Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

Dogs can eat mushrooms, especially those you buy from your local farmer’s market or supermarket! Think portobello mushrooms, white mushrooms, or even shiitake. But please don’t give your dog any wild mushrooms or anything you pick yourself in the woods. I know there are mushroom experts among you readers, but I’m not one of them, so the best and only safe advice I can give you is to stick to mushrooms that undergo quality control!

Mushrooms are great, healthy, full of protein, and amazing for cooking and experimenting with recipes. When it comes to our dogs, they don’t really need mushrooms in their diets, and they don’t need them for extra anti-inflammatory properties or as an additional protein source since dogs get their complete nutrition from their dog food. So, don’t force mushrooms, please, just because they’re healthy.

If you never give your dog mushrooms, that’s absolutely fine. But if your dog loves them, it’s also fine to share. Just make sure to cook mushrooms without salt, cream, or too many seasonings, as these can upset your dog’s stomach.

Raw vs. cooked mushrooms — which ones are best for dogs?

I personally don’t know anyone who eats raw mushrooms, even though they are technically not toxic (well, some of them aren’t). But I know what it’s like to have a curious dog that likes to steal food, so for the sake of that, let’s break down this section!

Can dogs eat raw mushrooms?

They can, but they shouldn’t. While raw mushrooms are safe for dogs, they are hard to digest, the fiber is tough to break down, and there’s always a risk of choking for small dogs. But if your dog eats some raw mushrooms, don’t worry — they will be fine. The worst thing that can happen is an upset stomach due to all the fiber that’s hard to process, so you might notice some bloating, gas, or occasionally vomiting and diarrhea.

What about cooked mushrooms?

Cooked mushrooms are absolutely the best way to eat mushrooms. They are safe, easy to digest, and very soft, which makes them easy to chew. That means you don’t have to worry about choking.

Cooking also makes mushrooms taste amazing, especially if you’re cooking oyster mushrooms or shiitake (two of my favorites!). Cooking reduces the chance of bacteria, and washing them beforehand removes any pesticides.

When it comes to cooking, please don’t share your favorite mushroom recipes with dogs. I personally adore cream, butter, and lots of garlic and pepper, but all of these ingredients are hard for dogs to handle because they have sensitive stomachs. So don’t share the cream of mushroom soup, fried mushrooms, or anything that has lots of fat or garlic with your dog.

I sometimes make “oven-baked” grilled veggies and add mushrooms to the mix. Plain mushrooms from the oven can be okay to share, so if you want to give some to your dog, you can try this. However, as I mentioned above, mushrooms are not necessary for your dog’s health, so you don’t really have to give them any.

What kind of mushrooms are good for dogs?

The best mushrooms are the most popular ones, like portobello and regular button mushrooms you buy from the supermarket. The more common, the better. Some mushrooms can be a bit bitter, rubbery, hard to chew, or difficult to digest, so it’s really important to pay attention to what you buy and what you share with your dog.

With some mushrooms, you need to be extra careful, especially if you buy them for medicinal purposes, like mushroom supplements, as they should be kept out of your dog’s reach.

Mushrooms can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, but they’re not something your dog really needs. Dogs get complete nutrition from their dog food, so mushrooms are not necessary. However, mushrooms are healthy because they contain antioxidants and can have a positive effect on immune health.

Here’s a list of common mushrooms, how easy they are to digest, and how they’re usually prepared:

