Can dogs or cats eat mushrooms?

Mushrooms are a tasty addition to many meals, but there are a few things you should know before offering them to your pet. Some mushrooms are poisonous to both us and our pets, so you need to be careful about what your cat or dog eats.

We’re going to explore the best way to offer mushrooms safely to your pet, how to prepare them, and which types to avoid.

Please note - if you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic mushroom, call your vet for advice immediately.

Can dogs eat mushrooms?

There are plenty of safe mushroom varieties, many of which can be purchased from grocery stores or grown at home. As well as being fine for us to eat, these will also be safe for pets to try, provided they have been properly stored and prepared – more on this later!

Examples of pet-safe mushrooms include:

• White button

• Porcini

• Shiitake

• Portobello

• Maitake

• Cremini (White or chestnut mushrooms)

As with any fruit or vegetable, moderation is key. Gradually introduce mushrooms to your dog by offering a small amount to try initially. Going forward, you should make sure that mushrooms don’t make up more than 10% of their daily diet.

Can dogs eat raw mushrooms?

Raw mushrooms purchased from a shop are fine for dogs to eat, in moderation. Feeding your dog raw mushrooms can actually be better for them than offering leftover cooked mushrooms, which are often coated in sauces or other ingredients.

Can dogs eat tinned mushrooms?

Tinned mushrooms are not as healthy as fresh mushrooms. Both tinned and dried varieties of mushrooms can contain high levels of salt and additives, which undermine any potential health benefits.

Are there any benefits of mushrooms for dogs?

Mushrooms can be a healthy treat for dogs if given occasionally. They are low in fat and a good source of plant-based vitamin D. There are also compounds in mushrooms, including beta-glucan, that appear to act as prebiotics in people and rodents. These prebiotics could help promote the growth of gut bacteria and a healthy gut microbiome. More studies are needed on the potential health benefits in dogs, though.

Just remember that your dog should be getting all their nutrition from a good quality, complete diet. You shouldn’t need to supplement this with additional food items. So, if you choose to offer your pet mushrooms, it is best to only give them small amounts at a time, as an occasional treat.

How should I prepare mushrooms for dogs?

It’s easy! Dogs can eat shop-bought mushrooms raw. Just wash them and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

You can also give your pet cooked mushrooms if you prefer, but they should be offered plain and unseasoned. Most people cook their mushrooms in things like rich sauces and butter, or with other potentially harmful ingredients like onions, salt, and garlic. You must not give these to your pet as you could risk tummy upsets, pancreatitis, or even toxicity.

If you want to cook a mushroom for your dog, just use a small amount of olive oil and leave out the other ingredients.

What types of mushrooms can’t dogs eat?

There are many types of wild mushrooms that are not safe for anyone (pets included!) to consume. The trouble is that while some wild mushrooms are safe, they can look very similar to toxic ones to the untrained eye. This is why you must stick to store-bought varieties, unless you have extensive experience in mushroom foraging.

Why are wild mushrooms so dangerous?

Not all wild mushrooms are dangerous, but poisonous varieties will contain varying amounts of toxins. This means some are more problematic than others.

The effects of mushroom poisoning will depend on the type of mushroom consumed, but could include:

• Abdominal pain

• Breathing difficulties

• Collapse

• Death

• Lethargy

• Organ failure (liver and kidneys)

• Reduced appetite

• Stomach upset (vomiting and diarrhoea)

• Tremors and seizures

Symptoms may not be noticed straight away; they could take several hours or days to develop. That is why it is essential to get your dog seen by a vet immediately, even if they seem fine.

What to do if my pet eats a poisonous mushroom?

If your dog has eaten a mushroom while out on a walk, you must stop your dog from eating more and call your vet or the Animal PoisonLine for advice immediately.

Photograph any remaining mushrooms or collect a sample in a bag. Just take care not to touch it yourself. This may help a professional identify the mushroom type and could dictate your dog’s treatment plan.

The vet will often start with a physical examination, plus medication to induce vomiting and decontaminate their stomach. You must not attempt to induce vomiting yourself. Your vet might also suggest hospitalisation and bloodwork, as well as treatment for any symptoms your pet is showing.

As mentioned earlier, it is crucial not to just wait and see if your pet develops symptoms. By then, their organs could be irreversibly damaged. Play it safe and contact your vet for advice.

What are the signs of a mushroom allergy?

Allergies to mushrooms are not common in pets. If they occur, then classic signs include vomiting diarrhoea, itchiness, hives or swellings developing, and breathing difficulties. If you notice these symptoms when offering your pet a safe, store-bought mushroom, then don’t let them eat any more and call your vet for advice.

What about mushroom supplements for pets?

Mushroom supplements for pets make many claims, including boosting immune-system performance, helping with digestive issues, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the studies and evidence are lacking to support some of these claims. It is always best to consult your vet before starting your pet on a supplement product.

How many mushrooms can a dog eat?

Shop-bought mushrooms should only be offered as an occasional treat. Mushrooms and other fruits and vegetables should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. Too many mushrooms could cause stomach problems and an unbalanced diet.