Mushrooms can be a perplexing food for dog owners. Some varieties are nutritious and offer health benefits, while others are highly toxic and potentially fatal. If your dog has eaten a mushroom—either from your kitchen or outdoors—you may be wondering: Are mushrooms safe for dogs?
This guide will help you understand the risks and benefits of mushrooms for dogs, provide insight into safe vs. unsafe mushrooms, and tell you what to do if your dog ingests a wild mushroom.
Are Mushrooms Safe for Dogs?
Yes, many mushrooms are safe for dogs, particularly those commonly found in grocery stores, such as:
- White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
- Cremini Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus - brown variety)
- Portobello Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus - mature variety)
- Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)
- Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa) – aka "Hen of the Woods"
- Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) – known for immune support
- Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes versicolor) – supports gut & immune health
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) – cognitive benefits
- Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) – rich in antioxidants
- Cordyceps Mushroom (Cordyceps militaris) – supports energy & lung health
- Enoki Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes)
- Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
- King Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii)
- Beech Mushroom (Hypsizygus tessellatus) – aka "Shimeji"
- Wood Ear Mushroom (Auricularia auricula-judae) – good for circulation
- Chestnut Mushroom (Pholiota adiposa)
- Poria Mushroom (Wolfiporia extensa) – used in traditional herbal medicine
- Snow Fungus (Tremella fuciformis) – supports skin & hydration
- King Bolete (Boletus edulis) – aka "Porcini" mushroom
- Almond Mushroom (Agaricus subrufescens) – known for immune benefits
- Blazei Mushroom (Agaricus blazei) – supports immune function
- Cauliflower Mushroom (Sparassis crispa)
- Milk Cap Mushroom (Lactarius deliciosus) – aka "Saffron Milk Cap"
- Golden Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus)
- Morel Mushroom (Morchella spp.) – ⚠ CAUTION: Must be fully cooked! Raw morels contain hydrazine toxins that can be harmful to dogs.
⚠ Important Notes:
- Always cook mushrooms before feeding them to dogs—raw mushrooms can be tough to digest and some contain mild toxins.
- Never feed wild mushrooms unless you're 100% certain of their identity—many toxic varieties closely resemble safe ones.
- Moderation is key—mushrooms should only be an occasional supplement, not a large part of a dog’s diet.
- If using medicinal mushroom supplements (like reishi, turkey tail, or lion’s mane), consult your vet for the proper dosage.
These mushrooms are safe when given in moderation and prepared without harmful ingredients such as garlic, onions, butter, or excessive salt and spices.
However, wild mushrooms can be extremely dangerous. While some wild mushrooms are safe, many have toxic lookalikes that are difficult to differentiate from edible varieties. Because of this, it’s safest to assume that all wild mushrooms are potentially poisonous and should never be fed to dogs.
How to Get Healthy Mushrooms into Your Dog's Diet
Now that we know some mushrooms are safe, even beneficial for dogs to eat, let's look at how we can incorporate these functional fungi into your dog's diet.
There are a few forms of dog-safe mushrooms: raw mushrooms, mushroom supplements, powders, and tinctures. Let's take a closer look at each of these options.
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Raw Mushrooms: Store-bought mushrooms can be sliced and incorporated with your dog's food. A best-practice is to cook the mushrooms first, however, because actual raw mushrooms may be difficult for your dog to digest. Be sure to use only a small amount, roughly 1 teaspoon of chopped mushrooms per 20 pounds of body weight.
- Mushroom Supplements: Mushroom supplements like Lolahemp's Immunity Mushroom Chews can come in a variety of forms. Our mushroom soft chews are bacon-flavored, and come equipped with a variety of mushrooms vet-formulated to support canine immunity. These supplements are often the safest, most effective option because they take the guesswork and preparation out of the process, leaving you with something you know is safe and properly dosed for your dog to enjoy daily.
- Powders: Powders can be a good option, and they include dried and ground mushrooms. Grinding dried mushrooms into a powder can reduce the efficacy, however. It's also important to be precise with dosing, as a small amount of powder goes a long way.
- Tinctures: Mushroom extract tinctures are another option to consider, although they may not be able to incorporate multiple functional mushrooms due to manufacturing difficulties. Some companies do offer mushroom tinctures with multiple mushrooms included, however. Mushroom tinctures come in a close second to mushroom chews in terms of ease of use and efficacy.
