Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? | How to Cook Mushrooms So They Are Safe for Dogs

Recently, I’ve taken my dog to the forest for a walk. He couldn’t have been happier. Little did I know about how many potential dangers there were. I noticed my Bobby munching on some mushroom, and I panicked. I wouldn’t let my children eat them, why would I let my dog? Luckily, the vet said Bobby is fine. But your dog may not be so lucky. Here’s what I need to share with you:

Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

Can dogs eat mushrooms? Mushrooms can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, but it is important to only give them the safe mushrooms to avoid mushroom poisoning. Many mushroom species are extremely toxic for dogs, and so it is best to stop your dog from eating wild mushrooms.

The safest mushrooms for dogs to eat are button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, portobello mushrooms and oyster mushrooms. These mushrooms are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and can provide many health benefits for your pup. Be sure to try our easy Shiitake Mushroom Dog Stew recipe if you want to start adding mushrooms to your dog’s diet! 

Which Wild Mushrooms Are Poisonous for Dogs?

Can dogs eat mushrooms? Certainly, not these: Amanitas, Inocybes, Galerinas, and Clitocybes. These mushrooms contain toxins that can cause serious health problems in dogs. All of these wild mushrooms are potentially fatal for your dog, and so it is essential for your dog to be able to identify and AVOID them. These mushrooms are particularly potent in ibotenic acid, muscarine and amanitin, which are all extremely toxic to dogs. Here are some more details about these mushrooms.

Amanitas

Amanitas are a kind of poisonous mushroom that contains the toxin, amanitin. This toxin can cause serious health problems in dogs, including liver damage, kidney failure and even death. They are found in many parts of the world, but they tend to be most common in temperate regions. There are several species of amanitas that are exceptionally toxic for dogs, such as Amanita muscaria, which are identified by their bright red cap with white spots.

Inocybes

Inocybes are a type of toxic mushroom that contain toxins which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain in dogs. There are several species of inocybes that are toxic for dogs, such as Inocybe geophylla (commonly known as the spring agaric). These mushrooms may be found growing on wood chips or mulch throughout North America during certain times of year, especially late spring and early summer. Keep your dogs away from them at all costs!

Galerinas

Galerinas are a species of mushroom that contain toxins such as amanitin, muscarine and ibotenic acid. These toxins can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and even death in dogs. They are found all over the world, but they tend to be most common in temperate regions. There are several species of galerinas that are toxic for dogs, such as Galerina autumnalis (commonly known as the autumn skullcap).

Clitocybes

Clitocybes are a species of wild mushroom that contain toxins which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs because of their high ibotenic acid and muscarine content. Some clitocybes are safe, but most are very toxic for dogs, such as the Clitocybe dealbata (commonly known as the fall webcap). These mushrooms grow on wood chips or mulch throughout North America during certain times of year, and are also common in England and Wales, as well as other parts of Europe.

Can You Feed Mushrooms to Your Dog and Avoid Poisoning?

Can dogs eat mushrooms without the threat of getting sick? Mushrooms can be safe, and even beneficial for dogs, but only if they are the right type of mushroom. There are many different varieties of mushrooms, and just as some are toxic, some can give your pup a welcome boost to their health that they will thank you for.

The Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a good source of protein and fiber, as well as vitamins B and C. They contain antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body and protect against free radical damage (the same way that mushrooms benefit humans). This high antioxidant content has been show in certain species of mushroom to have anti-cancer properties. Mushrooms are also a good source of selenium and potassium, which can help to keep your dog’s heart healthy. They also contain zinc, iron and calcium.

The Safe Mushrooms

Certain kinds of mushroom can be a great source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, including potassium, zinc, riboflavin and niacin. They also contain antioxidants, which can help boost your dog’s immune system. Some mushrooms have been shown to have anti-cancer properties as well. Here is a short list of mushrooms that you can be comfortable feeding your dog:

• button mushrooms;
• cremini mushrooms;
• shiitake mushrooms;
• portobello mushrooms;
• oyster mushrooms.

These mushrooms are fine for dogs to eat, and can provide many health benefits. They contain no toxins, so mushroom poisoning is not a risk, and they have a mild flavor that most dogs will enjoy. They are rich in nutrients, and can be added to your dog’s food as a supplement or used in recipes like our easy Shiitake mushroom dog stew recipe.

Shiitake Mushroom Dog Stew Recipe

If you want an easy recipe that has nothing to do with mushroom poisoning in dogs, we have the one for you. Have a go at making this lovely meal from store-bought mushrooms for your canine companion.

Ingredients

• ½ cup chopped onion
• ¼ cup diced celery
• ¼ cup diced carrot
• ½ pound shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• ¾ cup beef or chicken stock
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about three minutes.
2. Add the celery, carrot and mushrooms and continue cooking for an additional five minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Pour in the stock and simmer for ten minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving with fresh parsley, if desired.

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