Mushrooms are a complex food group, but super nutritious – for people. But what about dogs? As a dog owner, no doubt the question has crossed your mind, “Can dogs eat mushrooms?” Well, dogs and mushrooms aren’t exactly a familiar pair you hear about. But there are some situations where they match.
If you’re a pup parent wondering if your baby can enjoy the tasty mushrooms you eat, read on. We’ll talk about which mushrooms most dogs can eat, and if they’re good for them. Read on to learn it all!
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
Store Bought Mushrooms
Have you ever been on a walk with your furry friend, and they suddenly stop to sniff something along the path? It’s common for dogs to do this, but what if they stop to sniff a wild mushroom? Or worse, what if they eat one? Can dogs and mushrooms mix? The good news is that some mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat, just like humans.
But just like humans, there are toxic mushrooms that are poisonous to dogs. When it comes to store-bought mushrooms, it’s generally safe for dogs to eat them, ideally organic, unseasoned, and raw. So, if you drop some mushrooms on the ground during dinner and your pup vacuums them up, don’t panic. Just make sure to keep an eye on them and only give them mushrooms that are safe for their consumption.
Wondering if your dog can eat corn? Find out here!
Wild Mushrooms
Wild mushrooms, on the other hand, can be dangerous for dogs. Generally, it’s best to avoid them altogether. With so many different types of wild mushrooms, it can be difficult to tell which ones are safe for your furry friend. If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, it’s important to contact your vet right away. Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not able to identify toxic mushrooms by scent alone, and mushroom poisoning can be fatal for dogs. So, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and keep your dog away from wild mushrooms, even if you think they might be safe. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet’s health, so don’t let dogs and wild mushrooms mix.
Safe Mushrooms
As we covered earlier, in certain situations, dogs and mushrooms can mix. Store-bought mushrooms are typically fine for dogs if they’re cooked in a bit of olive oil. But this doesn’t mean you should always let your dogs eat what you do. Mushrooms are often cooked with onions, garlic, and a hefty amount of salt, which isn’t healthy for your dog to eat and may make them sick. This means you’ll want to cook your pup mushrooms on the side with just a little olive oil instead of letting them eat from your plate.
But what mushroom varieties are safe for your dog? A few safe mushroom varieties for your dog to eat include:
- Shiitake
- Portobello
- White button
- Maitake
- Porcini
- Cremini
Mushrooms are a great source of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins B and D and are low in calories. But it’s important to note that dogs don’t need mushrooms to supplement their diet. While it’s safe for them to eat, plenty of other options can provide your dog with everything they need in their diet. So, although dogs and mushrooms can mix, it’s not always necessary. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our furry friends. You can explore many other safe options that will benefit your dog and give them essential vitamins and nutrients.
Choose Safe Treats
Your furry friend deserves nothing but the best. That’s why Blue Ridge Naturals treats are a top choice for any pup. We make dog treats with real, 100% natural ingredients. They don’t have any artificial colors, unhealthy preservatives, or artificial flavors. Plus, they’re made in the USA! With various flavors like peanut butter, salmon, sweet potato, chicken breast, sweet potato AND chicken breast, pork, and more, your dog will surely find a favorite.
And you can trust that these treats contain no filler ingredients – nothing but wholesome goodness. These treats contain nutrients that are healthy and beneficial for dogs. Of course, it’s always best to check with your vet first.
To Wrap It Up
So can dogs eat mushrooms? The answer is that some are safe for dogs, but others can be harmful, and even fatal. Letting your furry friend try wild mushrooms is generally not worth the risk. Even cooked mushrooms can be risky if they’re prepared with harmful ingredients. So when it’s all said and done, while dogs and mushrooms aren’t usually a good mix, the question of whether your dog can eat mushrooms is multifaceted.
If your pup enjoys a tasty, store-bought Portobello every so often, it’s not the end of the world in most cases. But always consult your veterinarian first.
At Blue Ridge Naturals, we always recommend sticking to safe treats you know are healthy and delicious for your pup. Our treats have ingredients known to be good for dogs, so you can feel confident in what you’re feeding them. Choose healthy and safe treats to keep your dog happy and healthy!
