Many dog owners are looking into healthy food options for their pets as they become more aware of the importance of a balanced diet and reap the benefits themselves.
Dietary supplements and human foods that are safe for dogs are available.
Is it possible for dogs to eat shitake mushrooms, and if so, are they safe for them to consume?
Simply put, the answer is yes. However, before giving your dog one of these tasty treats, you should make sure he is not allergic to mushrooms.
Keep reading to find out how shiitake mushrooms can help your dog’s immune system and overall health.
Are Shitake mushrooms safe to eat for dogs?
Dr. Justine A. Lee, DVM, DACVECC writes in Pet Health Network that store-bought mushrooms, including Shitake mushrooms, are safe for dogs to eat.
However, keep in mind that mushrooms are commonly cooked with oils, sauces, and other ingredients that are not good for your dog.
Only serve cooked mushrooms on their own or with a minimum of seasonings.
What are Shitake mushrooms?
Native to East Asia, the Shitake mushroom is now cultivated all over the world for its culinary and medicinal uses.
Aside from being a rich source of protein, amino acids, and enzymes, these mushrooms are a great food option for vegetarians.
They have substances that can help the body resist parasites and viral infections, and one of those substances is glucomannan, a fiber that helps to regulate blood sugar.
The Shi tree, a local species, is where you’ll find this mushroom, and the Japanese word for mushroom, “take,” inspired the name.
Reasons to Feed Your Dogs Shiitake Mushrooms
It’s important to understand why you should feed this nutritious fungus to your pooch before listing the benefits of adding Shiitake mushrooms to your dog’s diet.
Mushrooms are actually fungi, despite common misconception.
Originating in Japan, where they were highly prized for their curative properties, shiitake mushrooms are now enjoyed around the world.
They have a satisfyingly meaty flavor that dogs will love.
But what really sets Shiitake mushrooms apart is the wide range of health benefits they provide.
Mushrooms have a high nutrient density relative to other foods.
Vitamins A and B, riboflavin, iron, manganese, folate, magnesium, enzymes, copper, selenium, potassium, niacin, zinc, thiamin, and pantothenic acid are all present in high concentrations.
They are also high in fiber and protein, making them one of the best non-meat superfoods for dogs.
With no further ado, let’s dive into why mushrooms are good for your dog.
Improves Digestion
One of the reasons mushrooms are so beneficial to digestion is their high fiber content.
Therefore, Shiitake mushrooms are beneficial to your dog’s health because they stimulate healthy bowel function.
In addition, the beneficial bacteria in a dog’s stomach break down the fiber into fatty acids that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the dog’s digestive tract.
All of these advantages contribute to the canine’s immune system by keeping its digestive tract in good shape.
Improves Calcium and Phosphorus Absorption
To function properly, a dog needs plenty of calcium and phosphorus.
It is crucial, then, that they always have the ability to absorb these minerals properly.
A dog that doesn’t get enough of the minerals Calcium and Phosphorous runs the risk of developing:
- Diseases of the Heart
- The occurrence of certain cancers
- Immune system problems
- Diabetes
Vitamin D is necessary for canines to absorb calcium and phosphorus at sufficient levels.
Mushrooms, especially those that have been exposed to adequate sunlight during their growth, have the highest vitamin D content of any plant food.
Only animal products like meat, eggs, poultry, and fish have a higher vitamin D content.
Dog food preparation These two minerals are better absorbed by the body when shiitake mushrooms are consumed.
First and foremost, it helps the body absorb nutrients and minerals more effectively by providing additional cofactors.
Boosts Cardiac Health
Numerous dog food brands have recently come under fire for their allegedly unhealthy high-fat recipes.
Unfortunately, most animal fats dogs eat are bad for their hearts.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s heart health but still want to feed him fatty foods, shiitake mushrooms are a great option.
Shiitake mushrooms have plenty of omega-6 essential fatty acids in the form of linoleic acid.
This fat is not only the good kind, but it’s also crucial for keeping your heart healthy.
Because of the low sodium content of these mushrooms, they lower the risk of hypertension and heart failure in canines.
But perhaps the most significant effect of Shiitake mushrooms on canine cardiovascular health is a reduction in the amount of cholesterol the body produces.
Cholesterol-lowering beta-glucans and cholesterol-blocking eritadenine are both found in mushrooms.
Lower Effects and Chances of Cancer
Whether in a dog or a human, cancer is a terrible disease.
While there is currently no way to completely prevent the disease, research suggests that feeding Shiitake mushrooms to dogs with cancer may help prevent or slow the growth of cancerous cells.
Lectinan, a sugar molecule with extensive scientific study, is abundant in shiitake mushrooms.
