ARE MUSHROOMS SAFE FOR DOGS?
Some mushrooms are safe (and beneficial!) for dogs, while others can be dangerous.
Mushrooms fall into 4 basic categories:
- EDIBLE (used in cooking) – safe for dogs
- MEDICINAL (a.k.a. Functional) – safe for dogs
- PSYCHOACTIVE – not safe for dogs
- POISONOUS – not safe for dogs
Foley’s Functional Fungi treats use only MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS: Lion’s mane, cordyceps, shiitake, reishi, chaga, and turkey tail.
WILL MY DOG GET “HIGH”?
Definitely not!
The medicinal mushrooms in Foley’s Functional Fungi do not contain psilocybin or psilocin – there are no psychedelic effects.
WHERE DO THE MUSHROOMS COME FROM?
We do our best to support local and source local!
We are proud to have partnered with TruCelium – Canada’s first, purpose built, functional mushroom vertical farming facility in Cold Stream, BC.
TruCelium’s supply company, “mushrom.life” will supply all functional mushrooms for Foley’s Functional Fungi, including their patented mycelium innovation: Mycolyte™
WHAT IS MYCOLYTE™?
A Ground-Breaking Mycelium Innovation For Your Dog’s Total Wellbeing.
Ancient Grain Sorghum is inoculated with extraordinary functional mushroom strains, each with unique functional benefits. These strains grow, digest, thrive and ferment the sorghum grain; producing a mycelium root matrix, containing powerful functional and immunity compounds.
HOW DO MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS WORK IN DOGS?
(Pet MD: Medicinal Mushrooms For Dogs by Dr. Veronica Higgs, DVM)
Medicinal mushrooms offer a fascinating array of health benefits for dogs, and various mushroom species have been studied for their potential immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and health-promoting properties. Some of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms for dogs and their potential health benefits include:
REISHI MUSHROOM (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their immune-modulating properties, which may help support the immune system in dogs. They contain polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenoids, believed to offer potential health benefits.
“A mushroom for your dog’s vitality.”
TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOM (Trametes versicolor)
Rich in polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, turkey tail mushrooms have immune-boosting properties. They are often used in traditional medicine to support the immune system and promote overall health. In some cases, they are used for supportive care in dogs undergoing cancer treatment.
“A mushroom for your dog’s filtering organs.”
SHIITAKE MUSHROOM (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, a compound studied for its potential anti-tumor and immune-enhancing effects. Additionally, they may possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
“A mushroom for your dog’s heart and vital organs.”
CORDYCEPS MUSHROOM (Ophiocordyceps sinensis)
Known for enhancing cell-level oxygen intake and improved blood flow. Traditionally used to treat kidney and renal ailments, tumours, leaky gut syndrome and fatigue. Supports the immune system function, muscle recovery, increased energy & stamina.
“A mushroom for your dog’s metabolism.”
CHAGA MUSHROOM (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga mushrooms, also referred to as birch mushrooms and chaga conk, is a dark brown and black fungus that grows most often on birch trees. Several compounds found in chaga mushrooms may result in its beneficial effects, including anti-oxidant polyphenols, as well as betulin and betulinic acid, which are associated with anti-cancer effects.
“A mushroom for your dog’s gut.”
LION’S MANE MUSHROOM (Hericium erinaceus)
Commonly known as lion’s mane mushroom due to its white, fur-like appearance. Lion’s mane contains two powerful compounds: Hericenones and Erinacines known for their ability to heal and restore nervous system function, including neurodegeneration. Lion’s mane also promotes beneficial gut microbiota growth and reduced colon tissue damage in cases of inflammatory bowel disease.
“A mushroom for your dog’s brain.”
ARE MUSHROOMS GOOD FOR DOGS?
(Forbes Advisor: Are Mushrooms Good for Dogs by Kelly Anne Smith)
Health Benefits of Mushrooms for Dogs
Edible mushrooms generally contain a certain amount of vitamins and nutrients, including A, B, C and D vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and selenium, as well as dietary fiber. That said, the medicinal mushrooms listed above are the real powerhouses when it comes to canine health. Health benefits of medicinal mushrooms for dogs include:
Immune Support
The polysaccharides and antioxidants found in several varieties of medicinal mushrooms also boost the immune system to help the body fight a wide range of diseases. Many of them also contain antiviral and antibacterial properties that aid in fighting and preventing contagious illnesses.
Gut Support
Cordyceps are used to treat leaky gut, and the polysaccharides found in several mushroom varieties have also been found to improve intestinal health, reduce inflammation in the bowels and improve digestive issues.
Fights Inflammation
Medicinal mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation throughout the body. This makes them effective at relieving joint pain, as well as other types of pain, and aiding with inflammatory illnesses and auto-immune disorders.
Heart and Lung Support
Turkey tail and other mushrooms have been used to treat pulmonary disorders, manage cardiac arrhythmias, lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots and improve overall heart health.
Liver and Kidney Support
Turkey tail, maitake mushrooms and cordyceps have each been used to improve overall liver function and as a treatment in chronic liver disorders. Cordyceps have also been used to treat kidney failure, while reishi mushrooms are helpful in managing kidney issues that stem from diabetes.
Allergy-Fighting Properties
Both reishi and shiitake mushrooms contain antihistamines that can help relieve itching and other symptoms in dogs with allergies.
Controlling Blood Sugar
Both maitake and reishi mushrooms can reduce blood glucose levels and help manage diabetes in dogs.
It’s important to exercise caution and talk to your vet when choosing medicinal mushroom supplements for your dog.
ARE THERE CLINICAL TRIALS ON MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS?
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years, and there are many studies that reinforce the power of these functional fungi.
