- Dr. Shalsee Vigeant
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Mushrooms, a common item in cooking (and often found in ‘doggy’ places outdoors), can often stir up curiosity in our canine companions. Before you flip a treat over to your doggo or let them forage when on the walk, remember that while some mushroom varieties are perfectly safe and even healthy for dogs, some mushrooms are toxic.
If your dog is showing symptoms after ingesting a mushroom, call your local VEG animal hospital for advice or bring them right in for prompt ER vet care.
So, should you add mushrooms to your dog’s diet? Let’s dig in!
Which mushrooms are safe for dogs?
Mix up some mushrooms in a pan and they enhance any meal with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. But determining which mushrooms are safe and which are toxic for dogs is a challenge, even for seasoned mycologists (you know, those fun guys and gals who study fungi).
It used to be that mushrooms bought in a supermarket (white button, portobello, cremini, etc.) were generally considered safe for dogs. Organic, and served unseasoned, was preferable. But today, supermarkets have upped their game, with lots of wild and exotic mushroom options. So, making a blanket statement like “grocery store mushrooms are safe” is no longer always the case.
For pet owners, the key to safety lies in understanding that the risks often outweigh the benefits when it comes to feeding wild mushrooms or grocery-store mushrooms to dogs.
6 things to think about before giving a dog mushrooms
What does the mushroom look like?
Looks are deceiving. Many toxic mushrooms closely resemble edible ones. Without expert knowledge, it's nearly impossible to differentiate between them reliably. For instance, the deadly Amanita Phalloides, also known by the friendly nickname of Death Cap, can look strikingly similar to some edible varieties.
What are the markings of poisoning mushrooms?
They don’t grow wearing a villain’s mask. Poisonous mushrooms are incredibly difficult to spot. A common misconception is that certain colors or shapes indicate toxicity. Alas, this is not to be. Toxic mushrooms come in a variety of shapes and colors, just like non-toxic mushrooms.
Where did the mushroom grow?
Habitat can be somewhat of an indicator for poisonous mushrooms. For instance, certain toxic species might be more common in wooded areas or near certain types of trees. Being aware of your local flora and the typical growing spots of dangerous mushrooms can be helpful.
Should you taste a mushroom to find out if it's poisonous?
No. When it comes to determining mushroom toxicity, taste tests are a bad idea! Some might suggest observing a dog's physical reaction to a small piece of mushroom as a test for toxicity. This method is extremely dangerous and should never be used. The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can take hours or even days to appear and can be fatal.
Unsure if it's poisonous?
When in doubt, avoid. The safest approach is to assume that any wild mushroom could be harmful. As mentioned earlier, store-bought mushrooms can also pose risks, especially if they are prepared with harmful additives like onions or garlic.
Consult the mushroom experts
If you find mushrooms in your yard or local walking areas and are unsure of their safety, your best bet is to consult with a mycologist aka mushroom expert.
Before offering any kind of grocery store-bought mushroom to your dog, consult your general practice veterinarian.
