Can Dogs Have Mushrooms? Functional Mushrooms for Canine Health

The answer: yes—some mushrooms, when properly sourced and dosed, can offer real functional benefits for dogs. From immune support to cognitive resilience, functional mushrooms like lion’s mane and turkey tail are gaining traction in the world of natural pet wellness.

This blog explores which mushrooms are safe, which ones aren’t, and how functional fungi are becoming a trusted tool for dog owners seeking natural support.

Let’s dig in.

While the idea of giving mushrooms to your dog might seem unconventional, functional mushrooms have been used for centuries to support immunity, longevity, and resilience—both in humans and animals.

Today, more holistic veterinarians and pet parents are exploring medicinal mushrooms as part of a well-rounded health strategy for their dogs. But not all mushrooms are created equal.

This blog focuses on functional mushrooms, not the button mushrooms in your kitchen or the wild ones your dog might sniff out on a hike. If you’re wondering about those, check out our related guide: Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? A Culinary Guide for Dogs.

So, can dogs have mushrooms like lion’s mane or turkey tail? Yes—when they’re properly sourced and dosed correctly, they can be a powerful addition to your dog’s wellness plan.

In fact, we’re now seeing growing interest in:

• lion mane for dog cognition and nerve support

• turkey tail mushroom for dogs as a tool for immune resilience

• lions mane for dogs facing age-related cognitive decline

Let’s take a closer look at which mushrooms are safe—and why they’re gaining so much attention.

Several functional mushrooms have been studied or used in veterinary settings for their potential health benefits. While more research is always welcome, anecdotal and clinical evidence supports the careful use of these specific mushrooms in dogs:

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

• Supports nerve health, brain function, and cognitive clarity.
  
  
• Great for aging dogs, senior pups with memory changes, or dogs recovering from neurological issues.
  
  
• Already gaining popularity as lions mane for dogs and even listed in searches as lion mane for dog.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

• Known for immune modulation and gut support.
  
  
• Especially helpful in supporting dogs with cancer or weakened immunity.
  
  
• Look for turkey tail mushroom for dogs with fruiting body extract, not mycelium on grain.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

• Promotes relaxation, stress balance, and cardiovascular support.
  
  
• Sometimes recommended for anxious or aging dogs.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)

• Boosts stamina and respiratory function—great for working or athletic dogs.

These mushrooms are typically given as powdered extracts, mixed into food, or formulated into pet-safe supplements. Always choose products with clear sourcing, ideally made from 100% fruiting body, and free from added fillers or sugars.

Important: Mushrooms should never replace veterinary care. Always consult your vet before starting any new supplement, especially for dogs with chronic conditions or medications.

• While there’s no strong evidence that chaga is toxic to dogs, its high oxalate content and blood-thinning properties raise concerns for long-term use or in dogs with kidney issues or on medications.
  
  
• It may offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, but there are safer, better-researched alternatives for dogs, like turkey tail or reishi.

Verdict: Not recommended as a go-to mushroom for dogs. If used at all, it should be vet-guided, short-term, and in very low doses.

Let’s clear up a few fun (and surprisingly common) questions while we’re here.

Sometimes—curious cats may nibble culinary mushrooms or even show interest in supplements. But feline metabolism is more sensitive than a dog’s, so mushroom use should only be done under the guidance of a holistic vet.

Not likely. Lions are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet is strictly meat-based. That said, fungi grow in wild ecosystems where lions roam—they're just not on the menu. We're 100% confident that if they did eat mushrooms, a lion's first choice would be our Lucid Lion's Mane.

In the wild, dogs may nibble mushrooms out of curiosity or instinct. This can be dangerous with wild mushrooms, but functional mushrooms—properly extracted and dosed—are a different story. They can be a helpful, natural wellness tool when introduced carefully.

Still, always know your mushroom before letting any pet near it.

When it comes to giving mushrooms to your dog, dose matters—and so does the form.

• Always follow weight-based recommendations from a pet-specific supplement or your vet
  
  
• A common starting point:
  ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon per 25 lbs of body weight (for powdered extract)
  
  
• For capsules or tinctures, follow the manufacturer’s dosage or ask a holistic vet

Most functional mushrooms (lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail) are considered safe in proper doses

Toxicity risk comes primarily from:

• Wild mushrooms (many species are deadly to dogs)

• Culinary mushrooms prepared with garlic, onions, or oil

• Overuse of mycelium-based products with unknown fillers or added starches

Start small, monitor your dog’s response, and always introduce one mushroom at a time.