The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Mushrooms: Toxic & Safe List

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat certain mushrooms in moderation, and some varieties even offer health benefits. However, before adding mushrooms to your pup’s diet, there are a few important factors to consider. While store-bought mushrooms like plain white or cremini mushrooms are generally safe, wild mushrooms can be highly toxic and even fatal to dogs. Plus, how should mushrooms be prepared—cooked or raw? What are the names of toxic mushrooms? Are there certain types of mushrooms that provide nutritional value? Can eating too many mushrooms cause digestive issues? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate mushrooms into your dog’s diet.

Are Mushrooms Good For Dogs?

Mushrooms can be a nutritious addition to a dog’s diet when given in moderation.

Ensure to feed plain, cooked mushrooms only, free from seasoning, butter, or garlic, as these additives can harm dogs. Avoid feeding wild mushrooms, as many species are highly toxic and can be fatal.

Science Backed-Benefits

​Several research studies and academic papers have explored the potential benefits of incorporating certain mushroom species into canine diets:

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes): A study investigated the effects of shiitake mushroom powder supplementation in healthy dogs. Administered at a dose of 800 mg/kg body weight per day for four weeks, the supplementation significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol concentrations. Additionally, there was a notable increase in superoxide dismutase activity and leukocyte sirtuin1 mRNA expression, suggesting enhanced antioxidative activity. These findings imply that shiitake mushrooms may help ameliorate age-related diseases, including obesity, in dogs.^[1]

Turkey tail mushrooms (Coriolus versicolor): Research from the University of Pennsylvania evaluated the effects of a compound derived from the Coriolus versicolor mushroom, known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP), on dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive cancer. Dogs treated with this mushroom compound exhibited extended survival times compared to historical data, with some dogs living beyond a year with only the mushroom treatment. These results suggest potential tumor-fighting properties of the mushroom extract.^[2]​

Lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus): A study assessed the impact of Hericium erinaceus supplementation on the gut microbiota of aged dogs. Over 16 weeks, dogs were fed diets supplemented with either 0.4 g or 0.8 g of H. erinaceus per kg of body weight. The higher dosage group exhibited significant alterations in their gut microbial community, including an increase in the phylum Bacteroidetes and a decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. These changes are associated with improved immunity and potential anti-obesity effects, indicating that H. erinaceus supplementation could positively influence the gut health of aged dogs.^[3]

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of mushroom contains the following nutrients:

Mushroom Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Mushrooms to Dogs

While some mushrooms can be a safe and nutritious treat for dogs when given in moderation, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding them to your canine companion:

List of Safe & Toxic Mushrooms

Some of the most dangerous mushroom species for dogs include Amanita phalloides (Death Cap), Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric), and Galerina marginata (Deadly Galerina). Ingestion of these can be fatal. See the list for more:

Safe and Toxic Mushrooms for Dogs

*There may be more mushrooms that are toxic to dogs not noted on this list.

Should You Feed Dogs Raw or Cooked Mushrooms?

When considering adding mushrooms to your dog’s diet, it’s important to understand the differences between raw and cooked mushrooms:​

Raw mushrooms:

• Digestibility: Raw mushrooms contain chitin, a component in their cell walls that dogs find difficult to digest. This can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting and diarrhea. ​
• Potential toxins: Some raw mushrooms may contain compounds like monomethyl hydrazine, which can be harmful if ingested. ​

Cooked mushrooms:

• Enhanced nutrient absorption: Cooking breaks down the chitin in mushrooms, making nutrients such as vitamins B and D, minerals, and antioxidants more accessible for absorption.
• Safety considerations: When preparing mushrooms for your dog, cook them plain without additives like salt, garlic, onions, or oils, as these can harm dogs. ​

Recommendations: Cooked mushrooms are preferable to raw mushrooms for dogs. Cooking breaks down tough fibers like chitin, making mushrooms easier to digest and reducing the risk of digestive issues.

Are Dogs Allergic to Mushrooms?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to mushrooms.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Mushrooms

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information:.When speaking to a vet, provide: Quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home, or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining mushrooms or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Mushrooms to Dogs

When feeding mushrooms to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Ways to Feed Mushrooms to Dogs

As with any new food, start slowly and feed gradually to give your dog’s digestive system time to adjust. Always consult with your vet before adding mushrooms to your dog’s diet, especially if they have underlying health conditions.

