Functional 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 functional 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.
Functional 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 a healthy inflammatory response and immune-supporting properties.‡
What Are Functional Mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms are fungi found in various parts of the world that have been used for their healing properties. Functional 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 functional. Most edible forms of mushroom carry functional properties that can be very beneficial for both humans and pets.
Functional 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.
Functional mushroom species that are safe for your pet to consume may include:
Antrodia
Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to help support immune health and energy, and provide anti-itch support
Himematsutake (Agaricus blazei)
Can help to support lower cholesterol levels, digestive health, immune health, and physical and emotional stress relief
Shitake
A culinary mushroom to help support immune and heart health
Maitake
Helps to support healthy blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and immune health
Reishi
Can help in calming anxiousness and improve sleep quality
Cordyceps
Supports vitality, endurance, and oxygen circulation
Lion’s Mane
Can help to support the growth and function of nerve cells; important for cognitive and neurological health
Turkey Tail
Known as an immune system powerhouse for its immune-supporting bioactive compounds
King Trumpet
Supports cholesterol and bone health
Chaga
Has high amounts of antioxidants that help to support immune health; also helps to support skin health and has anti-aging properties
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 Functional Mushrooms for Pets
Mushrooms are packed with protein, fibers, bioactive compounds, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties 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, functional 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 Also Mushrooms, 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 Pets Mushroom Blend.
What To Look For in a Functional Mushroom Supplement for Your Pet
We have explored the species of functional 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 functional mushroom supplement that is best for your pet will be:
USDA Organic
USA Grown
Veterinarian Approved
Non-GMO
At Also Mushrooms, our mushrooms are 100% certified organic and grown in an environmentally controlled, cGMP certified facility in California to optimize the mushroom growing cycle and bioactive compounds which are crucial in benefiting your dog or cat.