ones because they typically don’t contain any kind of harmful toxins.
One thing you should know is that mushrooms sock up pesticides more than vegetables and fruits, so make sure that they’re organically grown. Here’s a list of the safest types of mushrooms that dogs can eat:
- Oyster mushroom
- White button mushroom
- Shiitake mushroom
- Maitake mushroom (hen of the wood)
- Chestnut mushroom
- Portobello mushroom
- Cremini mushroom
- Porcini mushroom
- Reishi mushroom (Lingzhi)
Can a Dog Eat Wild Mushrooms?
There are hundreds of mushroom species that grow in the wild and are considered poisonous for both humans and dogs.
Since it’s extremely difficult to identify or establish the safety of the mushroom, it’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid it altogether.
If you’re hiking or on a trail and your dog finds a mushroom, you must prevent it from eating it. There’s a huge chance that these mushrooms are poisonous that can cause anything from diarrhea to severe liver poisoning and even death!
Is It Better to Feed Dogs Raw or Cooked Mushrooms?
In most cases, dogs don’t have the ability to produce the enzymes necessary to digest and metabolize some components of mushrooms, even in relatively safe ones.
For that reason, it’s always recommended that you cook any mushrooms before allowing your dog to eat them.
Of course, cooking may impact the nutritional value of some of these mushrooms. But, it’s a necessary process for the safety of your dog’s health.
How Much Mushrooms Can a Dog Eat Per Day?
Although they’re full of proteins, mushrooms aren’t essential for a dog’s health, so they’re usually regarded as treats. That’s why they’re included as 10% of the dog’s daily diet (about 1 or 2 slices only).
In Conclusion
This concludes today’s guide about the safety of mushrooms for dogs. Remember that mushroom poisoning is a very serious health issue, so if you’ve noticed any signs of lethargy, seizure, vomiting, or diarrhea, make sure to contact your dog’s vet immediately.