Best Dog Food With Mushrooms

If you’re looking to incorporate mushrooms into your dog’s diet and provide its benefits, consider Superfood Complete by Katherine Heigl’s Badlands Ranch. This air-dried, high-protein dog food includes Lion’s Mane mushroom, known for its brain and immune system benefits. The formula contains zero fillers and is packed with superfood nutrition, including nutrient-dense organ meats and antioxidant-rich ingredients. Available in beef, chicken and other flavors, this food offers a holistic approach to canine nutrition, combining premium proteins with carefully selected superfoods for optimal health and vitality.

Best Mushroom Dog Treat

​For those aiming to enhance their dog’s diet with the benefits of mushrooms in a tasty way, HolistaPet Immune Support Soft Chews offer a delicious mushroom-based treat. These soft chews combine a proprietary blend of functional mushrooms, including Lion’s Mane, Maitake, Reishi, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail, known for their immune-boosting properties. Formulated to support heart and immune health, these treats provide broad-spectrum immune support for your canine companion. Incorporating these chews into your dog’s routine can promote overall wellness and vitality.​

Best Mushroom Supplement For Dogs

​For pet owners seeking to enhance their dog’s diet with mushroom supplementation, Dr. Mercola’s Bark & Whiskers Organic Fermented Mushroom Blend offers a comprehensive solution. This veterinarian-formulated supplement combines eight organic mushrooms, including Reishi, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail, known for supporting immune, digestive, joint, and respiratory health. The fermentation process enhances nutrient absorption, ensuring your dog receives optimal benefits. Free from additives, fillers, and gluten, this blend integrates seamlessly into any diet, promoting overall vitality and well-being.

How Much Mushrooms Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like mushrooms. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning mushrooms based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size (Occasionally, cooked & diced)	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1-2 small pieces (about 1 tbsp)	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	2-3 small pieces (about 2 tbsp)	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	3-4 pieces (about ¼ cup)	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	5-6 pieces (about ⅓ cup)	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	6-8 pieces (about ½ cup)	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Mushrooms?

Yes, puppies can eat mushrooms, but only in moderation and very small amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with just a tiny portion—such as a teaspoon of cooked, plain mushrooms—to see how they react. Feeding too many mushrooms at once can lead to digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle to process the fiber and compounds found in mushrooms. Additionally, only store-bought, dog-safe mushrooms—such as white button, cremini, or portobello—should be offered. Avoid wild mushrooms entirely, as many varieties can be highly toxic and even fatal. Also, never feed puppies mushrooms that are seasoned, fried, or cooked with butter, garlic, onions, or other ingredients that could harm them. When introducing mushrooms or any new food, avoid giving multiple new foods on the same day so you can monitor for any food sensitivities or allergies. If your puppy experiences digestive issues, introducing only one new food at a time makes it easier to identify the cause. Try offering a teaspoon of plain, cooked, diced mushrooms, then wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s digestive system reacts before considering offering more. Always cook mushrooms before serving, as raw mushrooms can be tough to digest.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to mushrooms that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Mushrooms can be a safe and even nutritious dog treat, but only if you stick to store-bought, non-toxic varieties like white button, cremini, and portobello. These mushrooms provide beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, but they should always be cooked plain—without butter, garlic, or seasonings—to ensure they are safe for your dog to consume. However, wild mushrooms pose a serious danger and should never be fed to dogs, as many varieties are highly toxic and can cause severe illness or even death. If your dog accidentally ingests a wild mushroom, seek immediate veterinary care. As with any new food, introduce mushrooms slowly and in moderation while monitoring for any signs of digestive upset. While mushrooms can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet, they should never replace a balanced, high-quality pet food. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian before introducing mushrooms or any unfamiliar food into your dog’s diet. A little caution can go a long way in keeping your furry friend safe and healthy!

Whether you’re introducing mushrooms or any new food, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Shiitake mushroom powder supplementation increase antioxidative activity in dogs
2. Compound Derived From a Mushroom Lengthens Survival Time in Dogs With Cancer, Penn Vet Study Finds
3. Gut microbiota profiling in aged dogs after feeding pet food contained Hericium erinaceus