Is It a Good Idea to Use Shiitake for Dogs?

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the many wild medicinal mushrooms that have been improving human health for centuries, particularly in East Asian cultures. However, their use in canine health is a more recent development.

It's a journey that began in the late 20th century when holistic veterinarians started exploring natural supplements like mushrooms for dogs.

Shiitake mushrooms for dogs offer a handful of potential benefits, and we'll discuss everything in detail below.

Shiitake Mushroom Benefits for Dogs

Let's take a look at the ways that shiitake mushrooms could benefit your pup. 

1. Immune System Support

Shiitake mushroom supplements may offer support for your dog's immune system. Lentinan and beta-glucans in shiitake mushrooms could potentially stimulate immune cells and activate natural killer cells in your canine's immune system. Antioxidants present in shiitake mushrooms might also help protect your dog's immune cells from damage. If your dog has a weaker immune system, shiitake mushrooms could be considered as a supplementary option for immune support.

2. Digestive Health

Prebiotics found in shiitake mushroom supplements may reach the colon and support the growth of beneficial bacteria in your dog's gut. Regular inclusion of shiitake mushrooms might help reduce instances of diarrhea due to their fiber content. Shiitake mushrooms may also assist in breaking down proteins in food, potentially leading to reduced gas and bloating. Antioxidants in shiitake mushrooms might contribute to gut health by protecting against oxidative stress.

3. Heart and Circulation

Shiitake mushrooms might contribute to cardiovascular health in dogs. They are low in calories and may support overall heart function. While shiitake mushrooms could potentially help with cholesterol levels and blood pressure, it's important to approach these claims cautiously. Nutrients such as potassium and iron in shiitake mushrooms may support overall blood flow and heart health. However, these effects are not guaranteed, and individual results may vary.

4. Liver Support

Shiitake mushrooms contain antioxidants that may support liver health. These antioxidants could potentially help protect liver cells from damage. With veterinary guidance, shiitake mushrooms might be considered to support the liver's natural functions, support the inflammatory response, and aid in general liver health. It's important to consult with a veterinarian before using shiitake mushrooms for managing specific liver conditions.

5. Weight Management

For weight management, shiitake mushrooms may be a lower-calorie alternative to high-calorie treats in your dog's diet. Their low calorie and fat content could be beneficial for dogs needing to manage their weight. The fiber in shiitake mushrooms might help your dog feel full, potentially supporting weight management. However, shiitake mushrooms should not be relied upon as a sole solution for weight loss.

6. Skin and Coat Health

Shiitake mushrooms may contribute to skin and coat health. B vitamins and minerals in shiitake mushrooms might support the health of your dog's coat. Antioxidants in shiitake mushrooms could potentially help protect the skin from oxidative stress. While they might contribute to overall skin health, specific improvements such as reduced itching or redness cannot be guaranteed.

7. Energy and Vitality

Shiitake mushrooms may support overall vitality and energy levels in dogs. Amino acids in shiitake mushrooms could be beneficial for muscle tissue and general health. They might also contribute to maintaining energy levels and recovery after physical activity. The adaptogenic properties of shiitake mushrooms could help your dog manage stress better, though individual responses may vary.

Should Dogs Eat Shiitake Mushrooms?

Yes shiitake mushrooms could help your pet under the guidance of a veterinarian, but not raw shiitake mushrooms. They can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and shiitake dermatitis, with symptoms including skin rashes and inflammation. The tough and fibrous texture of raw shiitake can also pose a choking hazard to your dog. Cooking shiitake mushrooms can remove these toxins and make them easier for your dog to eat. The process of cooking shiitake mushrooms is as follows:

• As with any raw mushrooms, first, wash the shiitake mushrooms thoroughly.

• Remove the stems as they could be tough for your dog.

• Slice the shiitake mushroom caps into small, manageable pieces for your dog.

• Do not use oils, butter, or seasonings when you cook shiitake for your dog.

• Steam or boil the mushrooms to preserve their nutrients without adding fats.

• Serve shiitake mushrooms to your dog plain.

But wait, how much shiitake mushrooms will be enough for my dog? What if my dog is repelled by its taste and smell after it’s cooked? We understand that you may still not be sure of how little is too little and how much is too much; don’t worry, we got you covered.

The Alternative to Raw Shiitake for Dogs

A more controlled way of giving your dog shiitake mushrooms is through a shiitake mushroom supplement. This medicinal mushroom goes through an extraction process before being labeled a shiitake mushroom supplement. The process begins with drying the harvested Shiitake mushrooms.

Then the dried mushrooms are ground into fine powder and this can be used as-is in the whole-mushroom powder form. The powder is then mixed with a solvent that may be either hot water or alcohol or even both. This mixture is left to steep for a while to allow the shiitake mushroom compounds to dissolve. Then the liquid extract is concentrated through evaporation. Finally, the concentrated extract is processed into various supplement forms.

