Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? The Fungus Among Us
They’re savoury, earthy, and make a great topping on pizza (for humans, of course), but what about mushrooms for dogs? If your pup ever sniffed one off the ground or tried to “forage” in the backyard, you might’ve found yourself asking: “Can dogs eat mushrooms?”
Are Mushrooms Safe for Dogs?
The answer is: some are, but extreme caution is key.
Store-bought mushrooms like button, portobello, or cremini are generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation, especially when cooked plain. They contain nutrients like vitamins B and D, potassium, and antioxidants that may benefit your dog’s immune system and overall health.
Wild mushrooms, on the other hand? That’s a big nope. Many varieties are toxic, and some can be deadly. Dogs are notoriously bad at identifying mushrooms, so never let your dog sample a mushroom growing in the wild.
Wild Mushrooms: Why the Big Deal?
Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides).
Mushroom poisoning in animals and humans is associated with high rates of illness and mortality. One particular highly toxic mushroom of interest is Amanita phalloides, also known as Death Cap, is found throughout Australia. The toxins of even a single mushroom can be deadly. The poison is rapidly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and travel via the bloodstream to damage liver and kidney cells. Many wild mushrooms look harmless, but contain very dangerous toxins that can damage your dog’s liver, kidneys, or nervous system. And symptoms don’t always appear right away.
If your dog ever eats a mushroom outside and you’re unsure what kind it was, call your vet or the animal poison hotline immediately. Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to fungi. Your veterinarian will recommend inducing vomiting in your dog.
Areas in Australia to avoid toxic mushrooms
Poisonous mushrooms, including the death cap and yellow-staining mushrooms, appear during autumn, as the weather becomes wetter and cooler. Take extra caution when walking your dog in the following environments:
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Wooded or leafy areas, especially those with established oak trees
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Damp, shaded soil with decomposing leaf litter, especially after rain
State and Territory Governments and local councils will sometimes issue alerts for areas known to contain poisonous mushrooms. Keep an eye out for alerts on social media for warnings specific to your local area.
How to Stop Your Dog from Munching on Wild Mushrooms
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Practice “Leave It” Command
One of the most effective tools in your doggy safety kit is a solid “leave it.”
Start with treats at home and gradually work your way up to outdoor distractions—like sticks, dropped food… and mushrooms. -
Keep on leash in higher-risk areas
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Stay on the Path
Stick to well-maintained trails or footpaths during walks. Mushrooms often pop up in damp, wooded, or overgrown areas. Keeping your dog on a leash and close by reduces the risk of rogue snacking. -
Inspect Your Yard
If your dog has access to the backyard, perform regular checks, especially after rain. Mushrooms love moist soil and can appear almost overnight. -
Distract with Toys or Treats
Keep your dog engaged with safe toys, balls, or treats during outdoor playtime to ensure a fun and safe experience. The more focused they are on fun, the less likely they are to go scavenging. -
Watch and Redirect
Keep a close eye during walks, especially if your dog is a known snacker. If you see them sniffing something suspicious, calmly redirect them and reward the good behaviour.
🚨 What If They Do Eat One?
If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom:
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Don’t wait for symptoms—they can take hours to days to appear
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Contact your vet immediately
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Try to take a photo of the mushroom (from a safe distance) to help with identification
Mushrooms: A Fun, Funky Treat (In Moderation)
Mushrooms can be a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet, offering a range of wonderful nutritional benefits!
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Vitamins and Minerals: Certain types of mushrooms, like shiitake and maitake, are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that can boost your dog’s overall health. These include valuable B vitamins, vitamin D, potassium, copper, and selenium. Keep in mind that the nutritional value can vary among different mushroom varieties!
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Fibre: Mushrooms also provide a healthy dose of both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, which can really support your dog’s digestive wellness. A good amount of fibre helps keep bowel movements regular, promotes healthy gut bacteria, and combats constipation.
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Antioxidants: Mushrooms are a fantastic source of antioxidants, which are essential for fighting oxidative stress and boosting cellular health by neutralising harmful free radicals. These free radicals can cause inflammation and damage to the body. Research by Kusaba (2024) highlights that shiitake mushrooms enhance antioxidant activity and may be an excellent supplement for addressing age-related health issues, even in our furry friends! Adding mushrooms to your dog’s diet can be a simple and effective way to support their overall well-being and vitality!
Safe mushrooms can be a tasty, nutrient-packed nibble for curious pups, but they’re far from essential. Your dog’s regular balanced diet should cover all their nutritional needs. Think of mushrooms as an occasional bonus bite, not a dietary staple.
The Bottom Line: Know Your ‘Shrooms
Yes, dogs can eat mushrooms, but only the right kind, and only in small amounts. When in doubt, skip the mushrooms and go with something safer. And if your dog is a wild-forager type? Keep a very close eye on their snacking habits outside and seek veterinary attention if you’re uncertain.
Has your dog become a winter mushroom, only emerging from their blanket cave when absolutely necessary?? Tell us your best “spoiled house mushroom” stories over on Instagram @PetzyoAU we’re all ears (and paws)! 🐶🍄
References:
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Poisonous mushrooms growing in Victoria https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-advisories/poisonous-mushrooms-growing-in-victoria
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Kusaba, A., & Arai, T. (2024). Shiitake mushroom powder supplementation increase antioxidative activity in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, 1355560. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1355560/full
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https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/medicinal-mushrooms-for-dogs
