Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs & Cats: The Power of Mushrooms for Your Pet

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in Chinese and Eastern medicine for their healing properties. And the benefits of these nutrient-packed mushroom species have made their way into modern, natural supplements that are gaining popularity. But have you ever thought about giving medicinal mushrooms to your dog or cat? As humans, we may find that we aren’t receiving all the nutrients our body seeks in order to maintain optimal health. As a result, we turn to natural ways to help support our bodies’ regular functions. Well, maintaining your pet’s health is just as important, and finding a natural way to incorporate nutrients is key. 

Medicinal mushrooms for dogs and cats can provide numerous health benefits, just as they do for humans. And while mushrooms may not have been the first thought you had to give to your pet, they can actually provide a safe, and natural way to incorporate bioactive compounds into your pet’s daily diet while also providing immune-supporting properties.^‡

What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?

Medicinal mushrooms are fungi found in various parts of the world that have been used for their healing properties. Medicinal mushrooms contain numerous antioxidants, polysaccharides, bioactive compounds, fibers and proteins. They have predominantly gained popularity for their extracted use in a powder or capsule supplement form to support general health and wellness.^‡ But not all species of mushrooms are medicinal. Most edible forms of mushroom carry medicinal properties that can be very beneficial for both humans and pets.

Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs and Cats

When you think of mushrooms, you may first consider their culinary use. And your dog has probably already eaten them off the kitchen floor. But this thought may leave you questioning: What mushroom species are okay to give to my pet? Are they safe? While not every species is meant to be consumed, there are many species that are edible and can provide tremendous benefits for your pet. 

Medicinal mushroom species that are safe for your pet to consume may include: 

Some mushroom species are not edible in their natural state. It is best to find mushrooms that have been milled into powders to be easily administered to your pet orally. 

Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets 

Mushrooms are packed with protein, fibers, bioactive compounds, antioxidants that can help support your pet’s overall health. 

A healthy immune system is crucial for animals; while they may not be able to tell us when something is wrong, they can certainly show us with their behavior. A poor immune system can lead to a host of other health problems such as infection, digestive issues, poor heart health, and susceptibility to illness. Because of this, it’s important that your pet’s gut health is maintained. The gut houses the majority of the immune system, making what your dog consumes daily an important factor of immune health. 

Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses perfect for supporting immune health and combating potential health problems.^‡ They contain prebiotics, fiber, healthy fats, proteins, and digestive enzymes that are important to digestive health. When incorporated into a daily routine, medicinal mushrooms can be very beneficial to your dog or cat.^‡ 

How To Administer

When taken consistently, mushrooms can provide a host of benefits for your pet. But how do you know how much to give to your cat or dog? 

At Om Mushroom, our single species organic mushroom powder blends are perfectly safe to administer to your furry friend, but we also recommend a supplement specifically designed with your pet’s health in mind such as our sister brand, Mushroom Matrix. These are the same great mushrooms you love for yourself, but in a pet-friendly container labelled with appropriate pet dosing instructions.  For a mushroom powder supplement at Mushroom Matrix, it is recommended to:

• Administer ½ teaspoon (1 gram) per 25 lbs per day orally
• Administer twice daily for the first 3 weeks of use (morning and evening, if practical) 
• Continue doubling if additional support is needed

What To Look For in a Medicinal Mushroom Supplement for Your Pet

We have explored the species of medicinal mushrooms that are safe for your dog or cat to consume, but we also believe it is important to know what to look for in the best supplement. 

The medicinal mushroom supplement that is best for your pet will be:

• USDA Organic 
• USA Grown
• Veterinarian Approved
• Non-GMO

At Om Mushroom, our mushrooms are 100% certified organic and grown in an environmentally controlled, cGMP certified facility in Carlsbad, California. Our team’s expertise manages light, temperature, hydration, and airflow for all of the 11 species of mushroom that we offer. Growing our mushrooms in a controlled environment helps to optimize the mushroom growing cycle and bioactive compounds which are crucial in benefiting your dog or cat.

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^‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Functional mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.