At Mush Mush HQ, we are proud parents to 2 fur babies who we would travel to the ends ofthe earth for! Our special relationships with our furry friends are incredibly important, and their health & wellbeing plays a huge role in our pets’ quality of life. We all know that functional mushrooms have incredible health benefits for humans, but did you also know that incorporating medicinal mushrooms into your dog's diet can help to maintain their happiness and wellness?
A range of recent and exciting studies suggest that mushrooms can greatly benefit dogs with numerous health benefits such as boosting the immune system, improving digestive health, and enhancing cognitive function. Read on to find out why medicinal mushrooms are quickly becoming a staple in the diets of dogs and cats everywhere!
Join us and learn about the health benefits of functional mushroom for pets!
Are Functional Mushrooms Safe for Pets?
Medicinal mushrooms offer a wealth of nutritional and medicinal benefits that can help your
furry friend reach their optimal health. However, it's important to remember that not all mushrooms are created equal. Some mushrooms can be toxic and dangerous to dogs if consumed.
It's crucial to properly identify the type of mushroom before giving it to your pet. Just like you wouldn't eat a wild mushroom without knowing its species and properties, you should avoid giving them to your pet as well. The best course of action is to purchase mushrooms from a reliable and trustworthy source to ensure that your fur baby is eating quality product sourced correctly.
We always recommend that it’s best to consult with a veterinarian before giving any new supplement to your pet, including medicinal mushrooms. They can help determine if a specific type of mushroom is safe for your pet, and what the appropriate dosage should be based on their size, age, and health concerns.
WHICH TYPE OF MUSHROOM ARE PAW-FECT FOR PET?
Research has shown that functional mushrooms including Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey.T, and Reishi, can have a positive impact on pets struggling with various illnesses, as well as act as a preventative for future sickness. These particular mushrooms work to improve the overall health of our furry friend’s immune system function while containing potent targeted health benefits in each specific shroom.
REISHI MUSHROOM FOR PETS:
Anti-InflammatoryStudies have found that Reishi mushrooms contain compounds like beta-glucans and triterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, and antioxidant effects. This makes Reishi a potentially useful supplement for pets with autoimmune diseases, cancer, or other conditions that involve chronic inflammation, acting as a soothing pain relief.
Heart HealthExcitingly, Reishi has also been shown to have a positive impact on our furry friend’s heart health. One study found that Reishi mushroom extract reduced oxidative stress and improved blood pressure and heart rate in dogs with heart disease, indicating that Reishi may help support heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease in cats and dogs!
Stress and AnxietyAny pet owner knows how badly our pets can stress out during storms or when separated from us. Reishi mushrooms have been shown to have a calming effect on the body and mind, which may help reduce this anxiety in pets. This effect is due to Reishi’s strong presence of compounds like beta glucans and triterpenes which have been shown to have a sedative and anxiolytic effect.
Improved SleepIs your pet fidgeting and restless at night?Studies have found that Reishi mushrooms can improve sleep and reduce anxiety in animal models. For example, one study found that Reishi extract reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality in rats with anxiety and insomnia, while another study found that Reishi extract reduced anxiety and depression in mice with chronic stress.
CORDYCEPS MUSHROOM FOR PETS:
Cardiovascular Strength:Cordyceps mushrooms contain compounds that may help support heart function and improve blood flow. Recent studies have shown Cordyceps to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure and cholesterol levels in animals. One study in rats found that cordyceps improved blood pressure and heart function in animals with heart disease, while a second study in mice found that cordyceps reduced total cholesterol levels and improved blood flow in animals with high cholesterol.
Energy and Endurance:Does your dog love to run and play at the park? Cordyceps is the paw-fect match for you!The presence of cordycepin and other bioactive compounds found in the mushrooms give your pet a healthy energy kick, maximising their oxygen intake. One study conducted in mice found that cordyceps improved endurance during physical activity, and another study in rats showed Cordyceps improved exercise performance and increased physical endurance.
Liver Health:Studies have shown that cordyceps can help prevent liver damage and improve liver functionby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, two major factors that contribute to liverinjury in humans and animals. Research has shown that cordyceps supplementation reducedoxidative stress and improved liver function in animals with liver damage, with another studyin rats showing that cordyceps reduced liver injury caused by toxic chemicals.
