Medicinal mushrooms, also known as Functional Mushrooms, have been used for centuries in Chinese and Eastern medicine for their healing properties. And the benefits of these nutrient-packed mushroom species have made their way into modern, natural supplements that are gaining popularity. But have you ever thought about giving medicinal mushrooms to your dog or cat? As humans, we may find that we aren’t receiving all the nutrients our body seeks to maintain optimal health. As a result, we turn to natural ways to help support our bodies’ regular functions. Well, maintaining your pet’s health is just as important, and finding a natural way to incorporate nutrients is key. 

Medicinal mushrooms for dogs and cats can provide numerous health benefits, just as they do for humans. And while mushrooms may not have been the first thought you had to give to your pet, they can actually provide a safe, and natural way to incorporate bioactive compounds into your pet’s daily diet while also providing immune-supporting properties.‡

What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?

 

Medicinal mushrooms are members of the Kingdom Fungi that are found in various parts of the world that have been used for centuries by mankind for their healing properties. Medicinal mushrooms are valued as being a nutrient-dense food.  However, medicinal mushroom species also contain many health-promoting, bioactive compounds such as immunomodulating beta glucans, an array of antioxidant compounds, triterpenes, prebiotic dietary fibers, vitamins, and high-quality protein. The popularity and knowledge of medicinal mushrooms has grown exponentially in recent years as the public has become more aware of the medicinal properties of mushrooms that can be very beneficial for humans and also their pets.

Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs and Cats

When you think of mushrooms, you may first consider their culinary use. And your dog has probably already eaten them off the kitchen floor. But this thought may leave you questioning: What mushroom species are okay to give to my pet? Are they safe? While not every species is meant to be consumed, there are many species that are edible and can provide tremendous benefits for your pet. 

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in Chinese and Eastern medicine for their healing properties. And the benefits of these nutrient-packed mushroom species have made their way into modern, natural supplements that are gaining popularity. But have you ever thought about giving medicinal mushrooms to your dog or cat? As humans, we may find that we aren’t receiving all the nutrients our body seeks in order to maintain optimal health. As a result, we turn to natural ways to help support our bodies’ regular functions. Well, maintaining your pet’s health is just as important, and finding a natural way to incorporate nutrients is key. 

Medicinal mushrooms for dogs and cats can provide numerous health benefits, just as they do for humans. And while mushrooms may not have been the first thought you had to give to your pet, they can actually provide a safe, and natural way to incorporate bioactive compounds into your pet’s daily diet while also providing immune-supporting properties.‡

Until recently, most veterinarians’ knowledge of mushrooms was limited to the harmful effects of poisonous mushroom species that have been consumed by pets in the yard or forest.  Today, as awareness of the positive effects of medicinal mushrooms on health has expanded, many veterinarians now recommend the use of medicinal mushroom products for pets.  Veterinary conferences now often have several presentations on the health-promoting properties of functional/medicinal mushrooms for pets.

Medicinal mushroom species that are safe for your pet to consume may include: 

Antrodia	Has antioxidant effects to help support immune health and energy, and provide anti-itch support. Supports liver health and detoxification‡
Himematsutake (Agaricus blazei)	Can help to support lower cholesterol levels, digestive health, immune health, and provide physical and emotional stress relief‡
Shitake	A culinary mushroom to help support immune and heart health‡
Maitake	Helps to support healthy blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and immune health‡
Reishi	Can help in calming anxiousness and improve sleep quality‡
Cordyceps	Supports vitality, endurance, and oxygen circulation‡
Lion’s Mane	Can help to support the growth and function of nerve cells; important for cognitive and neurological health‡
Turkey Tail	Known as an immune system powerhouse for its immune-supporting bioactive compounds‡
King Trumpet	Supports cholesterol and bone health‡

 

Some medicinal mushroom species are not really edible in their natural state due to their bitterness or tough, fibrous textures. Medicinal mushrooms that have been grown under controlled conditions and processed into powders are easily administered to your pet orally. 

Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets 

Mushrooms are packed with protein, prebiotic dietary fibers, antioxidants, and many other bioactive compounds that can help support your pet’s overall health. 

A healthy immune system is crucial for animals; while they may not be able to tell us when something is wrong, they can certainly show us with their behavior. A poor immune system can lead to a host of other health problems such as infection, digestive issues, poor heart health, and susceptibility to illness. Because of this, it’s important that your pet’s gut health is maintained. The gut houses the majority of the immune system in mammals, making what your dog consumes daily an important factor of immune health. 

Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses perfect for supporting immune health to fortify their systems against potential health problems.^‡ They contain prebiotics, fiber, healthy fats, proteins, and digestive enzymes that are important to digestive health. When incorporated into a daily routine, medicinal mushrooms can be very beneficial to your dog or cat.^‡ 

How To Administer

At Mushroom Matrix, our Canine Matrix single species and organic mushroom powder blends products are perfectly safe to administer to your furry friend. These are the same great, human-grade mushrooms you love for yourself, but in a pet-friendly container labelled with appropriate pet dosing instructions.  For a mushroom powder supplement at Mushroom Matrix, it is recommended to:

• Administer ½ teaspoon (1 gram) per 25 lbs per day orally
• Administer twice daily for the first 3 weeks of use (morning and evening, if practical) 
• Continue doubling if additional support is needed

What To Look For in a Medicinal Mushroom Supplement for Your Pet

We have explored the species of medicinal mushrooms that are safe for your dog or cat to consume, but we also believe it is important to know what to look for in the best supplement. 

The medicinal mushroom supplement that is best for your pet will be:

• USDA Certified Organic 
• USA Grown
• Human-grade
• Non-GMO

Additionally, our parent company, M2 Ingredients is approved by the National Animal Supplier Council (NASC) as an “approved supplier” of ingredients for the pet supplement industry.  Mushroom Matrix products are approved to carry the NASC seal.

 

At Mushroom Matrix , our mushrooms are USDA-NOP Certified 100% Organic. They are grown in an environmentally controlled, cGMP certified facility in Vista, California. Our team of mycologists manages light, temperature, hydration, and airflow to optimize the growing conditions for all the 10 species of mushroom that we offer. Growing our mushrooms in a controlled environment helps to optimize and standardize the mushroom growing cycle and the content of bioactive compounds.  At the completion of the growing cycle, the mushrooms are processed and milled carefully to increase digestibility and assimilation of the nutrition and bioactivity contained in the mushrooms.

^‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Functional mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.