• White button mushrooms, button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms — These are the most popular mushrooms that you’ll find everywhere, from your favorite pizza to cream of mushroom soup. They can be cooked in a million ways and are the safest ones for dogs since they are easy to digest, taste great, and are not hard on the stomach. So dogs can eat portobello mushrooms as long as you don’t cook them with lots of fat, salt, or seasonings that can upset them.
• Crimini mushrooms or baby bella — Crimini mushrooms are younger portobellos, which is why they’re sometimes called baby bella mushrooms. They are easy to prepare, easy to digest, and safe for dogs.
• Shiitake mushrooms — Shiitake mushrooms are delicious and quite pricey, but they are worth every penny! They have an amazingly rich flavor and are super chewy, making them great in stir-fries and homemade Chinese-style dishes. These mushrooms pair well with peanut butter and soy sauce, but please don’t share these with your dog, as soy sauce is way too high in sodium. However, dogs can eat plain, cooked shiitake mushrooms. If your dog eats some, they will be fine, as they are healthy, tasty, and easy to digest.
• Oyster mushrooms — These are my second favorite mushrooms, which I used to grow in my cold balcony pantry! They have a velvety texture and a distinct taste, something between portobello mushrooms and a subtle sweetness. They take a bit longer to cook, so make sure they are well-cooked. They are great in beef stews and soups, but these dishes are not ideal for dogs. If your dog eats something that contains oyster mushrooms, don’t worry, as they are safe for dogs.
• Morel mushrooms — WILD MUSHROOM WARNING — Morel mushrooms are wild mushrooms that taste great and have a beautiful honeycomb texture, but they are not safe for dogs. These delicacies are often found at farmers’ markets and high-end restaurants. They are expensive, hard to grow, and have toxic doppelgängers, so don’t experiment with them at home or share them with your dog.
• Lion’s mane mushrooms — Dogs can eat lion’s mane mushrooms, but only if you buy them from a supermarket or farmers’ market with certifications. These mushrooms are known for their brain-boosting properties, but research is still limited. Lion’s mane mushrooms are usually eaten with heavy seasonings and are very expensive. If your dog eats some plain, cooked lion’s mane, nothing bad will happen, but they don’t need it. By the way, picking wild lion’s mane is illegal, so don’t experiment with that!
• Turkey tail mushrooms — NOT EDIBLE — These mushrooms are not toxic but are so tough and hard that no one eats them fresh. They are usually consumed in extracts or supplements, but dogs should not have these or eat turkey tail mushrooms.
• Enoki mushrooms — These thin, crunchy mushrooms are often found in Asian markets and used in soups or stir-fries. They have a mild, nutty flavor and should always be cooked thoroughly, as raw enoki mushrooms have been linked to listeria outbreaks. Don’t share enoki mushrooms with your dog, but if they eat some cooked ones, they are safe.
• Wood ear mushrooms — WILD MUSHROOM WARNING — These famous wild mushrooms from Tibet are usually sold dried. They have a chewy, rubbery texture and are not toxic but are difficult for dogs to digest. It’s best not to share these with your dog.
• Chaga mushrooms — NOT EDIBLE — This traditional medicinal mushroom is not eaten fresh or cooked. It’s commonly found as a tea or in powdered form. Dogs should not consume chaga mushrooms or any medicinal mushroom supplements.
• Chanterelle mushrooms — These bright, fancy mushrooms are safe to eat if purchased from a reputable source. They have a fruity, peppery flavor and are usually sautéed with garlic and butter, which isn’t ideal for dogs. However, plain, cooked chanterelle mushrooms are safe and easy to digest for dogs.
• Reishi mushrooms — NOT EDIBLE — These mushrooms are known for their medicinal properties and are typically consumed as a supplement in powder or pill form. They can cause digestive issues if eaten fresh or improperly prepared. While not toxic, they are not recommended for dogs.
• Maitake mushrooms — These are another popular medicinal mushroom that is safe for dogs. They are known for managing diabetes and hypertension and are easy to cook and digest.
• Puffball mushrooms — WILD MUSHROOM WARNING — These mushrooms grow in fields and are safe to eat if properly identified. They have a soft, spongy texture, but it’s essential to ensure they don’t have any green parts or toxic look-alikes. Dogs might pick these up outdoors, so it’s important to recognize them to prevent accidental ingestion of harmful mushrooms.

The best and safest mushrooms for dogs

Mushroom Name	Safe to Eat Raw?	Health Benefits
White button mushrooms	Yes, but can cause digestive issues; better cooked.	Rich in antioxidants and low-calorie.
Button mushrooms	Yes, but better cooked for easier digestion.	Provides vitamins and antioxidants.
Portobello mushrooms	Yes, but may cause stomach upset; better cooked.	Good source of potassium and fiber.
Crimini mushrooms	Yes, but cooking makes them easier to digest.	Contains antioxidants and essential nutrients.
Shiitake mushrooms	No, should be cooked to avoid digestive issues.	Supports immune health and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Maitake mushrooms	No, should be cooked to ensure safety.	Known for managing diabetes and boosting immune health.

