Medicinal Mushrooms For Dogs: The Clinical Evidence

Functional mushrooms have gained significant attention for their powerful bioactive compounds that offer potential health benefits for both humans and animals. In recent years, some research has focused on the impact of these mushrooms on canine health, providing compelling evidence that they may help manage various health conditions and improve overall well-being.

This article delves into the current scientific studies that explore the effects of functional mushrooms on dogs, from immune support to enhanced gut health. At the bottom of the article we discuss proper dosages and sources for high-quality mushroom supplements.

The Role of Functional Mushrooms in Canine Health

Medicinal mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds that can support a dog’s health in a variety of ways. Below are some key studies showing how functional mushrooms may benefit dogs:

Turkey Tail Mushroom Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) Helps With Canine Cancer Treatment

Turkey Tail is renowned for its immune-boosting properties, particularly in cancer treatment. In dogs, it has been explored as an adjunct to traditional cancer therapies.

Study Overview: A study investigated the anti-tumor effects of Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) from Turkey Tail in dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma, a particularly aggressive cancer.
Results: The study found that PSP, either alone or in combination with doxorubicin (a chemotherapy drug), improved survival outcomes compared to dogs treated with surgery and chemotherapy alone. PSP demonstrated potential in enhancing immune function, helping the body fight the cancer more effectively.

Reference:
Gedney, A., Salah, P., Mahoney, J. A., Krick, E., Martins, R., & Scavello, H. (2022). Evaluation of the anti-tumor activity of Coriolus versicolor polysaccharopeptide (I’m-Yunity) for canine splenic hemangiosarcoma. Veterinary and Comparative Oncology, 20(3), e12823. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.12823

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi Mushroom) and Immune System Support

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) is widely recognized for its immune-modulating effects and is often used in both human and veterinary medicine to boost immune function.

Study Overview: A study explored the effects of Reishi mushroom supplementation in healthy adult beagles. The dogs were fed a commercial diet with varying doses of Reishi for 28 days.
Results: The study showed that Reishi supplementation did not negatively affect immune cells (T-cells, B-cells, monocytes), and the mushrooms may have beneficial effects on immune function at higher doses (15 mg/kg body weight per day). These results suggest that Reishi mushrooms can help enhance immune function in healthy dogs.

Reference:
Kayser, E., He, F., Gomez, L. M., & de Godoy, M. R. (2022). Immunological effects of Ganoderma lucidum supplementation in canine nutrition. Journal of Animal Science, 100(Supplement_3), 53. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac247.103

Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) and Gut Microbiota in Aged Dogs

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is gaining attention for its neuroprotective effects, but recent research has also explored its impact on gut health. The gut microbiome plays a key role in the overall health of dogs, including immune function and digestion.

Study Overview: A study investigated the impact of Lion’s Mane on the gut microbiota of older dogs, aiming to assess its potential to regulate the gut environment.
Results: The research showed that the dogs who received Lion’s Mane supplementation had a significantly altered gut microbiota composition, especially in the high-dose group. This shift in gut bacteria could contribute to improved immunity and even offer anti-obesity effects in older dogs, suggesting that Lion’s Mane could be beneficial for aging dogs in multiple ways.

Reference:
Cho, H.-W., Choi, S., Seo, K., Kim, K. H., Jeon, J.-H., Kim, C. H., Lim, S., Jeong, S., & Chun, J. L. (2022). Gut microbiota profiling in aged dogs after feeding pet food containing Hericium erinaceus. Journal of Animal Science and Technology, 64(5), 937–949. https://doi.org/10.5187/jast.2022.e66

Lentinula edodes (Shiitake Mushroom) and Antioxidant Activity in Healthy Dogs

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are known for their antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress and support overall health. This makes them a promising supplement for enhancing energy levels and metabolism in dogs.

