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.
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- Conclusion
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.
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.
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
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.
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 |
Other Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs
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:
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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
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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.
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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.