Mushrooms are a hard food group to understand. We eat these mushrooms all the time and they grow wild in our yards, gardens, and parks, but we hear a lot of scary stories about them. What about dogs, though? Can dogs eat mushrooms?
Do they have the same reactions to mushrooms as we do?
If you’ve ever considered giving your dog a mushroom or seen your dog nibbling on a mushroom in your yard, you’ve probably asked yourself these questions.
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
Some mushrooms, like humans, are safe for dogs to eat, while others can be toxic.
Dogs can consume mushrooms purchased from a supermarket or other retailer, preferably organic, unseasoned, and raw.
However, wild mushrooms should always be avoided.
Because there are so many different kinds of mushrooms and it’s so difficult to tell them apart, you should treat any wild mushroom with caution because some are extremely poisonous.
If you suspect your dog has eaten one, contact your veterinarian right away.
If you find wild mushrooms growing in your garden, you should get rid of them right away.
What Kinds of Mushrooms Can Dogs Eat?
Any variety of mushroom that is edible to people can also be consumed by dogs.
Select mushrooms that are offered for purchase at your neighborhood supermarket chain’s location.
Any mushroom that is available for purchase at your grocery store is perfectly fine for human or canine consumption.
Always ensure that the mushrooms are cooked before offering them to your canine companion.
The Benefits of Mushrooms for Dogs
Depending on the species, mushrooms may contain:
- Amino acids
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Copper
- Enzymes
- Folate
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese,
- Niacin
- Pantothenic acid
- Potassium
- Riboflavin
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
- Thiamin
- Zinc
In addition to being high in fiber, some mushrooms are also high in protein.
Antioxidants abound in mushrooms as well, some of which are retained after cooking.
Potential Health Concerns
As was already mentioned, some types of mushrooms can be fatally toxic.
Give your dog only the kinds of mushrooms that you would eat.
Before giving mushrooms to your dog, always cook them first.
Never give raw mushrooms to your dog.
Because they are difficult for dogs to digest, raw mushrooms can also make your dog ill and upset their stomach (vomiting, diarrhea or both).
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Mushrooms?
Your canine companion is welcome to consume cooked mushrooms purchased from a store as long as they have been prepared with a minimal amount of olive oil.
However, mushrooms are frequently cooked with additional ingredients like salt, onions, and garlic, which are dangerous for your dog to eat and may make them ill.
Consider cooking mushrooms for your dog separately, as opposed to feeding them from your plate.
Safe Varieties of Mushrooms
Most options purchased in supermarkets are fine, such as the following:
- Portobello
- Shiitake
- White button
- Maitake
- Reishi
- Porcini
- Cremini (white or chestnut mushrooms)
Poisonous Wild Mushrooms
Dogs and humans alike can be poisoned by a number of wild mushrooms, including:
- Destroying Angel (Amanita Virosa)
- Angel’s Wings (Pleurocybella Porrigens)
- Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria)
- Fool’s Funnel (Clitocybe Rivulosa)
- Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius Rubellus)
- Death Cap (Amanita Phalloides)
- Funeral Bell (Galerina Marginata)
- Panther Cap (Amanita Pantherine)
You should always err on the side of caution and stay away from these mushrooms because they are frequently mistaken for the secure varieties you buy in stores.
Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
In more serious cases
- Seizures
- Organ (liver or kidney) failure
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Coma
Consult a veterinarian right away if you believe your dog has consumed a wild mushroom. Quick diagnosis and treatment are essential for your dog’s complete and quick recovery.
How to Feed Mushrooms to Your Dog
It is best to stick to store-bought, raw, organic options when giving your dog a mushroom and never give them wild mushrooms.
Offer your dog a small piece of chopped mushroom, but be aware that not all dogs will like the flavor so don’t be surprised if they turn it down!
When Are Mushrooms Okay For Dogs To Eat?
For your dog, stick to store-bought mushrooms unless you’re a mycologist, a biologist who studies fungi like mushrooms.
Not all mushrooms that are safe for humans are necessarily safe for dogs, even if you’re an experienced forager.
So let’s say you want to feed your dog some sautéed mushrooms that you’ve made in a light olive oil.
If your veterinarian gives the go-ahead, that ought to be alright.
Be careful not to combine mushrooms with any other vegetables or seasonings that your dog might find toxic.
For your dog, plain mushrooms are excellent sources of potassium and the B vitamins.
When Are Mushrooms Unsafe For Dogs?
It’s time to call your vet if you notice that your dog has consumed some strange mushrooms while you’re in the backyard or on a hike.
To better assist your vet in deciding what to do, try to gather any leftover mushrooms your dog consumed.
Your dog may exhibit a range of signs depending on the type of mushroom they consumed, including:
And those are just a few of the signs of mushroom poisoning that your dog might exhibit.
Without prompt intervention, the situation might worsen or even turn fatal.
Call your veterinarian right away.
The Amanita species of mushrooms most frequently cause symptoms in both humans and dogs in North America.
How is Mushroom Poisoning Diagnosed?
Evidence of prior contact with mushrooms is the primary consideration in arriving at a correct diagnosis.
In the event that you even have the slightest suspicion that your pet may have consumed mushrooms, it is imperative that you contact your local veterinary clinic immediately.
When describing symptoms and the time they first appeared, be as specific as possible.
This information is essential for making an accurate diagnosis and beginning treatment as soon as possible.
What is the Treatment for Mushroom Poisoning?
In the vast majority of instances of poisoning, receiving treatment as quickly as possible is essential to having a positive outcome.
Since reducing the amount of toxin that is absorbed by the body is of the utmost importance, determining the type of mushroom in question may have to wait for a while.
Once your animal is in a stable condition, you can have the mushrooms identified by a mycologist at a nearby college or by going online to the website of the North American Mycological Association.
How Can I Prevent Mushroom Poisoning?
Before anything else, you should begin by assuming that any mushroom that grows in its natural environment is poisonous.
If you have a pet that is prone to wandering outside unattended, you should clear your yard of any mushrooms.
Routinely search the yard for mushrooms because they can appear very quickly.
If you are having trouble getting rid of all the mushrooms in your yard, you should seek the assistance of an expert.
One of the most desirable qualities in a companion animal is an inquisitive nature.
Cats and dogs that are eager to learn new things are typically intelligent and entertaining.
But if you want to keep your pet safe and protect them from getting sick from eating mushrooms, you should steer clear of them!