Study Overview: A study tested the effects of Shiitake mushroom powder on the antioxidative activities and lipid metabolism of healthy dogs.
Results: High-dose supplementation (800 mg/kg body weight per day) for 4 weeks resulted in increased plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, a key antioxidant enzyme. It also lowered total cholesterol levels and increased the expression of sirtuin 1, a protein associated with longevity. These findings suggest that Shiitake mushrooms can help reduce oxidative stress and improve metabolic function in dogs.

Reference:
Kusaba, A., Okada, Y., Ueno, H., Yamamoto, I., Mori, Y., Tanaka, N., Arai, T., & Kawasumi, K. (2022). Effects of supplementation with Shiitake powder, Lentinula edodes, on anti-oxidative activities and energy/lipid metabolism in healthy dogs. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1199968/v1

Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 and Canine Malassezia Dermatitis

Agaricus brasiliensis is a lesser-known but promising medicinal mushroom. It has been studied for its effects on fungal infections, such as Malassezia dermatitis, a common skin issue in dogs.

Study Overview: A study evaluated the effects of Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 fruiting body on dogs with Malassezia dermatitis, a fungal infection that causes itching and inflammation.
Results: The study found that Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 significantly increased the production of serum anti-beta-glucan antibodies, suggesting it could help prevent and alleviate fungal infections in dogs. Continuous ingestion of KA21 was also shown to extend recurrence-free intervals, making it a potential long-term solution for managing skin conditions like Malassezia dermatitis.

Reference:
Ohno, N., & Adachi, Y. (2024). Effects of Outdoor-Grown Royal Sun Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 on Canine Malassezia Dermatitis. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 26(6).

Proper Dosage of Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs

When considering medicinal mushrooms as a supplement for your dog, one of the most important factors to keep in mind is dosage. Just like with any supplement, the appropriate dose for your dog depends greatly on its size, weight, and health condition. Providing the correct dosage is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of the supplement and avoiding any potential adverse effects.

Dosage Guidelines: Size Matters

As a general rule, smaller dogs (those weighing around 10-20 pounds) typically require lower doses compared to larger dogs (those over 50 pounds). For example, a small dog might need anywhere from 50-100 mg of mushroom extract per day, whereas a large dog may require up to 500 mg per day or more, depending on the specific mushroom and the dog’s needs.

It’s recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to assess how your dog responds. This is particularly true if your dog is new to supplements. Generally speaking, existing studies have not shown any adverse side-effects from mushroom supplementation on dogs. For dogs with existing health conditions (such as cancer or joint pain), it’s always recommended to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best dosage tailored to your pet’s specific health needs.

Approximate Dosages

Small dogs (under 20 lbs; 10 kg): 50-100 mg per day
Medium dogs (20-50 lbs; 10-25 kg): 100-200 mg per day
Large dogs (50+ lbs; 25+ kg): 200-500 mg per day

Choosing a Supplement for Your Dog

When selecting a medicinal mushroom supplement for your dog, it’s important to choose high-quality products that suit their individual needs. Contrary to popular belief, human-grade supplements can work great for dogs, provided they are made from pure and high-quality ingredients. Consider that a majority of store-bought mushroom supplements have been shown to contain low levels of bioactive compounds, according to a study published in the journal Nature. To read more about this study and a detailed guide on how to choose the best supplements for your dog, be sure to check out our Supplement Buying Guide.

It’s also important to note that dogs cannot effectively digest chitin, the tough cell wall structure in mushrooms. This means that whole mushrooms or poorly processed powders will not offer full benefits. For optimal absorption, you should look for properly extracted mushroom supplements. Mushroom extracts break down the chitin, making the active compounds more bioavailable and easier for your dog’s body to absorb.

Mushroom Supplements Tailored For Dogs

While human-grade mushroom supplements are effective, some companies specifically create products tailored for dogs. These supplements are often designed to meet your pet’s unique needs, with proper dosages, effective formulations, and sometimes added nutrients or flavors to make them more palatable for dogs. Our affiliate, Real Mushrooms, offers specially formulated treats and powders for canine and feline health. Feel free to check them out. We may earn a commission from any purchases made via this affiliate link.