Can dogs eat magic mushrooms?

NO! Dogs should never eat magic mushrooms. These mushrooms, known for their hallucinogenic properties, have a compound called psilocybin, which is highly toxic to dogs. This is a neurotoxin, that’s how they’re magical! Magic mushrooms can cause severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, disorientation, seizures, and even life-threatening complications.

Magic mushrooms are not just dangerous—they can be deadly for dogs. Even a small amount can lead to serious health issues, so it’s crucial to act fast. Keep these mushrooms far out of reach, and ensure your dog doesn’t have access to areas where they might grow.

When in doubt, contact your vet or a poison control hotline right away. Time is critical!

How to recognize mushroom poisoning in dogs

Mushroom poisoning in dogs can look very different depending on the type of mushroom they’ve eaten. Some signs will be there, like vomiting and diarrhea, but you can never tell. The tricky part? Some symptoms show up quickly, within 30 minutes, while others take hours or even days to appear. Here’s what to watch for:

1. Gastrointestinal distress — Vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration are common signs, especially if your dog has eaten mushrooms with gastrointestinal toxins. These symptoms can start as soon as 15 minutes after eating or take up to 6 hours to appear.
2. Liver failure — Some mushrooms, like the deadly Amanita species (commonly called death caps), affect the liver. Symptoms might not show up for 6-24 hours, starting with mild vomiting and diarrhea. Your dog may seem to improve temporarily, but liver failure progresses quickly. Signs include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), weakness, and lethargy.
3. Kidney damage — Mushrooms with nephrotoxins target the kidneys. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and dehydration might take days or even a week to show up, by which time the damage is often irreversible.
4. Neurological symptoms — Some mushrooms, including hallucinogenic “magic mushrooms,” can cause fast-acting neurological effects. Symptoms include disorientation, tremors, seizures, vocalizations, and even hallucinations. These effects can appear within 30 minutes or up to 6 hours after ingestion.

What to do if you suspect mushroom poisoning

If you think your dog has eaten a toxic mushroom, act fast. Call your vet immediately, even if your dog seems fine. Some toxins have delayed effects, and early treatment can make a huge difference.

If you can, collect a sample of the mushroom your dog ate. Wrap it in a damp paper towel (not plastic) to preserve it, or take a detailed photo showing the gills, cap, and stem. This will help your vet identify the mushroom and determine the right treatment.

Prevention is the best cure! Always assume that wild mushrooms are harmful, and check your yard regularly. Dogs are curious by nature, but keeping mushrooms out of their reach is the best way to protect them.

If you want to give your dog something healthy with lots of vitamins and nutrients, check out some of these veggies:

• Carrots are great for dogs’ dental health.
• Celery is hydrating for dogs and helps make their breath smell fresh.
• Cucumbers are safe for dogs and make a great low-calorie snack.
• Peppers are one of the best vegetables for dogs as they have the most nutrients.
• Zucchini is perfect for dogs as it’s easy to digest.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat canned mushrooms?

Yes, dogs can eat canned mushrooms, so if they grabbed some, don’t worry—they are safe to consume. The only danger is if the canned mushrooms contain a lot of salt or seasonings, as some canned products do. Check the label, and if there’s a lot of sodium in your canned mushrooms, make sure your dog drinks plenty of water.

Can dogs eat fried mushrooms?

While fried mushrooms are not toxic to dogs, too much fat is not good for their system and can cause digestive discomfort. Also, if you’re making fried mushrooms for yourself, you’re probably using salt, pepper, and other seasonings, and all of these can upset your dog’s stomach.

Can dogs eat psychedelic mushrooms?

Absolutely not! Psychedelic mushrooms are highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe neurological symptoms like disorientation, tremors, and seizures. If your dog eats psychedelic mushrooms, CALL YOUR VET immediately.

Can dogs eat mushrooms and onions?

No, dogs should not eat mushrooms cooked with onions. Onions are toxic in large amounts, so while your cooking might not contain enough to cause immediate harm, remember that onions can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs.

Can dogs eat deep-fried mushrooms?

No! Deep-fried mushrooms are not toxic, but they are really bad for dogs. The batter, oil, and seasonings can irritate your dog’s stomach and, in the long run, cause health issues.