The Health Benefits of Mushrooms for Dogs
Certain mushrooms have been studied for their potential health benefits in both humans and animals. Some safe mushrooms, such as reishi, lion’s mane, maitake, and turkey tail, may provide benefits like:
- Immune system support – Rich in beta-glucans, mushrooms like reishi and turkey tail can help strengthen your dog’s immune response.
- Cognitive function support – Lion’s mane mushrooms may help with brain health and aging-related cognitive decline.
- Anti-inflammatory properties – Mushrooms like maitake and reishi may help with inflammation and joint health.
- Gut and digestive support – Some mushrooms contain prebiotic fibers that support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits – Certain mushrooms help fight oxidative stress and support heart health.
If you want to introduce mushrooms into your dog’s diet, consider using a veterinarian-approved mushroom supplement specifically formulated for dogs. Always consult your vet before adding any new food or supplement to your dog’s diet.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Wild Mushroom
Step 1: Assess the Situation
If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, act quickly. Wild mushroom poisoning can be deadly, and symptoms may take hours to appear.
- Look for leftover mushroom pieces – If possible, take a sample of the mushroom your dog ate.
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Identify symptoms – Watch for signs of toxicity, including:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Tremors or seizures
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or gums)
- Loss of coordination
- Abdominal pain
- Collapse or coma
Step 2: Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
If you think your dog ate a toxic mushroom, don’t wait for symptoms to appear—call your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline immediately. Provide them with details about what your dog ate, their symptoms, and their size/breed.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Step 3: Bring a Sample
If possible, take a sample of the mushroom with you to the vet. Wrap it in a damp paper towel and store it in a paper bag (not plastic) to preserve its structure. This can help veterinarians identify the mushroom and determine appropriate treatment.
Step 4: Monitor Your Dog Closely
If your vet advises at-home monitoring, watch for any of the above symptoms for the next 12 to 24 hours. Poisonous mushrooms can cause delayed reactions, so even if your dog seems fine at first, stay vigilant.
What are Symptoms of a Dog Eating a Toxic Mushroom?
If your dog eats a toxic mushroom, symptoms can hit fast—or take days to show up, depending on the type. The most common signs are vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and stomach pain, but certain mushrooms can cause far worse reactions. Neurotoxic varieties can make dogs disoriented, shaky, or even trigger seizures, while highly toxic species (like the Death Cap mushroom) can silently attack the liver and kidneys, with symptoms only appearing when the damage is severe.
Time is everything. If your dog eats a wild mushroom, don’t wait for symptoms—call your vet or an emergency poison hotline immediately. If you can, take a picture or grab a sample of the mushroom, but don’t waste time trying to identify it yourself. Vets may induce vomiting, give activated charcoal to absorb toxins, or start IV fluids to flush their system. The faster you act, the better their chances.
The safest approach? Assume all wild mushrooms are toxic and never let your dog eat one. Even if a mushroom is harmless to humans, it could be dangerous for dogs. If you have mushrooms growing in your yard, remove them regularly, and when walking in wooded areas, keep a close eye on what your pup is sniffing. Prevention is always easier than emergency treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can dogs eat cooked mushrooms?
Yes, store-bought mushrooms that are plain and unseasoned are safe for dogs. However, avoid feeding mushrooms cooked with garlic, onions, butter, oil, or excessive salt, as these ingredients can be harmful.
2. Can dogs eat raw mushrooms?
Dogs can eat raw mushrooms from the grocery store in small amounts. However, cooking mushrooms can make them easier to digest and help release beneficial nutrients.
3. Can dogs eat wild mushrooms?
No. Wild mushrooms should always be considered toxic unless identified as safe by a professional mycologist. Many toxic mushrooms closely resemble edible ones, making it dangerous to feed wild mushrooms to your dog.
4. What happens if a dog eats a poisonous mushroom?
Depending on the type of mushroom, symptoms can range from mild stomach upset to organ failure and death. If you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic mushroom, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
5. Are mushrooms good for dogs?
Yes, certain mushrooms offer health benefits when given appropriately. Mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, turkey tail, and maitake contain immune-boosting properties, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. However, always introduce new foods with caution and consult your veterinarian before giving mushrooms to your dog.
Final Thoughts
Mushrooms can be both beneficial and dangerous for dogs. While grocery store mushrooms and certain medicinal mushrooms may offer health advantages, wild mushrooms pose a serious risk. If your dog eats a mushroom outdoors, assume it’s toxic and seek veterinary help immediately.
By staying informed and cautious, you can make the best decisions about mushrooms for your dog's diet and overall well-being.
