FAQ

Equine FAQs

Dog & Cat FAQs

Om for You FAQs

If you don’t find the answer you're looking for, please contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Equine FAQs

How do I give my horse Equine Matrix products?

Give one scoop (10 grams) daily. We recommend giving twice daily - morning and evening - for at least two weeks if your horse is not currently on our products. You can then give once a day or continue on the twice daily if additional support is desired.

Are Equine Matrix products flavored?

Our Organic Mushroom Powders are unflavored and do not contain any sweeteners, flavoring or other added ingredients.

How long does my horse need Equine Matrix Products?

Your horse can stay on Equine Matrix as long as desired.  Most horses stay on our products year-around for optimum support.

What is the correct serving size for a pony? For a large Warmblood?

Our recommended serving of 1 scoop is based on a typical 900-1,000lb horse. Smaller ponies can be given a half scoop. Large horses, such as big Warmbloods, can be given a scoop and a half as indicated.

What size container should I order?

*The 45 serving size is recommended for first time users. With a 2-week starting double serving included, the first jar will last for about a month and then 45 days after that. 

*The 1.8 kg size provides 180 servings or a 6-month supply for one horse given once daily. If your horse is on 2 scoops daily, this will last for 3 months.

*The 9.6 kg size is ideal for barns with 4 or more horses to ensure product freshness.

Are Equine Matrix products Veterinarian approved?

Our products are recommended by Veterinarians worldwide.

How long will it take until I see the results in my horse?

Every horse is a bit different.  We find that most horses respond to the support offered by Equine Matrix products within 30 days.  The exception to this is our Farrier’s Matrix, as it takes 3-6 months for your horse’s hooves to grow out completely.

My horse is a picky. Any suggestions?

You can mix Equine Matrix with applesauce, smashed banana or small mash for a mushroom treat. If needed, Equine Matrix can be mixed with water and administered with a dosing syringe.

Can I give my horse more than one Mushroom Matrix product at the same time?

Yes, absolutely! There are synergies that can be beneficial when combining a variety of mushroom species.

Are Mushroom Matrix products safe to use in competitions?

Our products contain no prohibited substances - just mushroom powder.  Always consult the guidelines of FEI CleanSport, USEF, AQHA or your local governing body for more information.

How should I store my products?

Store your products in a cool, dry place.  Seal it up tightly after each use to prevent moisture from getting into the product. DO NOT keep Mushroom Matrix in your car or horse trailer in warm weather as prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures can degrade the product. Tack rooms, hay rooms and grooming stalls are usually fine.

My horse is taking probiotics. Is it OK to give them along with Equine Matrix?

Please do. The prebiotics in our products provide a robust platform for probiotics so they work hand-in-hand. Of course, if you have any questions about your horse's supplements, please consult your veterinarian.

Do you test your products for heavy metals?

Yes.  All our products are subject to in-house testing and 3rd party testing for heavy metals and other contaminants.

Are your products certified organic?

Our Mushroom Matrix mushroom products are Certified 100% Organic by Organic Certifiers.

Where do your mushrooms come from?

All our mushrooms are grown, processed and packaged in our cGMP facilities Carlsbad, California, USA.

Do Equine Matrix products contain molasses, fillers, corn, wheat, or soy?

Absolutely not. Our products contain only Certified Organic mushroom powder. 

How are the mushrooms grown?

Our organic mushrooms are grown through full spectrum lifecycle including myceliated biomass, primordia (baby mushrooms), and, in most species, fruit bodies at our Carlsbad, CA facility. We carefully dehydrate our mushrooms at low temperatures to retain all enzymatic activity and then finely milled. The result is a whole-food, gluten-free, non-GMO product with naturally occurring antioxidants and other vital nutrients. We are Certified 100% Organic and a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant facility to ensure highest quality and efficacy.

Are your products 100% guaranteed?

Yes they are!  If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, please contact us within 30 days for a full refund. If you purchased from one of our resellers, please return it directly to them.

My horse only eats hay. How can I give him the product?

You can mix Equine Matrix with applesauce, smashed banana or small mash for a mushroom treat. If needed, Equine Matrix can be mixed with water and administered with a dosing syringe.

