Australians love our four-legged friends. Pet ownership is on the rise, with almost half of Australian households having at least one dog and one third of households having at least one feline friend. [1]
With that comes an increasing focus on how to keep our pets healthy and living longer. While we know how important regular vet check ups are, pet owners are also becoming much more aware of the importance of preventative healthcare, from premium pet food to natural, evidence-based supplements.
This is where functional mushrooms come in. For those wondering if mushrooms are good for dogs and cats, there’s research showing these supplements have benefits for pets’ ongoing wellbeing and as a treatment for specific health concerns.
Top mushrooms for dogs and cats
Keeping our pets as healthy as possible is not only better for them, but also much cheaper than treating illness after it develops. And with mounting scientific evidence and growing veterinary acceptance, these functional mushrooms are finding their place in Australian pet care.
Dr Barbara Fougere is an Australian veterinarian and one of the leading experts in veterinary integrative medicine. She has done extensive research into the benefits of functional mushrooms for dogs and cats.
This research reveals a handful of mushrooms that are both safe and effective for dogs and cats. These include:
- Turkey Tail
- Reishi
- Lion’s Mane
- Maitake
- Shiitake
Benefits of functional mushrooms for Australian pets
Turkey Tail mushroom for pets
Turkey Tail mushroom is arguably one of the most researched functional mushrooms for pets. The research supporting Turkey Tail suggests it may be the best mushroom supplement for dogs with cancer.
In groundbreaking studies, dogs with hemangiosarcoma – an aggressive cancer affecting blood vessels – showed remarkable improvements when given turkey tail extracts. The initial pilot study found that dogs receiving the highest dose had a median survival time of 199 days, compared to the historical average of 19-86 days without treatment.[2]
Beyond specific cancer support, Turkey Tail has also shown benefits for enhancing the immune function in dogs and cats, thanks to the PSK and PSP polysaccharides.
Lion's Mane mushroom for pets
Lion’s Mane is often referred to as the mushroom for brain function. This remarkable mushroom contains unique compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which research suggests can stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) for heightened cognitive function such as memory, learning, and concentration.
This is promising for dogs and cats, who are living longer than ever before. We’ve heard from lots of people who give their senior pets Lion’s Mane that they notice improvements in alertness, responsiveness and overall mental clarity. It’s also helpful for anxious pets as it supports the nervous system’s ability to adapt to stress.
Reishi mushroom for pets
Reishi has a reputation as a natural stress reliever. This woody mushroom contains trierpenes, which research has shown as calming properties.
For pets that experience stress, anxiety or restless sleep, Reish can be transformative. It helps support the body’s natural stress response without sedation.
Reishi mushroom also offers valuable liver support, which makes it particularly useful for pets on long-term medications, which can place strain on the liver.
Additionally, reishi has shown promise in supporting cardiovascular health and may help regulate blood pressure – particularly valuable for our senior pets dealing with heart conditions.
Cordyceps mushroom for pets
Cordyceps’ energy-supporting and respiratory benefits make it incredibly valuable for active cats and dogs. Cordyceps supports cellular energy production, helping pets maintain stamina. This makes it particularly beneficial for highly active dogs who need sustained energy and endurance.
For senior pets, cordyceps can help restore energy and vitality. Pet owners often report that their older dogs seem more interested in walks and play after starting a cordyceps supplement.
How to choose the right functional mushroom for your pet
As Dr Fougere explains, what makes mushrooms particularly fascinating is the unique blend of beta-glucans, terpenes and other bioactive compounds in each mushroom. She explains that the way these compounds work together is often more powerful than any isolated component.
The bioavailability of these compounds changes in pets because of the different digestive systems than humans. Dogs and cats have shorter digestive tracts, which means the extraction process becomes crucial for ensuring these beneficial compounds can be properly absorbed and utilised.
Because of the shorter digestion, it’s important to choose a premium mushroom supplement to deliver the maximum beneficial compounds. A dual-extracted supplement, made using premium mushrooms is essential.
The extraction process is crucial as mushroom cell walls are incredibly tough. They require a specialised dual-extraction process to release their beneficial compounds. Whole dried mushroom powder, whilst natural, may not provide optimal absorption.
The other important consideration is mycelium vs whole fruit body musheooms. Many products on the market contain mycelium (the root-like structure of mushrooms) grown on grain rather than actual mushrooms. These products often contain more grain starch than mushroom compounds, potentially feeding harmful bacteria in the gut rather than providing benefits. True mushroom extracts should be derived from the fruiting body – the actual mushroom.
While high-quality mushroom supplements may appear more expensive, these products often require a far lower dosage to achieve the same results. For example, the suggested serving size for Touchwood Mushrooms liquid and powder supplements is often half as much as other brands on the market with a lower potency.
Best of all, the quality of Touchwood Mushrooms products means you don’t need to buy a separate supplement for your pets. Simply adjust the dosage to your pet’s weight.
How mushroom supplements fit into pet care
Most cats and dogs will readily accept liquid and powder supplements when mixed with their existing food. You may need to build up to a full dose, adding a smaller amount until your pet is used to the taste.
Mushroom powder can be easily sprinkled over wet or dry dog food. If you opt for a mushroom liquid, you could mix this in with wet food or add to a small amount of bone broth to make it more appealing.
For particularly fussy eaters, try mixing with strongly flavoured foods like sardines or liver treats to mask the taste.
Consistency is important when it comes to seeing results. Add it into your pet’s existing daily feeding routine so you’re less likely to miss a dose.
Powerhouse Pet Mushroom Mix
Our 6 Blend is a powerhouse mix of the highest quality Australian grown and conscientiously imported organic mushrooms. Simply sprinkle over your dogs wet or dry food. Adjust the dosage according to your pet’s weight.
When to consult a vet
With the growing body of research around the benefits of functional mushrooms for pets, more vets are embracing an integrative approach. Let your vet know that you’re considering incorporating functional mushrooms into your pet’s care, particularly if you’re also using conventional medication to manage an ongoing condition.
Make a note of your pet’s response after you start using functional mushrooms, noting changes in energy, appetite and behaviour. This will help you assess the effectiveness and adjust the dosage if needed.
Monitoring and Assessment
Keep detailed records of your pet's response to supplementation. Note changes in energy, appetite, behaviour, and any health markers your vet is monitoring. This information is invaluable for assessing effectiveness and making dosage adjustments.