Toxic mushrooms every dog owner should know
TOXIC MUSHROOM | COMMON NAME | CHARACTERISTICS | WHY IT'S DANGEROUS |
Amanita phalloides | Death Cap | Smooth olive-green, yellow-green, or tan cap; white gills; white stem with a skirt-like ring; bulbous base enclosed in a cup (volva) | Causes severe liver failure and is often fatal without prompt treatment |
Galerina marginata | Deadly Galerina | Small honey-brown to cinnamon cap; darker center; rusty-brown spores; thin ring on stem; commonly grows on decaying wood | Contains the same deadly toxins as Death Cap mushrooms and can cause liver failure |
Amanita gemmata | Jeweled Deathcap | Pale yellow to cream cap with white wart-like patches; white gills; bulbous base with volva | Can cause neurologic signs, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe poisoning |
Amanita muscaria | Fly Argaric | Bright red, orange, or yellow cap covered with distinctive white spots; white stem and gills | Affects the brain and nervous system, causing tremors, disorientation, seizures, and hallucination-like behaviors |
Gyromitra spp. | False Morel | Irregular, wrinkled, brain-like reddish-brown cap instead of a typical umbrella shape | Can damage the liver and nervous system and may trigger seizures |
Inocybe spp. | Fiber Caps | Small tan to brown cone-shaped caps with fibrous or cracked surfaces; often grow in grassy areas or woods | Contains muscarine, causing excessive drooling, slowed heart rate, breathing problems, and collapse |
Clitocybe dealbata | Fool's Funnel | Small white to cream funnel-shaped cap with decurrent gills that extend down the stem | High muscarine levels can cause severe salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, and shock |
Amanita bisporigera | Destroying Angel | Entirely white mushroom with white gills, white stem, ring, and cup-like base | One of the deadliest mushrooms in North America; causes acute liver failure |
Chlorophyllum molybdites | Green-Spored Parasol | Large white cap with brown scales; green spore print; frequently found in lawns after rain | Causes severe gastrointestinal illness, including repeated vomiting and diarrhea |
Omphalotus illudens | Jack-o'-Lantern | Bright orange mushrooms growing in clusters on stumps or tree roots; resembles chanterelles | Causes significant vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain |
A good rule of thumb
The only truly safe way to prevent mushroom poisoning in dogs is to avoid allowing them to eat wild mushrooms. If your dog does ingest one, don't wait for symptoms to develop. Seek veterinary care immediately. If it's safe to do so, take a photo of the mushroom — or bring a sample in a paper bag — to help veterinarians identify the species and choose the most appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of mushroom toxicity in dogs
Mushroom poisoning in dogs can manifest in various ways, depending on the type of mushroom ingested. Symptoms of mushroom toxicity may not show right away, but be on the lookout for the signs below.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs
It's vital to monitor your pet closely and seek veterinary care, right away. At VEG, our experts are trained to handle all kinds of emergencies with our unique brand of expert care.
What to do if you suspect your dog ate a poisonous mushroom
If you think your dog ate a poisonous mushroom, don’t panic, but act fast. Immediately remove any remaining mushrooms from your dog's reach. Note any symptoms of poisoning and contact veterinary help at VEG immediately. Quick action can make a significant difference in your pet's recovery.
Safe mushrooms for dogs
You might want to err on the side of caution and not feed your dog mushrooms at all. However, in some cases, certain store-bought mushrooms can be a nutritious treat for your dog. They contain proteins, vitamins, and minerals that can be beneficial.
Mushrooms are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a potentially healthful snack. They contain antioxidants, which can support the immune system.
However, it's important to prepare them properly—without any added oil/butter or seasonings. Portion control is important too, as even safe mushrooms can cause stomach upset if eaten in large amounts. And it goes without saying that your dog's primary nutrition should come from high-quality dog food.
If you're looking for safe and healthy alternatives to mushrooms, there are plenty of options. Foods like carrots, green beans, and apples (without seeds) can be great choices. Always consult your primary care veterinarian for advice on safe snacks for your dog.
Mushrooms generally considered safe for dogs
Before your dog eats mushrooms, know which ones are not harmful to your pup!
TYPE OF MUSHROOM | WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE |
White Button | Small white cap with short white stem; the most common grocery store mushroom |
Cremini (Baby Bella) | Light to dark brown cap; similar shape to white button mushrooms |
Portobello | Large, flat, brown cap with dark brown gills underneath |
Shitake | Brown, umbrella-shaped cap with a cream-colored stem; often slightly cracked on top |
Oyster Mushroom | Fan- or oyster-shaped caps growing in clusters; white, gray, or tan |
Maitake (Hen of the Woods) | Large clusters of overlapping gray-brown fronds resembling feathers |
Lion's Mane | White, shaggy, pom-pom-like mushroom with long hanging spines |
Mushroom poison prevention for dogs
There are some things you can do to keep dogs safe from mushroom toxicity:
Regularly inspect your yard, especially after rainy weather, and remove any wild mushrooms.
During walks, keep your dog on a leash and monitor their sniffing and foraging behavior.
Educate yourself about local mushroom species can also be helpful.
Spot the signs? VEG emergency animal hospitals are open 24/7
If you suspect your dog ate poisonous mushrooms, it's always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a veterinary professional at any of our VEG emergency vet hospital locations. We’re here 24/7 with advice and emergency care for your pet. Call anytime and speak with a doctor or bring your pet in. You never have to leave your dog’s side and you can even take part in your mushroom-curious pet’s care!
