Mushrooms are a magical gift from our Mother Earth (even when they aren’t necessarily, ahem, magical). Certain mushrooms carry benefits within them that have been used for centuries for more than just their delicious taste, but rather their healing powers - and not just for humans! Mushrooms contain many components within them that provide individual benefits for specific needs, from brain health to fighting off tumorous cancer cells.

How ‘Shrooms can help promote a healthy, longer life in your dog

One of mushroom's special components, for example, is a type of polysaccharide called beta-glucans. These unique carbohydrates help improve and strengthen your pets immunity. One of the main reasons pup parents have begun supplementing their dog’s diet with mushrooms is for their incredible effects in building cancer resistance and shrinkage of cancerous tumors. As sadly pointed out by Ihor Basko DVM, who specializes in cardiology, orthopedic surgery and internal medicine, over half of adult dogs develop cancer and mushrooms can play an important role in your dog’s cancer prevention plan.

In 2020, Canadian researchers surveyed dog parents online through vets or social media, and found dogs with a cancer diagnosis were more likely to be given mushroom supplements (as well as turmeric) - And with good reason. A landmark study at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine compared cancerous dogs undergoing chemo with those who instead took turkey tail mushrooms - to their surprise, dogs taking chemo treatments live an average of 86 days, while the ‘shrooming dogs lived 199+ days. The effective dose was 100mg turkey tail for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. How amazing is that?!

Top mushrooms strains for your pooch

While there are about 14,000 different species of mushrooms, from a nutritional or medical perspective the number is closer to only 14. Some argue there are a solid six that highlight the group, so let’s take a deep dive into them and how they could benefit your pup:

Chaga

Known as the “king of mushrooms,” Chaga was first discovered growing on trees in Russia and used as an anti-aging agent. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) has the highest antioxidant potential of any mushroom, and its beta-glucans make it especially good for immunity and fighting breast and uterine cancers.

Lion’s Mane

In Chinese medicine, the Lion’s Mane strain has traditionally been used to boost mood, overall cognitive function and fend off depression. It’s also known to support healthy immune function through acting as a general antioxidant for overall health and vitality

Cordyceps

These mushrooms in particular are mainly used to enhance your pup’s endurance because of its ability to improve the availability of oxygen in the blood. Traditional Tibetans and Chinese didn’t know that exactly, but they knew enough to use Cordyceps to help with high-altitude living where the air is thin, and also for stamina, longevity and to keep illness at bay. These special ‘shrooms have antifungal and antibacterial properties, and studies show that cordyceps mushrooms contain antitumor properties that can also protect against liver and heart disease.

*Fun fact about these impressive mushrooms: Wild Cordyceps actually grow on caterpillars! 

Shiitake

These ‘shrooms contain 30 different enzymes, 10 amino acids, and minerals such as calcium, zinc, magnesium and iron. These properties stimulate white blood cells and improve circulation and can also inhibit tumor growth and lower cholesterol, which make them great for treating Cushing’s disease, reducing chemotherapy side effects and even reducing allergy symptoms!

Maitake

The “dancing mushroom” is a popular supplement that has been widely studied and found to inhibit cancer cell growth and even directly kill cancer cells in dogs. The maitake mushroom also shows support to pups with liver problems and managing diabetes.

Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) pops up in a handful of studies in people with cancer to modestly extend lifespan. One study found dogs with cancer left completely untreated survived 86 days. But those treated with 50 mg turkey tail containing PSP (a natural component found in Turkey Tail) survived 117 days, and those taking 100 mg lived 199 days.

“Mushrooms are huge,” says Dr. Silver, an integrative veterinarian and consultant to the nutraceutical industry. “I believe mushrooms, probiotics, antioxidants, and healthy oils should be a part of a daily wellness program for all two-leggeds and four-leggeds.” A mushroom pizza might not do the trick, but in supplement form there’s enough power-packed, health-promoting nutrients to not just maintain good health but also potentially help with The Big C.