Can Dogs Have Turkey Tail Mushrooms? A Guide to the Benefits and Safety

There are many wonderful medicinal mushroom varieties that you can give your dog, but Turkey Tail Mushrooms for dogs tops the list for many reasons, especially when talking about cancer. We love to give the dogs on the farm mushroom supplements because of their numerous health benefits.

But what are medicinal mushrooms in the first place? What do they do? And why are Turkey Tail Mushrooms for dogs so beneficial? Let’s dive in and learn about this amazing fungus!

Turkey tail mushrooms have become increasingly popular as a supplement for dogs in recent years. But what exactly are turkey tail mushrooms, and are they safe for dogs to consume? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about feeding turkey tail mushrooms to dogs.

What Are Turkey Tail Mushrooms?

Turkey tail mushrooms, known scientifically as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, are a type of colorful fungi that grow on dead logs all over the world. They get their name from their resemblance to a turkey’s tail, with brown and cream colored rings.

Unlike other mushrooms, turkey tails grow flat and leaf-like directly on wood, without a stem. They have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and are thought to provide immune support, increase energy, and reduce phlegm. Recently, turkey tail extracts have been studied for their potential cancer-fighting abilities in both humans and dogs.

What Are the Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs?

Preliminary research indicates that turkey tail mushrooms may offer several health benefits for dogs:

Immune Support: Turkey tail is thought to help balance and regulate the immune system. The beta-glucans it contains can stimulate or calm an overactive immune response. This is especially helpful for dogs with autoimmune diseases.
Anti-Cancer Effects Some studies have found turkey tail mushrooms can help fight cancer and increase survival time in dogs with hemangiosarcoma. The polysaccharides PSK and PSP they contain are approved anti-cancer drugs in Asia. More research is still needed, but early findings are promising.
Digestive Aid: The fiber and prebiotics in turkey tails promote good digestion and gut health. This can relieve issues like constipation, gas, and loose stools.
Anti-Yeast Turkey tail mushrooms have natural antifungal properties that help control yeast overgrowth This makes them helpful for dogs prone to ear infections, skin issues, and other yeast-related problems
Chemotherapy Support: PSK in turkey tails may counteract some of the immune-suppressing side effects of chemotherapy in dogs. Human cancer patients taking turkey tail with chemo lived longer in studies.

So while more research still needs to be done, the existing studies on turkey tail mushrooms are very encouraging. The benefits for balancing the immune system and digestion especially show great promise in dogs.

Are Turkey Tail Mushrooms Safe for Dogs?

Yes, turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe for healthy dogs. Turkey tail mushroom supplements formulated specifically for dogs are available. Dogs cannot digest fresh, whole mushrooms well, so supplements or extracts are recommended over giving them raw.

Turkey tail side effects are very rare, but can include mild digestive upset. It is still a good idea to check with your vet before giving any new supplement. They can review your dog’s health history and ensure turkey tail will not interact with any medications your dog takes.

Start with small amounts and monitor your dog after giving them turkey tail mushrooms for the first time. Discontinue use if any negative reaction occurs. As with any supplement, turkey tail should not replace conventional medical treatments without your vet’s guidance.

What is the Correct Turkey Tail Mushroom Dosage for Dogs?

The proper turkey tail mushroom dosage for dogs depends on the specific product and your dog’s size. Follow label instructions for commercial dog supplements containing turkey tail. If giving a human supplement, check the dosage for a 150 lb person then adjust for your dog’s weight. For example, a 15 lb dog would get 1/10th the human dosage.

Ideally, consult your vet on the correct turkey tail dosage for your particular dog. They may recommend specific amounts based on your dog’s health conditions. For example, dogs with cancer often take higher mushroom dosages. Start low then increase slowly to the optimal dosage for your dog. Giving turkey tail mushrooms with meals can help avoid digestive upset.

How to Give Turkey Tail Mushroom Supplements to Dogs

There are several ways to give your dog turkey tail mushrooms:

Powder: Sprinkle turkey tail powder on your dog’s food or mix into something tasty like yogurt or wet food. This is the easiest way to give dogs the supplement.
Capsules: Hide capsules containing turkey tail powder in treats or food. Dogs likely won’t swallow capsules whole. You can also break open capsules and mix the contents into their meals.
Extract: Squirt liquid turkey tail extract into your dog’s food or onto treats. They likely won’t enjoy the taste enough to eat it straight.
Cooked mushrooms: Lightly cook plain turkey tail mushrooms and mix pieces into your dog’s food. Only give dogs cooked mushrooms, never raw.