I lost my Equine scoop. What do I do?

Please give us a call or send us an email and we will be happy to send you a replacement scoop.  In the meantime, one scoop is equal to approximately five teaspoons. 

I see "primordia" listed in the ingredients. What does that mean?

Primordia are basically baby mushrooms.

What is the “Best Used By” date printed on the containers?

The Best Used By date refers to the date recommended that you use the product by for best physical quality. It is not an expiration date, but rather the date by which we recommend consumption. This information is located on the bottom of the container.

Are your products extracted? Do you have any products that have standardized beta glucans?

Beta glucan standardization can generally only be done with extracted products-- you keep extracting and concentrating until you reach the desired concentration with hot-extraction processes followed by spray-drying or the use of solvents to precipitate the beta glucans out of solution.  Often with "standardized" beta glucan mushroom products, the standardization of beta glucan content is achieved by spiking the mushrooms with cheaper- and easier-to-produce yeast-derived beta glucans that cannot be differentiated analytically from the mushroom-derived beta glucans.

Using sample preparation steps that are appropriate for our unextracted, whole food mushroom powders, we get beta glucan contents in our mushroom powders that are greater than 20% (DW). Although there is a diversity of opinions, it is generally thought that somewhere between 250 and 500 mg/day of beta glucans is sufficient to trigger the host-mediated immune responses to beta glucans that result in the support and balancing of immune function.  At a 20% beta glucan content, our recommended daily serving does provide sufficient beta glucans to trigger a cascade of host-mediated immune responses and cell-signaling events.  More is not always better.

It is important to note that while beta glucans do get the most attention regarding the immune support provided by mushrooms, beta glucans are by no means the only constituents that are present in unextracted, functional mushroom powders that work together to support immune function.  Other immunity-supporting constituents include fungal alpha glucans, prebiotic dietary fibers, antioxidants (glutathione, ergothioneine, polyphenols, SOD), triterpenes, sterols, peptides, vitamins and minerals.

Can I return my product?

We always aim to make sure our customers love our products, but if you do need to return an order, we’re happy to help. Just email us directly and we’ll take you through the process.

What is the difference between the Equine Matrix products I am familiar with and the new Every Horse, Every Day products?

The Every Horse, Every Day products come in a 30 serving jar for horse owners wanting to optimize their horse’s health.  If you have multiple horses or horses in competition that may use more than one scoop daily, you may want to consider the foundation Equine Matrix Veterinary / Performance products as they are available larger sizes.  Horses under veterinary care or performing at top levels often need the additional support of twice day dosing.  However, horses under ordinary circumstances thrive on one scoop a day and don’t require a loading dose. 

I have an event and would like Equine Matrix to sponsor it. Do you do that?

Send us an email at info@mushroommatrix.com.  We will evaluate your request and get back to you.

Canine FAQs

How do I use Canine Matrix mushroom powders?

Simply give one half teaspoon (1 scoop if provided in the jar) of Canine Matrix mushroom powder for every 25lbs of body weight daily – round to the closest amount. We recommend that you double the serving for the first 3 weeks of use to accelerate results- morning & evening. Continue double serving if extra support is desired.

What are Canine Matrix products good for?

Mushrooms have been traditionally used for people for thousands of years. Numerous published research articles have established the incredible health benefits of these unique and powerful mushrooms. In addition to immune support, each type of mushroom can offer its own special benefits and we invite you to research them on your own. With our expertly formulated products, your pet can enjoy these benefits as well.

What size container is best for my dog or cat?

The 100 g pouches are ideal for first-time users, small dogs and cats. The 200 g jar works well for medium sized dogs. We offer the 450 g container for large dogs and multiple dog households.

Are Canine Matrix products flavored?

Our Organic Mushroom Powders are unflavored, but most pets eat them readily.

Are there any other ingredients added to Canine Matrix products?

No, there are no other ingredients or fillers, only Certified Organic mushroom powders and small amounts of Organic Myceliated Oats.

Can my pet take this with prescription medication?

Please consult with your veterinarian with questions about your pet's health.

Are your products organic?

