If you're one of the 67% of Americans who has (and loves) a pet, you know the importance of keeping them healthy and active. Like humans, our furry friends can benefit from functional mushrooms - especially senior pets or those with health concerns. You may be struggling to find ways to give your furry companion as high a quality of life as possible.
Functional mushrooms are a natural and healthy way to ensure your pet gets enough nutrients and antioxidants. When searching for the best mushroom supplements to give your canine companion, you'll want to remember his needs and health issues.
We want to show you how mushroom extracts can help your furry companion live a long, active life and avoid the common health problems that require costly vet trips.
Let’s look at the best types of mushrooms you can give your pets!
Before deciding which functional mushroom supplements will best help your pet, it's important to define “what exactly is a functional mushroom?”
There are a variety of edible fungi that are considered functional mushrooms because they contain antioxidants and help the human body with various functions, such as: stimulating cell production, repairing tissues, maintaining heart health, and supporting the immune system.[9] Taking these mushrooms isn't a new practice. People throughout the world have been using mushrooms functionally for thousands of years.
For instance, 2000-year-old documents show us that the Reishi mushroom (fruiting body) was venerated by the ancient Chinese for its remarkable healing and anti-aging properties. They called it Lingzhi, meaning “divine herb that energizes the chi or life force.”[1] Mushroom drawings were found on ancient ceramics and artwork in Peru, suggesting regular use of and reverence for fungi in their lives.[2]
Recently, mushroom extracts have seen a sharp increase in popularity as people increasingly turn to more natural solutions for health benefits.
Functional mushrooms are a comprehensive and plentiful source of natural, health-supporting compounds. You may be thinking, 'that sounds great for humans! But does that mean they are safe for pets?’
Functional mushrooms for dogs and cats are a great natural alternative for pets as high-quality mushroom supplements are powerful immunomodulators that do not carry the same risk of side effects as pharmaceuticals.
People rarely experience undesirable side effects from using functional mushrooms. The few side effects that humans have occasionally had from mushroom extracts are mild in severity and duration, such as drug interactions, upset stomach, itching and nausea. For more information about the safety of mushrooms for pets, read our article Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? Facts About Fungi for Your Furry Friend.
Increasingly, holistic veterinarians are turning to functional mushrooms to support the wellbeing of their animal patients. Not only are mushroom extracts safe for pets and supportive to their health, but they are easy to administer, as one of our Real Mushrooms veterinary clients can attest:
"We see great results in the dogs that need immune support. Both the capsules and powder are readily accepted. Very happy." - Melissa B., Real Mushrooms Customer
Learn more about the safety of mushrooms for dogs in particular in our article, Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? Facts About Fungi for Your Furry Friend.
If you choose a reputable source, such as Real Mushrooms, your functional mushroom extract should contain nothing but pure mushrooms. Some extracts will feature a single mushroom on its own, while others might be a blend of varieties. The important thing to look for is that the product is organic and free from fillers.
All of our mushroom powder extracts are organic and contain only the most potent functional parts of the fungi (the mushroom) and zero added fillers or starches.
This is in contrast to the majority of mushroom supplements sold in North America which contain the fungi root-like structure, called mycelium, and the grain on which the mycelium is grown. In contrast to Real Mushrooms' extract powders, this results in less effective product.
Since our mushroom extracts come in both capsules and powders, it is easy to give them to your pet based on their needs and preferences. Many of our customers simply sprinkle ½ tsp to 1 tsp of mushroom powder on their pet’s food once a day.
Now that you know what functional mushrooms are and what they're used for, let’s take a look at the various types of mushrooms and how they can specifically benefit our canine or feline companions. Read on to learn some of the most popular types of functional mushrooms for pets so you can decide which is right for your furry friend's specific needs!
Reishi is known as the 'mushroom of immortality' because of its protective, anti-aging, and rejuvenating health benefits. It also helps to modulate the immune system by increasing or decreasing certain immune system functions.
As animals age, like us humans, the immune system can become weaker, and they can get ill more easily. Adding a functional mushroom such as Reishi to your pet’s daily mix can help keep them resilient, youthful, and healthy. Additionally, these mushrooms have been known to help with allergies! [12]
Reishi mushrooms also have the power to regulate the digestive system.[3] So, If your pet has issues with bowel irritation, you can use Reishi mushroom capsules to help keep him regular, decrease intestinal discomfort, and modulate the microbiome.[11]
Our beloved pets are all unique and expressive in their own ways. Some dogs experience separation anxiety, while young dogs may have excessive energy or be active at night. Reishi mushrooms are known for their capacity to calm the nervous system and induce restful sleep. Older pets may have trouble moving and might experience sleep disturbances. Reishi can help regulate your sleep cycle and help you relax your furry friend. [7]
As with the other mushrooms on this list, Maitake helps to maintain proper immune system function.
A maitake mushroom—also called the dancing mushroom—contains polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, active compounds that encourage healthy immune response, help maintain normal blood sugar levels, and support healthy inflammatory response. This means that your pet’s immune system will be in tip-top shape to fend off sickness.
Additionally, maitake helps maintain blood pressure that is already in the normal range and can help support your pet's cardiovascular health. Again, similar to Reishi, it also promotes relaxation. Thanks to our fungi friends, your fur friend will have the support he needs to keep his heart and circulation strong for daytime activities.
Turkey tail mushrooms' primary function is to support the immune system of the person or pet who takes it. Essentially, this mushroom boosts the production of the cells our bodies rely on to kill invading microbes or abnormal cells, such as those that form tumors.
