Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? A Culinary Guide for Dogs
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Time to read 6 min
From pizza toppings to forest floors, mushrooms show up all over our lives—and sometimes, in our dogs’ mouths. But while fungi may be delicious (or at least intriguing) to us, the question remains: Can dogs eat mushrooms safely?
The answer isn’t simple. Some mushrooms are harmless—or even healthy in small amounts. Others can be dangerously toxic, even deadly. And with the rise of mushroom-based wellness trends, it’s more important than ever to know which types are okay for dogs, and which ones to keep far, far away.
This guide focuses on culinary mushrooms (the kind humans eat) and wild mushrooms your dog might find outdoors. If you’re curious about functional or medicinal mushrooms for pets—like turkey tail or lion’s mane—you’ll want to read our separate post: Can Dogs Have Mushrooms? Functional Mushrooms for Canine Health.
Let’s break down what’s safe, what’s risky, and what to do if your dog gobbles a mushroom before you can say “leave it.”
The Essentials | TL;DR
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Some mushrooms are safe for dogs—but many are not
Dogs can eat small amounts of cooked, store-bought mushrooms like white button or portobello, but wild mushrooms are often toxic and potentially fatal. -
Never feed raw or seasoned mushrooms
Stick to plain, cooked mushrooms only—no oil, salt, garlic, or onions. -
Cats are even more sensitive
While small amounts of cooked mushrooms may be tolerated, there’s no nutritional reason to feed mushrooms to cats. -
Medicinal mushrooms are a different category
Turkey tail, lion’s mane, and other supplements are not covered here—check our related blog for functional mushroom use in pets. -
If in doubt, call your vet
If your dog eats a wild or unknown mushroom, don’t guess—get expert help right away.
Can dogs eat mushrooms? Sometimes—but only carefully selected culinary mushrooms, cooked without seasoning, and in small amounts. Wild mushrooms and many raw or unfamiliar varieties can be dangerous. When in doubt, skip it—or read up before you share.
Are Mushrooms Safe for Dogs to Eat?
The short answer? Some are, and some definitely aren’t.
Dogs can safely eat certain store-bought mushrooms—the kind you’d cook in your kitchen, like white buttons or portobellos—if they’re properly prepared and served in moderation.
But the moment you step outside the grocery aisle, things get riskier. Wild mushrooms found in forests, parks, or even your backyard can be extremely dangerous. Some are highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and misidentification is common—even among mushroom experts.
So, are mushrooms bad for dogs? Some are. But others—like properly cooked, store-bought mushrooms—and functional mushrooms for canine health can be beneficial. The key is knowing which mushrooms are safe to share, and which ones are strictly off-limits.
Still wondering, can dogs eat mushrooms at all? Read on...
Toxic Mushrooms and What to Watch For
When it comes to wild mushrooms, the safest rule is simple: assume they’re dangerous unless you know otherwise.
Dogs are curious foragers. Whether they’re sniffing through the forest, a park, or your backyard, it only takes a second for them to ingest something toxic. And unfortunately, there are hundreds of mushroom species that can cause everything from mild vomiting to severe organ failure—sometimes with just a small bite.
Common Toxic Mushrooms for Dogs:
- Amanita species (e.g. Death Cap, Destroying Angel)
- Galerina species
- False morels
- Inocybe and Clitocybe species
Symptoms of Mushroom Toxicity in Dogs:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Tremors or seizures
- Lethargy or uncoordinated movement
- Jaundice (a sign of liver damage)
- Collapse
How much mushroom is toxic to a dog? It depends on the species—but in some cases, even a small amount is enough to cause harm.
If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom:
- Stay Calm.
- Monitor closely, but don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
- Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline.
- Keep your dog hydrated.
- Bring your dog to the vet.
- If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom for identification.
What Kinds of Mushrooms Are Safe for Dogs?
While wild mushrooms are risky, some culinary mushrooms you’ll find in the grocery store are generally safe for dogs—when served properly and in small amounts. You and your dog might both like Stuffed Mushrooms & Our Favorite Gourmet Mushroom Recipes.
These functional mushrooms won’t mellow out your pizza, but they might just mellow out you.