Canine Matrix products are Certified 100% Organic by Organic Certifiers.

Where do your mushrooms come from?

All of our Certified 100% Organic mushrooms are grown, processed and packaged in Carlsbad, California, USA.

How are the mushrooms grown?

Our organic mushrooms are grown through full spectrum lifecycle including myceliated biomass, primordia (baby mushrooms), and in most species fruit bodies at our Carlsbad, CA facility. We carefully dehydrate our mushrooms at low temperatures to retain all enzymatic activity and then finely milled. The resulting mushroom powder is gluten-free, non-GMO product with naturally occurring antioxidants and other bioactive compounds. We are Certified 100% Organic and a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) facility to ensure highest quality and efficacy.

Why mycelium?

We proudly state that our products include mycelial biomass which offers enormous benefits. The mycelia is the part of the mushroom that grows underground – similar to a root system in plants. Interestingly, much of the scientific research being done uses mycelial biomass only as it contains such high levels of certain beneficial compounds.

Can you tell me about your quality standards and testing?

Our Certified Organic products are grown in the USA to the strictest standards in the world. In addition to beta glucans, they contain bioactive compounds not found in extracted products.  We are Certified Organic by Organic Certifiers and all our products undergo rigorous testing for heavy metals and other contaminants. 

If you have any additional questions about our mushrooms, please drop us an email info@mushroommatrix.com and we will be happy to answer them. 

Are your products 100% guaranteed?

Yes, they are! If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, please contact us within 30 days for a full refund. If it was purchased from a retail store or online platform, please return it to your place of purchase for a refund.

Can I give my dog more than one Canine Matrix product at a time?

Yes absolutely. There are synergies that can be beneficial when combining a variety of mushroom species.

Can the Canine Matrix products be used for cats or other pets?

Yes, Canine Matrix products are feline friendly and can be used for any of your pets. Just make sure to adjust the dosage according to your pet’s weight. As cats can be finicky, we recommend starting with a pinch in the food morning and evening and then building to the desired dose.

Are Canine Matrix products Veterinarian recommended?

Yes. Our products are recommended by veterinarians all over the country.

How do I need to store my Canine Matrix products?

Store your products in a cool, dry place, such as a kitchen cabinet. Seal tightly after each use to prevent moisture from getting into the product. Refrigeration is not needed.

I have heard that mushrooms are toxic for dogs. Is that true?

Mushrooms that are toxic to people are also toxic to dogs. For example, while you wouldn’t eat an unidentified mushroom you found on hike, the mushrooms from the grocery store are fine to enjoy as dinner.  We grow 11 species of mushrooms that have been carefully selected for the support they provide based on many years of traditional usage.  They are safe and effective for people, pets and horses.

Do you have any tips for getting my picky dog to eat the product?

If you are feeding dry food, moisten with broth, bone broth or water and mix before feeding. If you are feeding wet or raw food, most dogs will eat it readily if it is mixed well into the food. If you are giving a loading (double) dose split the dose into morning and evening feedings when possible. You can also cut the dose in half and build up to a full dose if necessary. Pets are like people and sometimes have individual food likes and dislikes.  Some dogs that are ill will lose their appetite as well.  In these cases, try mixing it with peanut butter, cottage cheese or some other favored, soft food.  Cats and some dogs frequently enjoy it mixed with crushed sardines packed in oil. 

What is the “Best Used By” date printed on the containers?

The Best Used By date refers to the date recommended that you use the product by for best physical quality. It is not an expiration date, but rather the date by which we recommend consumption.

If a product is past the Best Used By date, does this mean that I shouldn’t consume the product?

Not necessarily. Although the product is past our recommended consumption date, if it still looks and smells fine, you may decide to continue consumption. Your decision should depend on several factors, including how the product has been stored and whether or not the product is discolored, rancid, or noticeably changed. For example, if the product kept in a cool dry place, and looks and smells normal this may allow for consumption after the Best Used By date. If any signs of degradation are evident it’s best to discard the product.

Your products list "primordia" in the ingredient list. What does that mean?

Primordia is a fancy word for baby mushrooms.

Where can I find your products?

