6 Mushroom Superfoods That Won’t Turn Your Dog Into a Zombie
Mushrooms are great immune-boosters
If you watched The Last of Us, you know a lot about cordyceps, aka the ‘zombie-ant fungus’. Thankfully, mammals don’t have to worry opens in new tab about this nutrient-draining parasite that turns its insect host into a glorified puppet – shudder. Instead, we can focus on all the mushrooms that improve our health and make us, well, the opposite of zombies.
In fact, mushrooms used for medical or health reasons are positively booming. These ‘third kingdom’ (neither plant nor animal) fungi have captured the imagination of a public who are seeking ever more nutrient-dense whole foods to supercharge their days. And it, turns out, your dog can benefit from that supercharge just as much as you.
Mushrooms make a healthy difference
Mushrooms have been used for their health-promoting properties for hundreds of years. They are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food, and some contain bioactive compounds that have been studied for potential health benefits. One such group of compounds are polysaccharides known as beta-glucans, which are associated with immune modulation.
Interest in mushrooms for pets has grown, particularly in the context of cancer support. Some medicinal mushroom extracts, such as turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor), have been studied for their potential role as adjuncts to conventional cancer care, rather than as standalone treatments.
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A small pilot studyopens in new tab conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine investigated the use of turkey tail mushroom extract in dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma following surgery. Dogs receiving higher doses of the extract had longer median survival times than those receiving lower doses, suggesting a possible supportive benefit. However, this study was limited in size and scope and did not compare mushroom supplementation with chemotherapy.
“While these findings are promising, mushroom supplements should not be considered a cure or replacement for standard cancer treatments,” advises vet Dr Emma Chandley. “Any use of supplements, particularly in pets with cancer, should always be discussed with a vet to ensure safety, appropriate dosing and compatibility with other treatments”.
Meet the different mushroom strains
While there are an estimated 10,000–14,000 species of mushrooms worldwide, only a relatively small number are used commercially for nutritional or medicinal purposes. Of these, an even smaller group has been studied for potential health applications in animals. Many researchers and supplement manufacturers commonly focus on a core group of six medicinal mushrooms that are most frequently used in pet supplements. Here’s an overview of these mushrooms and what they are typically studied or used for in pets.
Chaga
Chaga is a medicinal mushroom that grows primarily on birch trees across northern Europe, Asia and North America, and has a long history of traditional use, particularly in Russia and Eastern Europe. It is rich in antioxidants and contains beta-glucans, compounds that have been studied for their potential immune-modulating properties. While Chaga is often promoted for immune support, evidence for its benefits in pets remains limited and largely extrapolated from laboratory and human studies.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps have been used in traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine for centuries, particularly to support stamina, endurance and recovery. Historically, Cordyceps sinensis was associated with helping people adapt to high-altitude environments, although modern supplements typically use Cordyceps militaris. Some studies suggest Cordyceps may support energy metabolism at a cellular level, but evidence in dogs is limited, and any potential benefits should be considered supportive rather than therapeutic.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane is a distinctive-looking mushroom with long, white, string-like fruiting bodies, which is where it gets its name. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and has been studied for its potential neuroprotective properties, particularly in relation to nerve growth and cognitive function. Most of this research has been carried out in laboratory settings or in humans, and evidence in pets is limited. Lion’s Mane also contains antioxidant compounds and beta-glucans, which are being studied for their potential role in supporting overall health, although these effects have not been definitively proven in dogs or cats.
Maitake
Maitake mushrooms contain a beta-glucan–rich extract known as D-fraction, which has been studied primarily for its potential immune-modulating properties. Research into Maitake began in Japan and has largely focused on laboratory and human studies exploring how these compounds may influence immune responses. While Maitake D-fraction is sometimes used as a complementary supplement in pets with cancer, there is currently no strong clinical evidence showing that it directly kills cancer cells or inhibits tumour growth in dogs. Dosing protocols for animals are not standardised, and Maitake supplements should only be used under veterinary guidance, particularly in pets undergoing cancer treatment.
Reishi
Reishi, pronounced “ray-she”, is a medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, where it was valued for its perceived health-supporting properties. In modern supplements, Reishi is often marketed for immune support and has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, primarily in laboratory and human studies. While Reishi is sometimes used as a complementary supplement in dogs with chronic inflammatory or allergic conditions, there is currently limited clinical evidence to support its effectiveness in pets. Allergies in dogs are not autoimmune diseases, but rather hypersensitivity reactions, and any supplements used to manage allergic skin disease should be discussed with a vet to ensure they are safe and appropriate.
Turkey Tail
Turkey Tail is one of the most studied medicinal mushrooms, particularly in relation to cancer. Extracts from this mushroom, known as PSK (polysaccharide-K) and PSP (polysaccharopeptide), have been used as adjunct therapies in human cancer treatment in Japan and have been investigated for their immune-modulating effects.
In veterinary medicine, a small but well-known study from the University of Pennsylvania evaluated dogs with hemangiosarcoma and found that those receiving a PSP-rich Turkey Tail extract had longer survival times than untreated dogs. In that study, dogs receiving no treatment survived a median of 86 days, those receiving 50 mg/kg of extract survived around 117 days, and those receiving 100 mg/kg survived approximately 199 days. While these findings are promising, the study involved a limited number of dogs, and Turkey Tail should be considered a complementary therapy rather than a replacement for conventional cancer treatment.
We asked vet Dr Chandley, who said: “Some integrative vets incorporate medicinal mushrooms into broader wellness or supportive care plans, but supplements should always be used under veterinary guidance, particularly in pets with cancer or those receiving chemotherapy”.
Disclaimer: this article is here to share information and should not be taken as fact or medical advice. Always talk things over with your vet when making decisions, and use your best judgement.
