Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

Dogs can safely eat some types of mushrooms, but others are considered toxic. Dogs are able to eat and digest nutrients from meat and non-meat sources. Most commercial dog foods contain not only meat, but also plant ingredients, including grains like oats and corn, starches like sweet potatoes and tapioca, and many kinds of fruits and vegetables. Dogs can also eat and digest mushrooms, which are a fungus. 

While several types of 'people' food are fine for dogs, some foods are unsafe, so talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog mushrooms or any new food. Although not every dog will enjoy eating mushrooms, some might like them as a novel treat. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of mushrooms and how to safely include mushrooms in your dog’s diet. 

What Kinds of Mushrooms Can Dogs Eat?

Many types of mushrooms are safe to feed dogs in moderation. It’s important to note that there are different types of mushrooms, and not all are safe to consume (neither for humans nor dogs).

Wild Mushrooms

Many poisonous mushroom species grow in the wild. For this reason, you should never allow your dog to eat a mushroom growing in your yard, the woods, or a field. If your dog should happen to ingest a wild mushroom of an unknown species, consult your veterinarian immediately. If possible, take pictures of the mushroom and bring in samples in case the mushroom is toxic.

Store-Bought Mushrooms

Dogs can eat any species of mushroom that people can. Choose mushrooms available for sale at your local large-chain grocery store. Any mushroom sold at your supermarket will be safe for consumption by either people or dogs. Always cook the mushrooms before giving them to your dog. Some popular edible mushroom varieties include:

• Button

• Chanterelle

• Crimini

• Enoki

• Maitake

• Morel

• Oyster mushrooms

• Porcini

• Portobello

• Puffball

• Shiitake

Medicinal Mushrooms

Some mushrooms are used not just as food, but for healing purposes as well. Called medicinal mushrooms, these include many varieties, such as maitake (hen of the woods) and shiitake mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms are available dried, as a powder or in capsule form. If you want to give your dog medicinal mushrooms for specific health conditions, work with your regular veterinarian or a holistic veterinarian to make sure it's done properly.

Benefits of Mushrooms for Dogs

Mushrooms contain many beneficial nutrients, which vary according to the mushroom species but may include amino acids, vitamin A, B vitamins, copper, enzymes, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, pantothenic acid, potassium, riboflavin phosphorus, selenium, thiamin, and zinc. Mushrooms are high in fiber and some mushrooms are high in protein. They're also full of antioxidants, some of which are not destroyed by the cooking process. 

Potential Health Concerns

Some mushrooms are toxic or even deadly, so only feed your dog mushrooms that you would eat yourself. Always cook mushrooms before feeding them to your dog. Raw mushrooms are not easily digested by dogs and can make your dog sick, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, or both. Even safe, cooked mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal upset if dogs eat too many.

Mushroom Toxicity in Dogs

The signs of mushroom toxicity in dogs vary depending on the species. Mushrooms can contain several different toxins; some cause liver or kidney damage while others affect the central nervous system or gastrointestinal tract. Potential signs of mushroom toxicity include the following:1

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Increased or decreased urination

• Excessive salivation

• Seizures or tremors

Safe Ways to Feed Mushrooms to Your Dog

Edible mushrooms can be cooked and fed to dogs in moderation. Start by offering your dog a few small pieces of mushrooms to see how they tolerate it. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness. Here's how to prepare mushrooms for your dog:

1. Wash mushrooms by rinsing with cold water; wipe with a dry paper towel if any visible dirt remains

2. Chop or slice the mushrooms

3. Cook mushrooms in a pan on the stove using a small amount of dog-safe cooking oil, such as olive oil

4. Do not add salt or any other seasonings. If you want to boost flavor, add some low-sodium chicken or beef broth to the pan near the end of cooking and sauté until the broth is absorbed.

5. Cool and serve the mushrooms on their own, or mix them into your dog’s regular food.

As with all treats, feed mushrooms in moderation. Too many mushrooms (or any other food for that matter) can upset the balance of your dog’s regular dog food. All extra foods, including mushrooms, should make up less than 10 percent of your dog’s total diet. The remaining 90 percent should be his regular, complete-and-balanced food.