Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

Mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious food for humans, but can you safely share them with your pup? 

The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. While some mushrooms are safe for dogs, others can be highly toxic and even deadly. 

Here’s everything you need to know about feeding dogs mushrooms, including the risks and benefits of mushrooms for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms Safely?

The answer is that it depends on the type of mushroom. There are thousands of different types of mushrooms, and while some are safe for dogs to eat, others can be extremely toxic. Some of the most common mushrooms that are toxic to dogs include:

• Amanita phalloides (Death Cap)
• Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric)
• Gyromitra esculenta (False Morel)

These toxic mushrooms can cause a range of symptoms in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, jaundice, seizures, and even death. If your dog has eaten any of these mushrooms, seek immediate veterinary attention.

That said, the same mushrooms humans eat are safe for dogs. Let’s take a closer look at some of these. 

What Kind Of Mushrooms Can Dogs Have?

While some mushrooms are toxic to dogs, many types of mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat, including:

• Button 
• Portobello 
• Shiitake 
• Maitake 
• Oyster
• Turkey tail
• Chaga
• Reishi
• Lion’s mane
• Cordyceps
• Phellinus

Can Dogs Eat Raw Mushrooms?

Many people wonder “can dogs eat mushrooms raw?” The answer is no. Raw mushrooms can be difficult to digest and may cause digestive upset because of the mushroom’s chitin wall that's difficult to break down. Cooking breaks down chitin and releases the mushroom nutrients that benefit your dog. Cooking also inactivates a potentially toxic substance in raw mushrooms called monomethyl hydrazine. Always make sure you thoroughly cook mushrooms for dogs. 

Benefits Of Mushrooms For Dogs

Mushrooms are a healthy food for humans, and some of their nutritional benefits also apply to dogs. Mushrooms are rich in beta glucans, antioxidants, fiber and a wide range of vitamins and minerals that offer some of these potential health benefits …

• Promoting normal immune system response
• Supporting cardiovascular health
• Maintaining a normal inflammatory response
• Supporting normal GI and gut function

But even though mushrooms are safe and packed with benefits, it’s best to feed mushrooms in moderation to avoid adverse reactions and the risks below.

Risks Of Mushrooms For Dogs

As mentioned earlier, many types of mushrooms are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems or even death. If your dog eats a toxic mushroom, he may show some of the following symptoms of mushroom toxicity in dogs:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy
• Drooling
• Jaundice 
• Weakness
• Ataxia (incoordination)
• Seizures

The biggest risks of mushrooms for dogs can be avoided simply by keeping your dog away from any mushrooms growing in the wild (or even in your own yard). Avoid feeding your dog any mushrooms unless you’re certain they’re one of the safe varieties listed above.

In addition to the risk of mushroom toxicity, some dogs may have an allergic reaction to mushrooms. 

Signs of mushroom allergy in dogs can include ...

• Itching
• Swelling
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing

If you suspect that your dog may be experiencing mushroom toxicity or an allergic reaction, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Can Mushrooms Replace Meat For Dogs?

Many vegans and vegetarians use mushrooms to replace meat in their diet. So you might wonder, can your furry friend also get the protein he needs from mushrooms instead of meat? 

The answer is no. Mushrooms are a healthy addition to your dog's diet, but they shouldn't replace meat. 

Dogs are carnivorous animals that need animal protein like meat or fish to build and maintain their muscles. While mushrooms do contain protein, it’s far from the amount your dog will get from meat. Portobello mushrooms, for example, have about 2 grams of protein per 100 grams, while cooked chicken breast has about 31 grams of protein per 100 grams. That's a big difference!

It’s true that dogs In the wild may eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and even insects. But meat is the most important part of a dog’s diet. Mushrooms can be a part of your dog’s balanced diet, but they shouldn't replace meat.

How To Feed Your Dog Mushrooms

Here are a few quick tips for feeding mushrooms to your dog:

• Make sure the specific type of mushroom you’re feeding is safe for dogs
• Soak dried mushrooms first
• Cook all mushrooms thoroughly for digestibility
• Chop into bite sized pieces to avoid choking risk
• Start with a small amount of mushrooms and watch your dog for any adverse reactions.

Can Dogs Eat Mushroom Powder?

Yes, they can. As well as cooked fresh or dried mushrooms, you can give your dog powdered mushrooms. Make sure any mushroom powder you buy is made from whole fruiting mushrooms, and not mycelium, which is only part of the mushroom. Mycelium is higher in starch and lower in the substances that support your dog's health. So look for mushroom powders made from the whole mushroom. 

Bottom Line | Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

Mushrooms are a nutritious addition to your dog's diet, with many health benefits, as long as you take some simple precautions to ensure their safety. Just make sure that you’re only feeding your dog safe mushrooms in moderation. 

FAQ

Still got questions? Here’s the bottom line on other common mushroom questions we get from dog owners…

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Mushrooms? 
Yes, dogs can and should eat cooked mushrooms, as long as they are not cooked with any harmful ingredients and the mushrooms are not toxic to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms Raw?
No, dogs should not eat raw mushrooms because their chitinous wall is very hard for the digestive system to break down.

Can Dogs Eat Wild Mushrooms?
It’s best not to let your dog eat wild mushrooms, as many varieties are toxic and can cause serious health issues or even death. While some wild mushrooms are safe to eat, avoid letting your dog eat wild mushrooms unless you’re an expert in identifying species that are safe. Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has eaten any wild mushrooms, including those that might grow in your own backyard..