This is a Dog Owner's Guide to Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Turkey Tail Mushroom for Dogs

Posted by Lianne McLeod D.V.M. on

This is a Dog Owner's Guide to Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Supplements with turkey tail mushrooms for dogs could potentially boost your dog’s immune system, help fight off diseases, and even aid in the treatment of some disorders.

This article covers what dog owners need to know about turkey tail mushrooms before giving them to their canine companions. Let's take a look.

Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom for Dogs

The Turkey Tail mushroom is a powerhouse of beneficial compounds that can significantly contribute to your dog’s health. Here are seven detailed benefits that this remarkable mushroom can offer to your canine companion.

Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs

1. Immune Benefits

One of the main benefits of Turkey Tail mushrooms for dogs is their ability to boost the immune system. The mushroom contains a type of polysaccharide known as a beta-glucan, which is known for its immune-modulating properties. Mushroom beta-glucans can stimulate the immune system, helping it to fight off infections and diseases more effectively.

2. Improves Digestion

In addition to boosting the immune system, Turkey Tail mushrooms can also support gut health in dogs. The mushroom contains prebiotics, which can help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for a strong immune system, as many of the body’s immune cells are in the gut.

3. Antioxidant-Rich

Turkey Tail mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. This property can help slow down the aging process and prevent various health issues.

Antioxidants are particularly beneficial for dogs exposed to environmental pollutants or those with chronic health conditions. They can help reduce inflammation and support overall health and well-being.

4. Liver Disease

Turkey Tail mushrooms have been used to support liver health in dogs. Turkey Tail contains compounds that can help detoxify the liver and enhance its function.

A healthy liver is essential for detoxification, metabolism, and overall health. Regular Turkey Tail mushroom supplements may help maintain your dog’s liver health, contributing to their overall well-being.

5. Skin and Coat Health

The antioxidants in Turkey Tail mushrooms can also support your dog’s skin and coat health. They can help protect the skin cells from damage, promoting a healthy and shiny coat.

A healthy coat is not just about aesthetics. It’s also a reflection of your dog’s overall health.

7. Cardiovascular Health

Turkey Tail mushrooms can support your dog’s cardiovascular health. Turkey Tail contains compounds that can help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A healthy cardiovascular system is crucial for your dog’s overall health. It ensures that all body parts receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients.

Never give your dog wild mushrooms - Only use supplement products that have shown to be safe!

Turkey Tail Mushroom Chews for Dogs

Rather than getting a supplement with Turkey Tail alone, pet owners can consider mushroom supplement chews made for dogs that contain a handful of medicinal mushrooms that are good for dogs. 

This can increase the benefits and give your dogs a more well-rounded set of health benefits. Here is our choice for mushroom chews for dogs:

 

Immunity Mushroom Chews for Dogs

Immunity Mushroom Chews for Dogs containing Maitake, Shiitake, Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Turkey Tail

Contains Maitake, Shiitake, Lion's Mane, Reishi, & Turkey Tail.

Learn More

 

 

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

While Turkey Tail mushroom is generally considered safe for dogs, it can cause some side effects in some dogs. These can include diarrhea, vomiting, and changes in appetite. If your dog experiences any of these side effects, you should discontinue the use of tail mushrooms and consult your veterinarian.

In addition, Turkey Tail mushrooms can interact with certain medications, including immunosuppressive drugs. Therefore, if your dog is currently taking any medication, you should consult with your veterinarian before starting a Turkey Tail mushroom supplement.

Finally, while Turkey Tail mushroom has potential health benefits for dogs, it should not be used as a substitute for veterinary care. If your dog is sick or has a chronic health condition, it’s important to seek veterinary care.

Safety of Turkey Tail Mushroom for Dogs

Turkey Tail mushroom is generally considered safe for dogs. However, like any supplement, it should be used under the guidance of a veterinarian. Some dogs may have allergic reactions to the turkey tail mushroom products, and it can also interact with other medications your dog may be taking.

Therefore, starting with a small dose and monitoring your dog’s reaction is important. If your dog shows any signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, redness, or difficulty breathing, you should discontinue its use and consult your veterinarian immediately.

It’s also important to note that not all Turkey Tail mushroom supplements are created equal. Some products may contain fillers or other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Therefore, it’s important to choose a high-quality product that is specifically designed for dogs.

Guide to medicinal mushrooms for dogs

Turkey Tail Dosage for Dogs

The recommended dosage of Turkey Tail mushroom for dogs can vary depending on several factors, including the dog’s size, age, and overall health status.

As a general guideline, many veterinarians recommend a dosage of 25-50 mg of Turkey Tail mushroom per kilogram of body weight, given once or twice daily. It's important to discuss Turkey Tail dosage with a veterinarian before giving it to your dog. 

Find the general dog dosage guidelines for Turkey Tail mushrooms below. 

Weight (lbs) Dosage (mg)
5 125 to 250
10 250 to 500
15 375 to 750
20 500 to 1000
25 625 to 1250
30 750 to 1500
35 875 to 1750
40 1000 to 2000
45 1125 to 2250
50 1250 to 2500

Conclusion

Turkey Tail mushrooms are generally considered safe for dogs, and have the potential to provide a variety of positive benefits for your furry friends, mainly in the areas of immune health and wellness. 

The best method of giving your dog Turkey Tail is to find a dog-safe supplement such as Lolahemp's Mushroom Chews for Dogs formulated with a variety of beneficial mushrooms for our canine companions. 

References:

  1. Gedney A, Salah P, Mahoney JA, Krick E, Martins R, Scavello H, Lenz JA, Atherton MJ. Evaluation of the anti-tumor activity of Coriolus versicolor polysaccharopeptide (I'm-Yunity) alone or in combination with doxorubicin for canine splenic hemangiosarcoma. Vet Comp Oncol. 2022 Sep;20(3):688-696. doi: 10.1111/vco.12823. Epub 2022 Apr 25. PMID: 35442554.

  2. Tong, J. O. P. (2021). Does turkey tail as an adjuvant therapy improve the quality of life of canine lymphoma patients?. Veterinary Evidence, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v6i3.403

  3. Griessmayr PC, Gauthier M, Barber LG, Cotter SM. Mushroom-derived maitake PETfraction as single agent for the treatment of lymphoma in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Nov-Dec;21(6):1409-12. doi: 10.1892/07-070.1. PMID: 18196755.

  4. Habtemariam S. Trametes versicolor (Synn. Coriolus versicolor) Polysaccharides in Cancer Therapy: Targets and Efficacy. Biomedicines. 2020 May 25;8(5):135. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines8050135. PMID: 32466253; PMCID: PMC7277906.

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AUTHOR

Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a former writer for The Spruce Pets, contributing articles for 11 years. Before Dr. McLeod began writing about pet care, she worked several years in small animal practice. She has written extensively about the care and keeping of exotic pets and pet health care. She now researches water quality and chronic disease at the University of Saskatchewan. Lianne McLeod earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She also received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Simon Fraser University. She continued her education and received a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of Saskatchewan. Now, she splits her time between her family, research and writing about pet health for all the animal lovers out there.


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