Liquid Extract

The concentrated liquid extract is bottled directly and may be mixed with alcohol or glycerin for preservation. You should avoid those with alcohol preservatives for your dog and opt for glycerin-based extracts. When you go to buy them, you may find them with a dropper for easy dosing.

Powder Extract:

The liquid extract is spray-dried or freeze-dried and results in a fine, concentrated powder. You can find them sold in their powder form or made into capsules and tablets. Check for additives to ensure there are none your dog may not like.

Capsules:

In this form, the powder extract is encapsulated in gelatin or vegetable capsules and includes some added ingredients for binding. This option will provide your dog with a convenient, pre-measured dose. But we do not recommend them if your dog has difficulty swallowing them.

Tablets:

The aforementioned powder extract is compressed to take a tablet form. The tablets may include binders and excipients for them to be stable and bioavailable. They can also be coated to allow your dog to swallow easily.

Tinctures:

A liquid extract's immediate sibling but it's more concentrated. Animal-safe alcohol is often used here as the primary solvent and you can dilute it for your dog.

How to Introduce Shiitake to Your Dog's Diet

When it comes to shiitake for your four-legged pal, think "just right"; not too much, not too little. Start small, really small. We're talking a pinch for the tiny pups and a dash for the big boys. Gradually increase the amount over weeks.

If you're going the supplement route, the product label is your friend, but still go slow; every dog's different. What works for the neighbor's dog might leave your pup with an upset tummy. So, keep a close eye on your furry friend and adjust as needed.

Potential Side Effects

Your dog can't say "Hey, these mushrooms aren't sitting right," so you've got to be their voice. Monitor for any tummy troubles. We're talking gurgling, extra gas, or loose stools. Some dogs might get a bit itchy or develop a rash.

Excessive drooling or lip-smacking? That's another sign that you need to ease up. And if your normally energetic fur ball suddenly becomes a couch potato, take note. These are all ways your dog might be saying, "Whoa there, human. This shiitake situation isn't working for me."

Veterinary Consultation on Medicinal Mushrooms

Before you even think about adding shiitake to your dog's dish, have a chat with your vet. Your vet knows your dog's health history better than anyone, so they can give you the green light or wave a red flag. If your dog is on medication, double-check with the vet. Shiitake might play nice with some meds, but not others. These visits can help fine-tune the dosage and make sure your shiitake experiment is going smoothly.

We've covered a lot, but there's still more to explore. Other medicinal mushrooms like reishi mushrooms, maitake mushrooms, cordyceps mushrooms, and turkey tail mushrooms offer their own health benefits for dogs. We'll save those for next time. We hope you learned something new or found answers to your questions. Until then, happy trails and wagging tails.

References

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2. An article on how to cook mushrooms

3. Kusaba, A., Okada, Y., Ueno, H., Yamamoto, I., Mori, Y., Tanaka, N., ... & Kawasumi, K. (2022). Effects of supplementation with Shiitake powder, Lentinula edodes, on anti-oxidative activities and energy/lipid metabolism in healthy dogs. Research Article on Shiitake Supplementation in DogsSupplementation

4. Morales, D., Smiderle, F., Piris, A., Soler‐Rivas, C., & Prodanov, M. (2019). Production of a β-d-glucan-rich extract from Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) by an extraction/microfiltration/reverse osmosis (nanofiltration) process. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies. Shiitake Extraction Process.

5. Alexander, S. How Medicinal Mushrooms Can Help Your Dog Battle Cancer. Article on gut health benefits for dogs

6. Roszczyk, A., Turło, J., Zagożdżon, R., & Kaleta, B. (2022). Immunomodulatory Properties of Polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23.An article on Shiitake health benefits on animals.

7. Ahmad, I., Arif, M., Xu, M., Zhang, J., Ding, Y., & Lyu, F. (2023). Therapeutic values and nutraceutical properties of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes): A review. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 134, 123-135.An article review on Shiitake therapeutic benefits on animals

8. Akio Kusaba, Yuki Okada, Hiromichi Ueno et al. Effects of supplementation with Shiitake powder, Lentinula edodes, on anti-oxidative activities and energy/ lipid metabolism in healthy dogs, 11 April 2022, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square [Shiitake Supplements benefits for Dogs Article]

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10. Harker-Murray AK, Tajik AJ, Ishikura F, Meyer D, Burnett JC, Redfield MM. The role of coenzyme Q10 in the pathophysiology and therapy of experimental congestive heart failure in the dog. J Card Fail. 2000 Sep;6(3):233-42. doi: 10.1054/jcaf.2000.8839. PMID: 10997750 An Article on the role of coenzyme Q10 in dogs