You can find Canine Matrix products at many pet food stores and online.  Visit https://mushroommatrix.com/pages/store-locator or go to the Store Locator link at the bottom of the page to find a store nearest you. 

I have an event and would like Canine Matrix to sponsor it, do you do that?

Send us an email at info@mushroommatrix.com.  We will evaluate your request and get back to you.

I have a store and would like to carry Canine Matrix, how do I do that?

Send us an email at info@mushroommatrix.com and we will get you set up.

I currently carry Canine Matrix and would like to be included in the online store locator.

Send us an email at info@mushroommatrix.com and we will add your store to the database.

Om For You FAQs

How do I use Om mushroom powders?

Simply add one teaspoon (2 grams) of Om Mushroom Superfood powder to your favorite juice, smoothie, tea, coffee or recipe everyday! We recommend that you double dose for the first 3 weeks of use to accelerate results. For Om Drink Sticks, dilute one teaspoon or one stick into 12-16 oz. of water or juice.  Brain Fuel is great in nut milks. Shake extra well to dissolve powders fully.

Om Mushroom Superfood capsules are an easy and convenient way to enjoy the benefits of functional mushrooms.  Each 3-capsule serving provides 2,000mg of Om Mushroom Superfood powders.

What are the mushrooms good for?

Functional mushrooms have been traditionally used for thousands of years.  Numerous published research articles have established the health benefits of these unique and powerful mushrooms.  Support for immune health is the primary benefit.  Functional mushrooms contain beta glucans which are important for immune system functionality.  Humans do not produce beta glucans and, therefore, functional mushrooms can play an important role in supporting daily health and wellness.  In addition to immune health, each type, or species of mushroom provides its own special benefits.

How does heat affect the Om powders? If I put in coffee, or tea or cook in foods, how does it affect the compounds in the product?

A majority of the bioactive compounds are very stable at higher temperatures. Other enzymes and some vitamins can be slightly degraded when exposed to heat. Some compounds, such as beta glucans, may become more bio-available when taken in hot liquid or when cooked in foods.

Are your products gluten free? Do you test for gluten content? Do oats contain gluten?

Yes. we guarantee that our Mushroom Superfood powders are gluten free.  We grow our mushrooms on 100% organic, non-GMO gluten free whole oats, which provides a clean, nutritious growing environment, much like nutrient-rich soil provides for plants.  Oats themselves do not contain gluten.  Every delivery of oats we receive has a Certificate of Compliance.  We carefully inspect every load that is received and reserve the right to reject the load if gluten-grain contamination is found.  To make absolutely sure our mushroom powders are in alignment with FDA guidelines, every production lot is tested at a 10ppm gluten threshold level to ensure that the finished products are well below the current FDA guidelines that require less than 20ppm gluten for gluten-free product labeling.

Do I need to take Om Mushroom powders daily?

Yes.  Om Mushroom Superfood products should be taken daily for maximum effectiveness.  There are long-term benefits of daily mushroom consumption as our bodies adapt over time with the support of the diverse range of naturally-occurring bioactive nutrients in functional mushrooms.  Always consult your health care provider for any questions related to diet.

What is the best time of day to take Om mushrooms?

Om can be taken any time during the day and can be consumed with or without other foods. If you have any questions regarding diet, you should always consult your health care provider.

Do I need to take Om with food?

No. It isn’t necessary. However, Om mushroom powders are great when added to your favorite drink or recipe. Check out our recipes on our ommushrooms.com/recipes.

Are Om Mushroom Powders flavored?

Om Mushroom Superfood Powders and Om Mushroom Superfood Capsules are unflavored and have a pleasant, natural, “earthy” flavor. 

Om Mushroom Superfood drink mixes are flavored.  Om Energy+ is available in 2 flavors: Citrus Orange flavor and Lemon Lime flavor.  Om Immune+ comes in a Super Berry flavor.  Om Beauty+ is available in a Strawberry Lemonade flavor and Om Brain Fuel+ is a Mocha flavor.  The flavors we use are natural.

Are there any other ingredients added to the Om mushroom products?

