Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs

Primarily, mushroom supplements have sparked interest for their cancer-fighting potential. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that dogs with hemangiosarcoma had the longest survival time ever reported for dogs with this type of cancer when given a compound derived from the Coriolus versicolor mushroom (aka Turkey Tail). 

Dr. Katherine Kramer, a veterinarian at VCA-Canada Vancouver Animal Wellness Hospital, has been using mushroom supplements as a component of her veterinary practice for over a decade.

“We primarily use a turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) supplement for senior dogs to support the immune system and to help prevent and treat cancer,” says Dr. Kramer. She notes other types of mushrooms, such as maitake, shiitake, and cordyceps have been shown to have health benefits as well.

“We primarily use a turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) supplement for senior dogs to support the immune system and to help prevent and treat cancer.”

Dr. Kramer recommends all her canine cancer patients add a turkey tail mushroom for support and suggests a medical mushroom supplement for middle age to senior pets in general. 

She notes that research for medicinal mushroom use in dogs is in its infancy and thus lacking in robust data, but what she sees in her practice has made her a believer. “I observe that patients receiving mushroom supplements have longer life spans.” And who doesn’t want that? 

Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs and Their Benefits:

Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum): Reishi mushrooms are known for their immune-modulating properties. They contain polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenoids, believed to offer various potential health benefits for dogs, including boosting the immune system.

Turkey Tail Mushroom (Coriolus versicolor): The Coriolus versicolor mushroom, more commonly known as the Turkey Tail mushroom, is rich in polysaccharopeptides (PSP), particularly beta-glucans. It possesses immune-boosting properties and is often recommended as an adjunct health supplement in cancer and chemotherapy. Dogs that received this compound had the longest survival times ever reported for hemangiosarcoma.

Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes): Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, studied for its potential anti-tumor, immune-boosting, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa): Beta-glucan-rich maitake mushrooms have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing potential. 

Cordyceps Mushroom: Known for their adaptogenic properties, Cordyceps are thought to help the body adapt to stress, support immune and respiratory health and boost energy and stamina. 

Be sure to consult your vet before integrating medicinal mushrooms into your dog’s wellness protocol to ensure no interactions with other medications or any other contraindications.

Recommended Mushrooms For Dogs

MUSHROOM CHEW 

Veterinarian formulated and third-party lab tested, the Mushroom Immune Pet Chews from Real Mushrooms are made from a powerful blend of organic Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail, and Chaga mushrooms, as well as ashwagandha and astragalus herbs to bolster and support immune system response. ($35, shop.realmushrooms.com)

MUSHROOM SPRINKLE 

Boost your dog’s bowl with the Mushroom Superblend powder from North Hound Life! A synergistic combination of organic Chaga, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms, this powder is formulated to support immune and cognitive health. Simply sprinkle over your pup’s food! ($82, northhoundlife.com)

MUSHROOM POWDER 

Formulated for enhanced canine health and longevity, Healthier Pet’s Whole Health Blend mushroom powder is a potent mix of Turkey Tail, Maitake, Reishi, Shitake, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Tremella mushrooms. ($46, healthierpet.org)

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!