Below is a list of articles, reports and studies:
6 Mushrooms That Act as Turbo-Shots for Your Immune System
August 17, 2021 [LINK]
Top 8 Medicinal Mushrooms For Immune Health
October 25, 2022 [LINK]
5 Functional Mushrooms Offering Benefits Supported by Science
November 2021
Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia
June 15, 2013 [LINK]
International Journal of Medical Mushrooms - National Library of Medicine – USA
Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-related pathologies in APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice
June 27, 2016 [LINK]
Journal of Biomedical Science - National Library of Medicine – USA
The Neuroprotective Properties of Hericium erinaceus in Glutamate-Damaged Differentiated PC12 Cells and an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model
November 1, 2016 [LINK]
International Journal of Molecular Sciences - National Library of Medicine – USA
Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
March 2, 2009 [LINK]
Randomized Controlled Trial - National Library of Medicine – USA
Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus
August 2019 [LINK]
Biomedical Research
Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells
September 31, 2008 [LINK]
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin - National Library of Medicine – USA
Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake
August 31, 2010 [LINK]
Randomized Controlled Trial - National Library of Medicine – USA
In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori effects of medicinal mushroom extracts, with special emphasis on the Lion's Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (higher Basidiomycetes)
February 15, 2013 [LINK]
International Journal of Medical Mushrooms - National Library of Medicine – USA
Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults
JUNE 1, 2016 [LINK]
Journal of the American College of Nutrition - National Library of Medicine – USA
The Unexplored Anticaries Potential of Shiitake Mushroom
July 2016 [LINK]
Pharmacognosy Review - National Library of Medicine – USA
Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom): An assessment of in vitro anti-atherosclerotic bio-functionality
December 2018 [LINK]
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
Medicinal mushrooms as an attractive new source of natural compounds for future cancer therapy
June 26, 2018 [LINK]
Oncotarget Open Access Impact Journal - National Library of Medicine – USA
Antigenotoxic Effect of Trametes spp. Extracts against DNA Damage on Human Peripheral White Blood Cells
July 14, 2015 [LINK]
The Scientific World Journal - National Library of Medicine – USA
PSP activates monocytes in resting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: immunomodulatory implications for cancer treatment
June 15, 2013 [LINK]
Food Chemistry - National Library of Medicine – USA
The use of mushroom glucans and proteoglycans in cancer treatment
February 5, 2000 [LINK]
Alternative Medicine Review : A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic - National Library of Medicine – USA
Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology
February 13, 2014 [LINK]
Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal - National Library of Medicine – USA
Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ®)
July 29, 2022 [LINK]
PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board - National Library of Medicine – USA
Effects of polysaccharopeptide from Trametes versicolor and amoxicillin on the gut microbiome of healthy volunteers: a randomized clinical trial
July 9, 2014 [LINK]
Randomized Controlled Trial - National Library of Medicine – USA
The lignicolous fungus Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd (1920): a promising natural source of antiradical and AChE inhibitory agents
January 18, 2017 [LINK]
Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry - National Library of Medicine – USA
TLR2 agonist PSK activates human NK cells and enhances the anti-tumor effect of HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody therapy
November 1, 2021 [LINK]
HHS Public Access - National Library of Medicine – USA
Effect of Ganoderma lucidum capsules on T lymphocyte subsets in football players on "living high-training low"
October 2008 [LINK]
British Journal of Sports Medicine - National Library of Medicine – USA
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment
June 13, 2012 [LINK]
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - National Library of Medicine – USA
Immunomodulating Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) and Possible Mechanism
November 2019 [LINK]
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology - National Library of Medicine – USA
The anti-oxidation and anti-aging effects of Ganoderma lucidum in Caenorhabditis elegans
March 2019 [LINK]
Experimental Gerontology – Science Direct
Extract of Ganoderma lucidum prolongs sleep time in rats
February 15, 2012 [LINK]
Journal of Ethnopharmacology - National Library of Medicine – USA
Progress on understanding the anticancer mechanisms of medicinal mushroom: inonotus obliquus
March 14, 2013 [LINK]
Asia Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention - National Library of Medicine – USA
Antitumor activity of water extract of a mushroom, Inonotus obliquus, against HT-29 human colon cancer cells
November 25, 2009 [LINK]
John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Immunomodulatory Activity of the Water Extract from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus
September 30, 2005 [LINK]
Microbiology - National Library of Medicine – USA
Orally administered aqueous extract of Inonotus obliquus ameliorates acute inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice
September 28, 2012 [LINK]
Journal of Ethnopharmacology - National Library of Medicine – USA
A Critical Review on Health Promoting Benefits of Edible Mushrooms through Gut Microbiota
September 8, 2017 [LINK]
International Journal of Molecular Sciences - National Library of Medicine – USA
Medicinal Plants of the Russian Pharmacopoeia; their history and applications
July 3, 2014 [LINK]
Journal of Ethnopharmacology – Science Direct
Effect of Polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes) on Physical Fatigue Induced by Forced Swimming
December 18, 2016 [LINK]
International Journal of Medical Mushrooms - National Library of Medicine – USA
Maximal oxygen uptake as a parametric measure of cardiorespiratory capacity
January 1, 2007 [LINK]
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise - National Library of Medicine – USA
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers
September 2004 [LINK]
Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine
The Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Actions of Cordyceps sinensis
April 16, 2015 [LINK]
Evidence Based Complement Alternative Medicine Journal - National Library of Medicine – USA
Effect of Cs-4® (Cordyceps sinensis) on Exercise Performance in Healthy Older Subjects: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
May 16, 2010 [LINK]
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine - National Library of Medicine – USA
Cordycepin interferes with 3′ end formation in yeast independently of its potential to terminate RNA chain elongation
May 15, 2009 [LINK]
RNA - National Library of Medicine – USA