Om Mushroom Superfood Powders contain no other ingredients, only USDA Certified 100% organic whole food mushroom powder.  Om Mushroom Superfood Drink Mixes contain additional ingredients, such as botanicals, vitamins, probiotics, collagen and natural flavors.  Some of our Om Mushroom Superfood Capsules contain a single species of mushroom, such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail and Chaga, while others contain a blend of superfood mushroom powders plus a vitamin at 100% Daily Value or more.  Brain Fuel capsules contain added Folate.  Immune capsules contain added Vitamin C.  Beauty capsules contain added Biotin.

Are your products organic certified?

 All Om Mushroom Superfood products contain USDA Certified 100% organic whole food mushroom powders. 

Om Mushroom Superfood Powders are USDA Certified 100% organic.  

Om Mushroom Superfood Capsules and Om Mushroom Superfood Drink Mixes contain other natural ingredients some of which are organic in addition to the USDA Certified 100% organic mushroom powders.

Can I take multiple Om products safely? How much can I safely take?

Yes.  Each mushroom species has unique nutritional benefits and there can be added benefits in combining more than one species.  We recommend 4g per day for the first 3 weeks when you start to take Om Mushroom Superfood Powders, followed by 2g per day after 3 weeks of use.  Like all dietary supplements, check with your health care provider for any questions related to diet.

How do I need to store my Om products?

Store your products in a cool, dry place after each use to prevent moisture from getting into the product. 

What are the beneficial ingredients in mushrooms?

Om Mushrooms provide a variety of nutritional benefits.  Some of the primary ingredients include beta glucans and other polysaccharides, polyphenols, prebiotic non-soluble fiber, and digestive enzymes that support immune function.  Functional mushrooms also contain vitamins, such as Vitamin D, minerals, and amino acids/proteins.  In addition, there are many mushroom-specific compounds such as triterpenes (from Reishi and Turkey Tail), cordycepin (from cordyceps) and neurotrophic factors (from Lion’s Mane) all of which contribute to overall health and wellness.

What is “mycelial biomass”? How much of it is in the powder?

We use the whole mushroom to provide a more complete nutrient profile rather than isolating only specific parts of the mushroom.  Mycelial biomass is the root-like structure of the mushroom, the most bioactive stage of the mushroom life cycle. The mycelium is the primary life system of the mushroom and is full of polysaccharides, prebiotic fibers, neurotrophic and immune-supporting compounds. 

Are powders suitable for a Paleo/Keto diet?

Yes.  Om Mushroom Superfood powders are suitable for a Paleo/Keto diet.  Functional mushrooms are approved for both diets.

How are the mushrooms grown?

Our expert mycology team has combined experience of more than 100 years of growing mushrooms.  Our organic functional mushrooms are grown through their full life cycle including myceliated biomass, primordial and/or fruit bodies in an ultra-clean environment at our indoor farm in Carlsbad, California.  We then carefully dehydrate the mushrooms at low temperatures to retain nutritional activity.  The resulting mushroom powder contains a full spectrum of naturally occurring compounds including beta glucans, polysaccharides and polyphenols, that support immune function. In addition, there are many mushroom-specific compounds such as triterpenes (from Reishi and Turkey Tail), cordycepin (from cordyceps) and neurotrophic factors (from Lion’s Mane) all of which contribute to overall health and wellness.  Our indoor farm is a cGMP (Certified Good Manufacturing Practices) facility that is Certified 100% Organic, Project Verified Non-GMO, Kosher and Gluten Free to ensure highest quality and efficacy. 

Where do your mushrooms come from?

Our mushrooms are grown and packaged in our indoor farm in Carlsbad, CA.

Do you test your products for heavy metals?

Yes.  All of our products are subject to in-house and 3rd party testing for heavy metals and other contaminants and meet and exceed industry standards, including Prop 65. Because we grow and process our own mushrooms in an ultra-clean cGMP (Certified Good Manufacturing Practices) facility, we can ensure the mushrooms are of the highest quality.

How are your mushrooms processed?

The mushrooms are grown in our indoor farm in Carlsbad, California. They are then harvested and dehydrated with filtered, heated air. Once dehydrated, the mushrooms are milled into a fine powder, which are then packaged and ready to ship.