Always monitor your dog after introducing turkey tail to watch for any digestive issues or allergic reactions. Discontinue use if any discomfort occurs.

Where to Buy Turkey Tail Mushroom Supplements for Dogs

You can find turkey tail mushroom products at health food stores, vitamin shops, and online retailers like Amazon. Look for powder, capsules, or liquid extracts specifically formulated for dogs. Make sure the ingredients contain real turkey tail mushrooms, not just mycelium.

Reputable brands like Mushroom Wisdom, Real Mushrooms, Om Organic Mushroom Nutrition, and Four Sigmatic offer high quality turkey tail supplements suitable for dogs. Ask your vet for a recommendation on the best turkey tail product for your pup.

The Bottom Line: Should You Give Your Dog Turkey Tail Mushrooms?

While research is still limited, the potential health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms for dogs are very promising. Turkey tail appears to be safe for most dogs and serves as an immune booster, digestive aid, and possible cancer fighter. Always check with your vet before starting any new supplement.

When given properly, turkey tail mushroom supplements could be a great addition to your dog’s routine. Turkey tail can help strengthen your dog’s health and potentially protect them from disease. Just be sure to introduce turkey tail slowly and monitor your dog for any side effects. Done right, turkey tail may provide key benefits to keep your dog happy and healthy.

can dogs have turkey tail mushrooms

What are Medicinal Mushrooms?

Medicinal Mushrooms are a type of macroscopic fungus that were first discovered in nature centuries ago and have been used for thousands of years for their health benefits. Only until recently have these benefits been proven in clinical trials and research, but our ancestors already knew they were on to something good. These fungi are rich in several beneficial compounds, most notably beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are a class of polysaccharides (a type of carbohydrate) that promote immune stimulation, especially anti-tumor related immunity. These beta-glucans can be divided into two specific beneficial components: Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide-P (PSP). These two components make up the cell wall of the mushroom and are responsible for the structure of the mushroom itself.

What is Turkey Tail Mushroom?

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is the best-researched medicinal mushroom, with several controlled clinical trials demonstrating its increased long-term survivability in patients with gastrointestinal cancers, and to a lesser degree other cancers, with oral application of concentrated extracts of the fruit bodies and mycelium, particularly PSK and PSP. These commercially produced extracts are often prescribed for treating cancer in Japan. PSK and PSP have demonstrated a wide range of immunological effects in vitro and in vivo, particularly reticuloendothelial system activation, cytokine modulation (IFN-γ production, IL-2 production), enhancement of dendritic cell viability, T-cell maturation, natural killer cell activity, antibody production, and anti-tumor and anticancer effects. The extracts can inhibit carcinogenesis and tumor cell growth by activating cancer cell apoptosis. *

What this means is they stimulate the immune system to fight off disease and depending on the state of the animal, can also suppress certain inappropriate immune responses as well. Therefore mushrooms are called adaptogens; just like cannabis, they have the ability to modulate the immune system. Most standard pharmaceuticals and herbs either boost or suppress the immune system. Immunomodulators are “smart” in that they have the ability to modulate (change) the immune system based on its unique needs.

Medicinal Mushroom for Cancer in Dogs (and Cats)

FAQ

How much turkey tail mushroom can I give my dog?

If you are using the turkey tail bulk powder labeled for human use, give ¼ teaspoon daily for each 10 pounds of body weight. 3. If you use our Mushroom Immune Soft Chews, give 1 soft chew daily for each 10 pounds of body weight to achieve immune benefits for your dog.

Can dogs eat turkey tails?

ARE TURKEY TAILS OK FOR DOGS? Even though you can purchase turkey tails from certain pet retailers, Su advises against giving them to your dog, even as an occasional treat. Not only do turkey tails contain bones, but they are also extremely high in fat.

Are turkey tail mushrooms poisonous?

Before harvesting, be sure you have correctly identified that the mushroom is turkey tail and not a look-alike. Though turkey tail is edible, the texture can be described as tough and leathery. For this reason, wild-harvested turkey tail is usually dried, ground into a powder, and consumed as tea.

Does turkey tail mushroom cause diarrhea in dogs?

While Turkey Tail mushroom is generally considered safe for dogs, it can cause some side effects in some dogs. These can include diarrhea, vomiting, and changes in appetite. If your dog experiences any of these side effects, you should discontinue the use of tail mushrooms and consult your veterinarian.