LION'S MANE MUSHROOM FOR PETS:
Pain Management:Lion's Mane has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which work to reduce inflammation in dogs with conditions such as arthritis or weak joints. In a study conducted on dogs with osteoarthritis, it was found that those who were given Lion's Mane supplements had a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in mobility.
Focus and Brain Health:
About to train your pet with some new tricks? Studies have found that Lions Mane supplementation can help improve cognitive function in animals, including dogs. For example, a study conducted in mice found that Lions Mane mushrooms improved memory and learning ability, as well as reduced oxidative stress in the brain. Another study found that mushroom supplementation reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in animals – perfect for separation stress!
TURKEY.T MUSHROOM FOR PETS:
Cancer Assistance:Turkey.T mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which can help to stimulate the immune system and improve overall health. A study conducted on dogs with lymphoma found that those who were given Turkey.T supplements had an improvement in the overall quality of life and a reduction in the progression of their cancer.
Cancer Prevention:Turkey.T has been found to have anti-cancer properties, which may help prevent thedevelopment of cancer in pets. Some studies have found that Turkey.T can help inhibit thegrowth of cancer cells and improve the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments.
Improved Gut Health:Turkey.T has been found to have beneficial effects on digestive health, which can helpimprove overall gut health and prevent digestive issues in pets. It has been shown to promotethe growth of beneficial gut bacteria which help maintain the balance of gut flora in our pet’stummies.
SHIITAKE MUSHROOM FOR PETS:
Immuno-Support:Shiitake is the king of the immune system. One study published in the Journal of Animal Science and Technology found that supplementing dog's diets with Shiitake mushrooms led to a significant increase in the activity of white blood cells, which play a key role in the immune system.
Antioxidant Boost:The antioxidant properties of shiitake mushrooms have been extensively studied in both animals and humans, with several studies indicating their potential benefits for pet health. For example, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2002 found that Shiitake mushrooms contain high levels of antioxidants, specifically ergosterol and ergosterol peroxide, which can protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage.
MAITAKE MUSHROOM FOR PETS:
Increased T-Cell Growth:When our pet ingests Maitake mushrooms, the beta-glucans in the mushrooms interact withthe immune system, specifically the macrophages and natural killer cells, which thenstimulate the production of T-cells. This leads to an increase in the number and activity of T-cells, enhancing our furry friends’ ability to fight off infections and diseases.
Healthy Skin, Coat & Nails:One of the key nutrients found in Maitake mushrooms is biotin, a B-vitamin that plays acrucial role in maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails. Biotin is involved in the productionof keratin, a protein that makes up the structure of hair, nails, and paws. A deficiency ofbiotin can lead to brittle nails, dry skin, and dull hair coat, but supplementing with biotin-richfoods like Maitake mushrooms can help keep your pet looking gorgeous!
Important Reminder
While functional mushrooms can be very beneficial for our pets, it is always best to consultwith your trusted veterinarian before giving any supplements to your pet. Your vet will beable to recommend the appropriate dosage and advise of any potential interactions with othermedications your pet may be taking.
IN SUMMARY:
Our pets are our best friends and it’s only natural that we want the most for them and their wellbeing. Functional mushrooms can be an incredible, natural, and effective way to improve the health of our canine and feline companions. Whether your fur baby is struggling with a specific illness or just in need of a boost to their overall health, incorporating functional mushrooms into their diet can help to improve their vitality, improve specific health concerns, and ensure you both get the most out of life together.
Easily mixed into food or water, your furry pal won’t have any issues with the taste or texture of our 100% organic and quality certified super blends – we mix ours into our fur babies’ wet food and they are none the wiser! We only use top quality mushroom extracts in our super blends and can guarantee that you and your pet are consuming the exact same grade of shrooms!
Check out our recommended MultiMush super blend here, already being enjoyed by cats and dogs across Australia.
Also, check out our other fung-ducational resources on our blog to learn more about the magical world of mushrooms.
Thanks for taking the time to read and give your pets a cuddle from us!