Do you perform hot water or alcohol extractions? Do you have any products that have standardized beta glucans?

Beta glucan standardization can generally only be done with extracted products-- you keep extracting and concentrating until you reach the desired concentration with hot-extraction processes followed by spray-drying or the use of solvents to precipitate the beta glucans out of solution. Often with "standardized" beta glucan mushroom products, the standardization of beta glucan content is achieved by spiking the mushrooms with cheaper- and easier-to-produce yeast-derived beta glucans that cannot be differentiated analytically from the mushroom-derived beta glucans.

Using sample preparation steps that are appropriate for our unextracted, whole food mushroom powders, we get beta glucan contents in our mushroom powders that are greater than 20% (DW). Although there is a diversity of opinions, it is generally thought that somewhere between 250 and 500 mg/day of beta glucans is sufficient to trigger the host-mediated immune responses to beta glucans that result in the support and balancing of immune function. At a 20% beta glucan content, our recommended daily serving does provide sufficient beta glucans to trigger a cascade of host-mediated immune responses and cell-signaling events.  More is not always better.

It is important to note that while beta glucans do get the most attention regarding the immune support provided by mushrooms, beta glucans are by no means the only constituents that are present in unextracted, functional mushroom powders that work together to support immune function.  Other immunity-supporting constituents include fungal alpha glucans, prebiotic dietary fibers, antioxidants (glutathione, ergothioneine, polyphenols, SOD), triterpenes, sterols, peptides, vitamins and minerals.

Why mycelium? Do the powders contain any fruit bodies and spores? How much?

Om Superfood Mushroom powders contain both mycelium and fruiting bodies to provide the complete nutrient profile.  Some of the species produce fruit bodies (the spore-producing stage of the mushroom life cycle) more readily and abundantly than other species.  The mycelium, or the root-like system of the mushroom, is an amazing network of active threadlike strands and the primary life system of the mushroom.  Mycelium contains important bio-active compounds and is full of polysaccharides, prebiotic fibers, neurotrophic and immune-supporting compounds, many of which are only found or primarily in the mycelium.

 

Why are the mushrooms “fermented”? What do you mean by fermentation?

We produce Om Mushroom Superfood powders by what is technically called Solid State Fermentation (SSF), whereby enzymes naturally produced by the mushroom mycelia (the root-like system of the mushroom) enzymatically “digests” or "ferments" the certified organic, gluten free, whole oats that we grow the mushrooms on.  This natural fermentation process breaks down the nutrition contained in the oats so that the nutrients can be absorbed across the cell walls and into the mushroom mycelia for conversion into mushroom tissue and mushroom metabolites.  There is no additional fermentation after this stage.

 

Why do you grow the mushrooms on oats?

Mushrooms are adaptable and have the ability to produce a multitude of enzymes that allow them to access the nutrition contained in many types of substrate materials.  We grow our mushrooms on Certified 100% Organic, Project Verified Non-GMO, gluten-free whole oats because they provide a uniquely nutritious and clean growing environment.  Unlike a low-nutrition substrate such as wood, oats provide a naturally challenging growing environment that encourages enzymetic activity for mushrooms.  Oats are a planet-friendly option, generally grown as an un-irrigated crop.  Unlike other functional substrates used for growing functional mushrooms, such as rice, oats do not require large amounts of water.  Finally, oats do not emit large amounts of methane, a common greenhouse gas.

for the mushrooms.

Can I take Om products with medication?

While functional mushrooms are a natural product, as with any dietary supplement, we always recommend consulting your health care provider if you have questions regarding diet.

I have Candida (Candida overgrowth condition)- will the mushrooms encourage yeast to grow in my body? If yeast and mushrooms are both fungi, shouldn't I avoid mushrooms?

If you have Candida or any other medical condition you should always consult with your health care provider before introducing mushrooms or other supplements into your diet.

Are there any contra-indications with other supplements or drugs?

If you are taking medications or have a medical condition, you should always consult with your health care provider before introducing dietary supplements into your diet.

Where can I buy Om Mushroom products in a store?

Om products are available in stores and through online retailers.  To find a store near you, please visit the Om Store Locator