Mushrooms are making their way into more meals in recent years, but can your dog enjoy a nibble on fungi too? Find out if dogs can eat mushrooms and which ones to avoid in our guide.
Mushrooms bought from the shops are an incredibly versatile ingredient and as humans, we enjoy the fungi in a great number of meals. Whether it’s an earthy addition to a fry up or a hearty meat alternative in veggie dishes, mushrooms pop up in some of our favourite dishes. There are many varieties out there, some of these are poisonous. So you should only forage for wild mushrooms with expert guidance.
You may have wondered “can dogs eat mushrooms? Especially when a straggler falls on the floor whilst cooking or a dog gives you puppy eyes as you tuck into dinner. At Purina, we’ve got all the information you need to know about if mushrooms are bad for dogs or not, and the low down on the varieties you should avoid.
Can dogs eat mushrooms?
Similar to humans, some mushrooms are fine for dogs to eat, while others can be toxic. Dogs can eat mushrooms bought from a supermarket or other shop, preferably organic, unseasoned and raw. But you should always avoid any wild mushrooms. As there’s such a vast variety of mushrooms and they’re so difficult to tell apart, you should treat any wild mushroom with caution as some are incredibly poisonous. If you suspect your dog has eaten one, contact your vet as soon as possible.
If you spot wild mushrooms growing in your garden, you should remove them as soon as possible.
Can dogs eat cooked mushrooms?
Shop-bought mushrooms cooked in a small amount of olive oil are fine for your dog to eat. However, mushrooms in meals are often cooked with added extras such as salt, as well as onions and garlic which aren’t safe for your dog to eat, and could potentially make them sick. Rather than giving your dog food from your plate, consider cooking mushrooms for them separately.
Are mushrooms bad for dogs?
As mentioned previously, dogs can eat mushrooms, raw and cooked. They contain vitamins B and D, minerals and antioxidants. They are also low calorie, have no fat or cholesterol and contain very little salt. They’re fine for your dog to eat, but you don’t have to give them as a supplement to their diet as your dog should get everything they need from their complete, balanced dog food.
Safe varieties of mushrooms
Most options purchased in supermarkets are fine, such as the following:
- White button
- Cremini (white or chestnut mushrooms)
- Portobello
- Porcini
- Reishi
- Shiitake
- Maitake
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs:
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
In more serious cases:
- Collapse
- Weakness
- Organ (liver or kidney) failure
- Seizures
- Coma
If you suspect your dog’s eaten a wild mushroom, seek veterinary help right away. A speedy diagnosis and treatment are key in helping your dog recover fully and quickly.
How to feed mushrooms to your dog
If you want to offer your dog a mushroom it’s best to stick to shop-bought, raw, organic options and never feed wild mushrooms. Chop a small piece of mushroom and offer it to your dog, be aware though that not many will enjoy the taste, so don’t be surprised if they turn their nose up!
Now you know that dogs can eat mushrooms! Want to find out more about what dogs can and can’t eat? Learn if dogs can eat celery, next.
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