Safe Store-Bought Mushrooms for Dogs:
- White button*
- Cremini*
- Portobello*
- Shiitake
- Oyster
- Maitake
* As we've mentioned in other blogs: cremini, white button, and portobello are all closely related mushrooms of the same species.
These are the same mushrooms we eat in stir-fries, pastas, and soups. When cooked simply and unseasoned, they’re usually well tolerated by dogs and may even offer a few mild nutritional perks—like fiber, trace minerals, and antioxidants.
But remember:
Rules for Feeding Mushrooms to Dogs:
- Cook them → Raw mushrooms are hard for dogs to digest and can upset the stomach
- Avoid oils and seasonings → No butter, garlic, onion, or salt
- Keep portions small → Even safe mushrooms can cause mild GI issues in large amounts
- Watch for reactions → Every dog is different; introduce mushrooms slowly
- Avoid spoiled or moldy mushrooms → when in doubt, it’s best to steer clear.
So, can my dog eat cooked mushrooms? Yes—but only specific kinds, cooked simply, and served in moderation.
And no, mushrooms aren’t a necessary part of a dog’s diet—but if they happen to snag a bite of your dinner, now you know what’s likely safe and what’s not.
Can Cats Eat Mushrooms?
While dogs are the usual mushroom-munching culprits, many cat owners wonder: can cats eat mushrooms, too?
The answer is… maybe—but it’s rarely worth the risk or effort.
Cats are more sensitive than dogs to dietary changes, and their digestive systems aren’t well-adapted to handle fungi. While a small piece of a cooked, store-bought mushroom (like white button or cremini) probably won’t harm your cat, there’s no nutritional benefit to justify adding it to their diet.
Key Considerations for Cats:
- Never feed raw mushrooms—they’re harder to digest and more likely to cause GI upset
- Avoid wild mushrooms entirely—cats are just as vulnerable to toxicity as dogs
- No oils, seasoning, or garlic/onion—these are especially dangerous to felines
- Monitor for reactions—vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea are red flags
So yes, cats can have mushrooms in extremely small, cooked amounts—but there’s rarely a good reason to offer them.
When in doubt, skip the fungi and stick with species-appropriate treats.
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? Final Thoughts
Yes—dogs can eat some mushrooms, but only the right ones, in the right way. Stick to store-bought culinary mushrooms, serve them cooked and unseasoned, and avoid all wild varieties unless you’re an expert (and even then, be careful).
Curious about functional mushroom supplements for improving your dog's health? We cover those in detail in our blog: Can Dogs Have Mushrooms? Functional Mushrooms for Canine Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my dog eats a small piece of mushroom?
If it came from your kitchen and was a cooked, store-bought mushroom, it’s likely nothing to worry about. Just watch for digestive upset.
If it came from outside—or you’re not 100% sure of the species—contact your vet or a poison control hotline immediately. Some wild mushrooms are extremely toxic, even in small amounts.
How much mushroom is toxic to a dog?
That depends entirely on the species. Some wild mushrooms can cause severe toxicity with just a single bite, especially in small dogs.
If your dog ate a mushroom and you can’t identify it with certainty, always treat it as a medical emergency.
Can dogs eat cooked mushrooms?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked mushrooms—but only certain types. Mushrooms like button, cremini, and portobello mushrooms are generally safe for dogs if they’re cooked plain (no garlic, onions, butter, or salt). Always make sure mushrooms are store-bought and thoroughly cooked before offering a small amount.
How to cook mushrooms for a dog?
Steam or sauté mushrooms in water—no oil, butter, garlic, or onions.
Keep the portion small and the preparation plain. Mushrooms should be fully cooked and cooled before serving.
Hamilton Pevec
Hamilton believes that effective, affordable medicine is a fundamental right. Healing should never be hindered by cost. Driven by this belief, Hamilton left his career to dedicate his life to mushrooms. His journey is one of lifelong learning—mastering mushroom identification, cultivation, and understanding the profound physiological benefits of these natural “chemical factories.” Hamilton’s Mushrooms is dedicated to making pure, potent, science-backed mushroom extracts accessible to all.