This mushroom also stimulates the production of certain cytokines, which are important messenger signals for the immune system. Therefore, turkey tail mushrooms help support a healthy immune system and promote longevity.
As a satisfied client said:
"My first purchase was turkey tail capsules for my dog, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Vets gave him up to 2 months. I immediately did my research & came across the turkey tail mushroom. I admit that I did purchase a different brand at first but had to give him 3x more than what I’m currently giving him with the Real Mushrooms brand. The oncology Vet was amazed w/ results & instructed me to keep him on this regiment. I have recommended other dog owners who are dealing with abnormal cell growth" -J., Real Mushrooms Customer
Back in 2012, vets were excited about a study out of Penn State University on an extract known as PSP based on turkey tail mushrooms. It looked at the effects on dogs with hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive and invasive form of abnornmal cell growth in dogs, with few treatment options. The results showed that PSP can drastically extend the lifespan of a dog with hemangiosarcoma. Unfortunately, the extended lifespan is still relatively short because the average lifespan is less than a year for a dog with this disease.[10]
We recommend turkey tail mushrooms for the natural immunity boost and health benefits they give pets. They are also ideal for their anti-aging effects. No matter how young and healthy your pet is, they can always benefit from a little immune system strength they may get from a mushroom supplement.
Turkey tail, like all of our mushroom extracts, is certified organic. It has no added chemicals or starches either, as we use only the fruiting bodies of the mushrooms.
Cordyceps is another one of the functional mushrooms that we are super excited to share. This mushroom increases the production of ATP, the compound that promotes cellular energy.
It will help your furry friend increase their stamina to run and play. Cordyceps stimulates the production of ATP with precursor compounds like cordycepin. If your pet is lethargic, introducing Cordyceps extracts into his daily life could improve your pet’s level of energy.
Additionally, Cordyceps supports the respiratory system. It can lessen the severity of lung problems and can help diminish the symptoms of breathing-related issues, such as allergies or chronic lung disease.
As we mentioned in our Cordyceps Mushrooms post:
For centuries the Chinese have known of this mushroom’s ability to strengthen the lungs and kidneys and improve a person’s essential vitality. A study from the Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine journal in 2015 looked at the anti-fatigue effects of Cordyceps militaris (CM) supplementation on rodents. The rodents that received two weeks of Cordyceps militaris supplementation displayed greater levels of delayed fatigue compared to the rodents not given the mushroom. Additionally, the CM rodent group had higher levels of ATP, antioxidant enzyme levels, and lower levels of lactic acid. In simpler terms, these rodents were able to push longer and harder without tiring out.
Using shiitake mushroom extracts is a great way to improve liver function and decrease inflammation.[4]
Shiitake mushrooms are the most popular type of edible fungus in the world. Since the constitution of our canine friends is similar to that of our own, they can work well for them, too.
Additionally, it can keep the liver functioning properly, and shiitake mushroom capsules can help keep your pet's heartbeat regular and healthy.
Lion's Mane is a mushroom that is rich in beta-glucans, which have anti-abnormal cell growth properties. Furthermore, it contains antioxidants and neuroprotective chemical compounds that can support healthy brain and nervous system functions.[5]
The specific active compounds in Lion’s Mane promote the growth of neurons to stave off cognitive decline.[8] You can give Lion’s Mane mushroom extract to your pet to help them stay sharp, alert, and youthful. Over time, it can keep them living with vitality so you can both enjoy the activities that you love.
One of our clients uses Lion's Mane in conjunction with other products to keep their aging dogs healthy and active:
“I take this myself, but primarily use it for my dogs. I have four senior pups and I've been very pleased with their energy and overall health since adding mushrooms to their daily routine.They get turkey tail, lion's mane, and 5 Defenders. My oldest has subtle cognitive changes related to age, and all are large breeds prone to cancers. I'm grateful for these quality products that help me keep my pups at their best.” -Sheila, Real Mushrooms Customer
Chaga is a fungus that's incredibly rich in antioxidants and grows on birch trees in colder regions like Canada, Maine, Finland and Russia. Similar to other mushrooms on this list, it supports a healthy immune function.[6] However, it also has potent compounds to help with digestion and skin health as well as being a potent anti-oxidant.
Functional mushrooms are an accessible, safe, and remarkable source of whole-health benefits and support for humans and pets alike. Mushroom supplements are a multi-benefit add-on to create a better bowl of pet food. They will help your furry friends live a long life full of vitality and support their recovery from health challenges that may come up.
Each functional mushroom variety has a unique way of boosting your animal friend's health. Conveniently, a mushroom blend like 5 Defenders is a reliable and well-rounded supplement to choose if you are undecided or want the health benefits of a combination of the wild mushrooms mentioned above.
Whichever mushroom supplement you decide on, the most important thing is selecting a quality organic product without fillers. Real Mushrooms has committed itself to produce some of the safest, purest, and most potent concentrations of mushroom extracts on the market.
Protecting your furry friend starts with selecting from our diverse variety of mushroom extracts. You can order online today to help your pet live the long, robust life you hope for.
.Disclaimer: The information or products mentioned in this article are provided as information resources only, and are not to be used or relied on to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information does not create any patient-doctor relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. The information is intended for health care professionals only. The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information in this article is intended for educational purposes. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by licensed medical physicians. Please consult your doctor or health practitioner for any medical advice.
