Why I Chose Medicinal Mushrooms for My Dog: What I Learned About Their Uses, Risks, and Alternatives
Friends of the Dog- Courtesy Mary Taylor-Smith
Friends of the Dog- Courtesy Mary Taylor-Smith
Turkey Tail Mushrooms
When my dog Max was diagnosed with a chronic condition, I started diving deep into natural ways to support his health—and that’s when I discovered medicinal mushrooms. I’ll admit, the idea sounded strange at first. Mushrooms? For dogs? But the more I read and talked to holistic vets, the more intrigued I became.
Medicinal mushrooms have a long history in traditional medicine—used in places like China, Egypt, and Central America for everything from asthma and cancer to digestive issues. While they’re not a miracle cure, these fungi might offer powerful support for dogs battling illness, aging, or inflammation.
What about the safety aspect?
Let’s get one thing clear: not all mushrooms are safe. Wild mushrooms especially can be deadly. That’s why I never let Max sniff random mushrooms on hikes. The mushrooms used in supplements—like shiitake, reishi, maitake, and turkey tail—are cultivated specifically for safety and effectiveness.
According to Dr. Rob Silver, a veterinarian and mushroom expert, many of these species have been used safely for thousands of years. And they’re not just edible—they’re also packed with compounds that may support immune health, reduce inflammation, and even aid in cancer care.
Are they worth trying?
Honestly, that was my biggest question before I started Max on them. The science is still catching up—especially in dogs—but some promising studies show real potential.
For example, research from Claremont Graduate University identified over 130 different medicinal functions in fungi. These include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Another study showed that certain mushrooms may even help regulate blood sugar, reduce stress, and protect the brain.
Still, most of the studies are in humans or lab settings—not our furry companions. One of the few exceptions? The turkey tail mushroom, which has been studied in dogs with a type of aggressive cancer called hemangiosarcoma.
Bes Cancer Support - Turkey Tail
This was the first mushroom I added to Max’s regimen. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that dogs given a compound from turkey tail had the longest survival times ever recorded for this cancer. That's powerful.
However, a larger NIH study didn’t find the same survival benefit when compared to traditional chemotherapy. Still, Dr. Silver believes it’s not an either-or situation. He says combining mushrooms with chemo can lead to better outcomes. That made sense to me—natural remedies as support, not as a replacement.
Further Investigation into Different Species
While turkey tail gets most of the attention, there are several other mushrooms I explored:
Some of these mushrooms are even being studied for their effects on cognitive function and longevity—important things to think about as our pups age.
Never experiment by yourself - always work with the input of your vet
who will be able to guide you
Medicinal mushrooms have a long history in traditional medicine—used in places like China, Egypt, and Central America for everything from asthma and cancer to digestive issues. While they’re not a miracle cure, these fungi might offer powerful support for dogs battling illness, aging, or inflammation.
What about the safety aspect?
Let’s get one thing clear: not all mushrooms are safe. Wild mushrooms especially can be deadly. That’s why I never let Max sniff random mushrooms on hikes. The mushrooms used in supplements—like shiitake, reishi, maitake, and turkey tail—are cultivated specifically for safety and effectiveness.
According to Dr. Rob Silver, a veterinarian and mushroom expert, many of these species have been used safely for thousands of years. And they’re not just edible—they’re also packed with compounds that may support immune health, reduce inflammation, and even aid in cancer care.
Are they worth trying?
Honestly, that was my biggest question before I started Max on them. The science is still catching up—especially in dogs—but some promising studies show real potential.
For example, research from Claremont Graduate University identified over 130 different medicinal functions in fungi. These include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Another study showed that certain mushrooms may even help regulate blood sugar, reduce stress, and protect the brain.
Still, most of the studies are in humans or lab settings—not our furry companions. One of the few exceptions? The turkey tail mushroom, which has been studied in dogs with a type of aggressive cancer called hemangiosarcoma.
Bes Cancer Support - Turkey Tail
This was the first mushroom I added to Max’s regimen. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that dogs given a compound from turkey tail had the longest survival times ever recorded for this cancer. That's powerful.
However, a larger NIH study didn’t find the same survival benefit when compared to traditional chemotherapy. Still, Dr. Silver believes it’s not an either-or situation. He says combining mushrooms with chemo can lead to better outcomes. That made sense to me—natural remedies as support, not as a replacement.
Further Investigation into Different Species
While turkey tail gets most of the attention, there are several other mushrooms I explored:
- Chaga: High in antioxidants. Said to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Cordyceps: Known to help with stamina and respiratory issues. Some say it supports liver and kidney function.
- Maitake: Shown to lower cholesterol and support immune function.
- Reishi: Traditionally used to boost energy and immune defenses.
- Shiitake: Contains amino acids and may help with circulation, cholesterol, and immune health
Some of these mushrooms are even being studied for their effects on cognitive function and longevity—important things to think about as our pups age.
Never experiment by yourself - always work with the input of your vet
who will be able to guide you
|
|