Yes, your dog can eat mushrooms (as long as they are certain varieties).

Certain types of mushrooms like button and shiitake varieties offer a wide range of health benefits. They are a powerhouse of nutrients, providing essential vitamins such as B3, B12, D, and minerals like selenium and zinc, that contribute to your dog’s overall health.

Packed with antioxidants, they help support immune function, improve gut health, and even aid in reducing inflammation.

Not all mushrooms are safe, and wild mushrooms can pose serious risks. Stick to fresh, locally sourced mushrooms for your pup’s diet (check out our list below).

Button mushrooms are featured in our Kangaroo Bowl and Shiitake mushroom powder is featured in our Chicken Bowl. These combine with other real food ingredients to keep your pup healthy and happy.

Why we love mushrooms: real food nutritional benefits

1. Loaded with antioxidants to help neutralise harmful free radicals in your dog’s body — especially button and shiitake mushrooms. This supports a healthy immune system and helps protect against chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases.

2. Supports a healthy gut via prebiotics and beta-glucans which encourage the growth of good bacteria. This can lead to better digestion, metabolism, and overall microbiome balance, which helps maintain a healthy pup from the inside out.

3. Low in calories and high in fibre, making them a great addition to your dog’s diet if weight management is a concern. This natural source of fibre helps support digestive health and helps your dog feel fuller for longer, reducing the chance of overeating.

4. Boosts immune function from their high beta-glucan content. Mushrooms can help regulate immune responses, which is beneficial for dogs prone to allergies or autoimmune conditions. Shiitake mushrooms are known for their antiviral and antibacterial properties, helping to support your dog’s immune defences.

5. A great source of essential minerals like selenium, zinc, and potassium, these trace minerals are key for maintaining healthy skin, boosting coat shine, and supporting joint health, especially in older dogs or those prone to skin allergies.

How many mushrooms can my dog eat each day?

When feeding mushrooms as a treat, moderation is key. Mushrooms should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake. Stick to a few slices of cooked, plain button or shiitake mushrooms a couple of times a week, depending on your dog’s size and weight. Mushrooms can be served raw or cooked, but always ensure they’re free from seasonings, oils, or additional toppings that could be harmful.

Which mushrooms are safe for dogs?

While not all mushrooms are safe for dogs, certain types can be a great addition to their diet due to their rich nutritional content. Here’s a list of mushrooms that are both safe and beneficial for your dog:

1. Button mushrooms

   Commonly found in grocery stores, button mushrooms are safe for dogs when served plain and cooked. They’re packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients like Vitamin D, selenium, and potassium, which help support immune function and maintain healthy skin and coat.

2. Shiitake mushrooms

   Shiitake mushrooms are another safe option, offering immune-boosting properties and a rich supply of B vitamins, selenium, and zinc. They can help promote heart health, support the immune system, and support weight management.

3. Reishi mushrooms

   Known for their calming properties, reishi mushrooms can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. They’re also powerful antioxidants that support immune health, making them a good choice for overall wellness.

4. Maitake mushrooms

   Maitake mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans, which help regulate the immune system. These mushrooms are known for their potential to reduce inflammation and support heart health, making them ideal for dogs with chronic conditions or allergies.

5. Cordyceps mushrooms

   Cordyceps mushrooms are a great option for boosting energy and supporting respiratory health in dogs. They help increase oxygen flow, which can help active dogs or those recovering from illness.

What to watch out for when feeding your pup mushrooms

If you're introducing new foods like dog-friendly mushrooms into your pup's diet, make sure to monitor your dog for any digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhoea in case it doesn't agree with them.

While store-bought mushrooms like button and shiitake are generally safe, wild mushrooms are a serious risk. It’s difficult to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic wild mushrooms and even a small amount of the wrong type could be fatal.

If your dog has eaten a toxic mushroom, symptoms can appear within minutes or take a few hours. Keep an eye out for these common signs of poisoning, like vomiting and diarrhoea, drooling and excessive salivation, weakness and lethargy, seizures or tremors.

Always supervise your dog when outdoors and contact your vet immediately if you suspect they’ve ingested a wild mushroom. If you can, collect a sample of the mushroom to show your vet.

At Lyka, we know the importance of adding nutrient-rich, real food to your dog’s bowl.

Fresh from farm to bowl, our mushrooms are grown and sourced locally by a dedicated and passionate family of mushroom farmers in Sydney. They are handled with the utmost care and are grown on a controlled, environmentally friendly farm, in a process that takes up to 6 months, with special attention taken to avoid disease and contamination.

You'll find mushrooms in our signature meals, like our Kangaroo Bowl and Chicken Bowl. Our meals are vet-formulated by our in-house Integrative Vet and Lyka co-founder, Dr. Matthew Muir and are balanced to include an optimal mix of vegetables, protein, superfoods, vitamins and minerals — all tailored to give your pup the very best.

Read more: The life-changing benefits of real food for dogs →