Although lentinan does not directly kill cancer cells, it does slow the growth of a tumor by stimulating the immune system.
The mycochemicals found in these mushrooms have been linked to causing apoptosis, the programmed cell death that kills cancer cells.
Many other chronic diseases can be avoided thanks to the antioxidant properties of mycochemicals.
There are few better foods you can give your dog than Shiitake mushrooms, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and many other beneficial effects.
Improve Weight Loss and Control
Obese dogs, like their human counterparts, are at increased risk for a variety of health problems associated with excess weight, including heart disease and high blood pressure.
Green beans may help your dog maintain a healthy weight, but they lack the nutritional value of Shiitake mushrooms.
Mushrooms, in contrast to many other types of plant foods, are rich in beta-glucan, a type of soluble dietary fiber.
Mushroom consumption causes satiety in canines because the slower digestion and absorption of nutrients leads to less eating.
Research shows that Shiitake mushroom supplementation can reduce weight gain in animals by as much as 35%.
Boosts Coat and Skin Health
The ideal for any pet owner is for their animal’s fur and skin to be thick, smooth, and healthy looking.
The selenium in shiitake mushrooms is a trace element that helps your dog’s coat look, feel, and look better.
The element is crucial for normal hormone production and enhanced immune function.
Similarly, it enhances your dog’s joint health and may mitigate the effects of cancer.
The zinc in mushrooms is good for your skin for another reason: it helps keep your immune system strong.
Are Shiitake Mushrooms Poisonous for Dogs?
No. It has been proven that shiitake mushrooms are safe for canine consumption. While feeding your dog raw or undercooked Shiitake mushrooms might not kill him outright, it could cause a life-threatening allergic reaction of severe scratching.
Therefore, it is imperative that you only give your dog cooked mushrooms. If your dog unexpectedly eats raw Shiitake mushrooms and begins to exhibit signs of an allergic reaction, you should call your vet right away to determine the best course of action.
How to Prepare Shiitake Mushrooms for Dogs
Preparing Shiitake mushrooms for your dog will depend on whether you use fresh, dried, or powdered mushrooms.
To make fresh mushrooms tender and golden brown, cook them in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes.
For even cooking, toss them around once in a while as they cook.
In contrast, dried Shiitake mushrooms require rehydration before being heated.
Mushrooms are one of the few foods that rarely lose their nutrient content after cooking, though care must be taken to avoid overcooking them.
However, roasting mushrooms is the best way to prepare them for your dog because the nutrients are preserved in the process.
When the mushrooms are done cooking, you can either chop them up or puree them and add them to your dog’s regular food.
An alternate option is to supplement your dog’s diet with Shiitake powder.
Powdered forms of these foods are more convenient than the previous two options and may even contain more of the necessary nutrients.
Make sure the mushroom powder you buy is actually made from mushrooms.
Safe Ways to Feed Shitake Mushrooms to Your Dog
Shitake mushrooms are safe for canines and there is not much to consider when giving them to your dog.
The two most important things to keep in mind are (1) not adding any extra ingredients and (2) not feeding too often or too many.
The shitake mushrooms that you buy in the store are usually dried, but you can rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water.
To cook:
Toss the chopped mushrooms and a splash of water into a hot pan.
Make sure the mushrooms don’t dry out or burn while cooking in the liquid.
The mushrooms can also be fried in a little bit of vegetable oil.
The mushrooms should be allowed to cool completely before being added to the dog’s food.
How Often Should Dogs Eat Shiitake Mushrooms?
Shiitake mushrooms are a healthy and safe daily treat for canine companions.
However, moderation is key.
Vitamin-rich shiitake mushrooms are toxic to dogs due to their high vitamin content.
Studies have shown that when dogs take in excessive amounts of certain vitamins, they can quickly develop symptoms like irritability, vomiting, skin peeling, and drowsiness.
Rather than being the main course, mushrooms are best used as an accompaniment.
Therefore, to prevent any potential health problems, limit your dog’s daily intake of Shiitake mushrooms to no more than 3–4 tiny pieces.
Feed them no more than 2 tablespoons of Shiitake powder per day.
How many Shitake mushrooms should you give to your dog
In no case should shiitake mushrooms account for more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Introduce mushrooms to your dog’s diet slowly and in small amounts, as you would any new food.
If you notice any signs of an adverse reaction, such as a stomachache, stop feeding your dog immediately.
Final Words
Shitake mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat.
They can help dogs’ immune systems flourish and provide a wide variety of other health benefits.
Like any new food, Shitake mushrooms should be introduced to your dog’s diet gradually after being cooked without any additional ingredients.