Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? Vet-Reviewed Safety & Health Facts
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View 4 More +We know that our dogs love all things food, but what about a nice, meaty portobello mushroom? Can dogs eat mushrooms, and are they healthy for them? Yes, dogs can safely eat most mushrooms that we purchase from our local supermarket, and it’s preferable that you only offer them unseasoned and raw mushrooms. You should definitely keep your dog away from wild mushrooms outdoors, though, because you never know which ones are fatally poisonous for your pup.
Mushrooms can have a few dietary benefits for humans, but they don’t provide anything substantial that your dog doesn’t already get in their diet. They’re okay as an occasional treat if your dog likes them. For a little more on the benefits and risks of your dog eating mushrooms, keep scrolling.
Why Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? And What Kinds of Mushrooms Can Dogs Safely Eat?
Can dogs eat portobello mushrooms? What about button mushrooms? Dogs can eat most of the same types of store-bought mushrooms we can eat. However, you should really only offer them fresh mushrooms, as canned varieties can contain added sodium and other potentially harmful additives. Let’s look at some of the safe mushroom varieties for dogs.
Safe Mushrooms for Dogs:
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
- White button, portobello, or cremini (Agaricus bisporus)
- Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi)
- Porcini (Boletus edulis)
- Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Benefits of Dogs Eating Mushrooms
Mushrooms have a few dietary benefits that make them worth eating. In fact, store-bought mushrooms contain fiber, magnesium, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are also low in calories, with minimal fat, cholesterol, and salt. So, while they are fine for dogs, they don’t offer anything that your dog isn’t already getting from a complete and balanced dog food.
Dangers of Dogs Eating Mushrooms
If your dog eats a wild mushroom they found while roaming your backyard, they are at risk of mushroom poisoning. Here are signs to be on the lookout for:
Signs of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness and lethargy
- Collapse
- Coma
- Seizures
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Staggering gait
Mushrooms That Are Poisonous to Dogs:
- Death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides)
- Death angel (Amanita bisporigera)
- False parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites)
- Funeral bell (Galerina marginata)
- False morel (Gyromitra esculenta)
- Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria)
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Mushrooms?
Store-bought mushrooms that aren’t cooked in butter or oil and have no extra seasoning are fine to serve your dog. However, you should ensure they are cool before serving them to your dog. You should also always cut them into small, bite-sized pieces before feeding them to your dog, either raw or cooked.
Should Your Dog Eat Mushrooms? Final Verdict
Yes, your dog can eat small amounts of cooked mushrooms in addition to their regular meals of kibble. You can try mixing it up with some lean beef and broccoli without salt for a simple doggy stir fry or offer a mushroom as a rare treat if your dog likes them. Some types can have health benefits, but don’t season them or ever offer a wild mushroom. If you’re unsure about whether it’s a good idea to feed your dog mushrooms, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for advice.
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Featured Photo Credit: Jumpstory
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Codee Chessher is a freelance writer whose motto is: there is nothing a well-worded sentence can't accomplish! He loves to write about pets, travel, DIY, and more. Codee's experience is varied, but the written word has always been his strongest and biggest passion.
