Can Dogs Have Mushrooms?

The answer to the many searched question 'can dogs eat mushrooms?' is:  some mushrooms are safe and beneficial, while others can be dangerous — even deadly. The key is knowing which mushrooms are safe for dogs, which to avoid, and why Turkey Tail mushroom stands out as the most researched and trusted option for canine health.

Let’s dive into the details...

Are Mushrooms Safe for Dogs?

Mushrooms fall into two categories for dogs:

• Wild mushrooms → risky, often toxic, can cause organ failure or worse.

• Medicinal/cultivated mushrooms → safe in controlled supplement form, with proven health benefits.

⚠️ Never let your dog eat wild mushrooms. Even a small bite of a toxic mushroom like the Death Cap can be fatal.

But when carefully sourced and prepared, certain mushrooms can support your dog’s:

• Immune system 🛡️

• Gut health 🌱

• Vitality & longevity 🐾

We've dived in deep into safety with this specific blog post: Turkey Tail Safety

Mushrooms Dogs Can Eat

Let’s break down the most common mushrooms you’ll see in pet wellness conversations:

🍄 Reishi

Known as the “mushroom of immortality” in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

• Benefits: may support immunity & reduce inflammation.

• For dogs: limited direct studies — most research is on humans.
  

🍄 Turkey Tail

What we call as the Doggo mushroom, the most scientifically studied and beneficial mushroom for dogs

• Shown anti cancer properties, anti inflammtory, immunity boosting, helps with a dogs coat/skin, helps improve gut health, the benefits are incredible
• Most studied & safest mushroom supplement for dogs in the world!

🍄 Shiitake

Popular in cooking, also used medicinally.

• Benefits: nutrients, antioxidants, potential immune boost.

• For dogs: some safety data, but not well studied in veterinary medicine.

🍄 Maitake

Rich in beta-glucans (immune-supporting compounds).

• Benefits: immune modulation.

• For dogs: promising, but studies are sparse.

🍄 Lion’s Mane

Well-known for brain & nerve support.

• Benefits: cognitive health in humans.

• For dogs: very little canine-specific research.

🍄 Chaga

A powerful antioxidant mushroom.

• Benefits: oxidative stress protection.

• For dogs: not well studied; high oxalates may pose risks.

While these mushrooms are interesting, the scientific research in dogs is limited.

👉 Shop our 3rd party Tested Turkey Tail Mushroom For Dogs 

Mushrooms Dogs Should Avoid

• Wild mushrooms like Amanita, Death Cap, Destroying Angel → highly toxic.

• Supermarket mushrooms (white button, portobello) → generally non-toxic, but no real health benefits for dogs.

When it comes to your dog’s health, stick to what’s proven safe and effective.

Why Turkey Tail Mushroom Stands Out

Among all mushrooms, Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is by far the most studied and clinically proven mushroom for dogs.

✅ Backed by Veterinary Research (Studies Here)

• A University of Pennsylvania clinical trial studied Turkey Tail in dogs with hemangiosarcoma (an aggressive cancer).

• Results: Dogs given Turkey Tail extract lived significantly longer than those who didn’t.

• This makes Turkey Tail one of the only mushrooms with published veterinary studies.

✅ Proven Safety in Dogs

Unlike many other mushrooms, Turkey Tail has been tested specifically in canine studies and shown to be safe at recommended doses.

✅ Rich in Active Compounds

• Contains Beta Glucans / PSP PSK (polysaccharide-K).
  

• Beta Glucans are Polysaccharides, not not all Polysaccharides are Beta Glucans, whenever you buy a Turkey Tail or mushroom supplement, focus on the beta glucan content, these are things which actually make a difference to your dog, not PSP/PSK content. 
  

✅ Why It Beats Other Mushrooms

The evidence is clear: Turkey Tail is the mushroom of choice for dogs.

👉 Shop our 3rd party Tested Turkey Tail Mushroom For Dogs 

How to Give Mushrooms Safely to Dogs

1. Choose the right mushroom → Turkey Tail is the safest, most researched option.

2. Pick the right format → raw mushrooms aren’t ideal; choose a 3rd party tested supplement in powder, capsule or tincture form.

3. Follow dosage guidance → based on your dog’s weight and needs.

4. Quality matters → look for supplements free from fillers, heavy metals, and toxins.

At Milo Naturals, our Turkey Tail supplement is:

• Veterinarian trusted

• 3rd Party Tested in the UK

• Scientifically Backed

👉 Shop our 3rd party Tested Turkey Tail Mushroom For Dogs 

Conclusion

So, can dogs eat mushrooms?

• Some mushrooms are toxic and should be avoided.

• Some medicinal mushrooms show promise — but few have been studied in dogs.

• Turkey Tail is the clear winner, backed by veterinary research and proven to support canine health.

If you’re looking for a safe, natural way to boost your dog’s immunity and vitality, Turkey Tail is the best choice. 

FAQs About Dogs and Mushrooms

Can dogs eat mushrooms from the supermarket?
Yes, store-bought mushrooms like button or portobello are not toxic — but they offer little benefit.

Are wild mushrooms poisonous to dogs?
Yes — many are. Even small amounts of toxic wild mushrooms can cause severe illness or death.

Which mushroom is best for dogs?
Turkey Tail is the best, with published veterinary studies showing immune and cancer support.

Can mushrooms boost dog immunity?
Yes — particularly Turkey Tail, thanks to beta-glucans. 

How much Turkey Tail should I give my dog?
Dosage depends on weight. Always follow product guidance — Milo Naturals provides clear instructions on safe amounts.

References from articles:

- https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/compound-derived-mushroom-lengthens-survival-time-dogs-cancer-penn-vet-study-finds

- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/medicinal-mushrooms-for-dogs/

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35215831/