Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

If your dog has ever sniffed around your kitchen while you’re preparing a meal, you’ve probably wondered: can dogs eat mushrooms?

The answer is: it depends on the type of mushroom.

Some mushrooms commonly found in grocery stores, like plain white button mushrooms, can be safe for dogs when prepared properly. However, wild mushrooms can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening because many toxic varieties look similar to safe ones.

Because it’s nearly impossible to identify wild mushrooms with certainty, the safest choice is to prevent your pup from eating any mushrooms they find outdoors.

Let’s break down what pup parents need to know about mushrooms and dogs.

Are Mushrooms Safe for Dogs?

It depends on the type of mushroom. Certain edible mushrooms, such as shiitake mushrooms, can be safe for dogs when they are properly prepared and included as part of a balanced diet.

Common edible mushrooms that may be safe for dogs include:

• Shiitake mushrooms
• White button mushrooms
• Cremini mushrooms
• Portobello mushrooms

However, if you choose to offer your dog mushrooms as an occasional treat, they should always be served plain, cooked, and without added ingredients.

Avoid mushrooms prepared with ingredients commonly found in human recipes, including:

• Garlic
• Onion
• Butter
• Heavy oils
• Excess salt
• Seasonings

These ingredients can be harmful to dogs, even if the mushroom itself is safe.

🐶Top 5 Most Toxic Foods for Dogs (That Every Dog Owner Should Know) | Pupford 

It’s also important to remember that wild mushrooms are a completely different concern. Many toxic mushroom varieties look similar to safe ones, making them difficult to identify. Dogs should never be allowed to eat mushrooms they find outdoors.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Mushrooms?

While a small amount of plain raw mushroom is unlikely to cause serious problems for most dogs, cooked mushrooms are the better choice.

Cooking helps break down some of the compounds found in mushrooms and makes them easier for dogs to digest.

Raw mushrooms may also be harder for some dogs to digest and could lead to:

• Upset stomach
• Gas
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

As with any new food, introduce mushrooms slowly and watch your dog for any signs of digestive discomfort.

Can Dogs Eat Wild Mushrooms?

No. Dogs should never eat wild mushrooms.

Wild mushrooms are one of the biggest concerns when it comes to mushroom safety because many toxic varieties can look nearly identical to harmless ones.

Some poisonous mushrooms can cause serious health issues, including:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Liver failure
• Death

Even experienced mushroom foragers can have difficulty identifying certain species, so it’s best not to take chances with your pup’s health.

When walking, hiking, or exploring outdoors, keep an eye out for mushrooms growing in:

• Parks
• Backyards
• Forests
• Hiking trails
• Areas with decaying leaves or mulch

If your dog is curious about things they find outside, teaching cues like “leave it” and “drop it” can help prevent accidental ingestion.

❤️How to Teach a Dog to Leave It: 5 Steps with Videos | Pupford 

Are Mushrooms in Dog Food Safe?

You may notice that some dog foods include mushrooms as an ingredient. This is different from your dog eating a random mushroom they find outside.

Certain edible mushrooms, like shiitake mushrooms, can be safely incorporated into complete and balanced dog foods when they are intentionally selected, prepared, and formulated as part of a recipe.

For example, Pupford Good Dog Food includes shiitake mushrooms as part of its whole-food ingredient blend. These mushrooms are combined with nutrient-rich ingredients like organ meats, fruits, and vegetables to create a balanced recipe for dogs.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats a Mushroom?

If your dog eats a mushroom, try not to panic. The most important step is determining what type of mushroom they ate.

If it was a store-bought mushroom:

A small amount of plain, cooked mushroom is unlikely to cause issues for most healthy dogs. Monitor your pup for any signs of stomach upset.

If it was a wild mushroom:

Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison hotline as soon as possible.

If you can, take a photo of the mushroom or bring a sample (without risking exposure) to help with identification.

Signs of mushroom poisoning may include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Wobbling or difficulty walking
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Symptoms can appear quickly, but some toxic mushrooms may cause delayed symptoms, so it’s important not to wait if you suspect your dog ate a wild mushroom.

Are Mushrooms Healthy for Dogs?

Certain edible mushrooms contain nutrients like:

• Fiber
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Antioxidants

However, mushrooms are not necessary for a dog’s diet. Dogs get the nutrients they need from a complete and balanced diet formulated specifically for them.

If you’re looking to add more fruits & veggies to your dogs’ diet to use a reward for your pup, consider options like:

• Carrots
• Blueberries
• Pumpkin
• Plain cooked sweet potato
• High-quality dog treats made with simple ingredients

For training, treats made specifically for dogs are often the best option because they’re designed to be safe, nutritious, and easy to use during frequent rewards.

🐕Shop our full line of training treat options!

Can Dogs Eat Mushroom Soup?

No, dogs should not eat most mushroom soups.

Even if the mushrooms themselves are safe, mushroom soup often contains ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, such as:

• Onion
• Garlic
• High amounts of sodium
• Dairy or heavy cream

A small accidental lick may not cause a problem, but mushroom soup should not be intentionally fed to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms From Pizza?

No, dogs should not eat mushrooms from pizza.

Pizza toppings often include ingredients that are unsafe for dogs, including:

• Garlic
• Onion
• Excess fat
• High levels of salt

A plain mushroom is very different from a mushroom covered in pizza ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my dog eats a mushroom?

It depends on the type of mushroom. A plain grocery-store mushroom may only cause mild stomach upset, while a toxic wild mushroom can cause serious illness. If your dog eats a wild mushroom, contact your veterinarian.

Can dogs eat cooked mushrooms?

Dogs can eat plain cooked mushrooms that are safe for humans, such as white button mushrooms, when served in moderation. Avoid mushrooms cooked with garlic, onion, butter, or seasonings.

Are mushrooms poisonous to dogs?

Some mushrooms are poisonous to dogs. Wild mushrooms are the biggest concern because many toxic varieties can look like safe mushrooms.

Can dogs eat mushroom stems?

Plain mushroom stems from edible grocery-store mushrooms are generally safe for dogs, but they should be cooked and served without seasonings.

Should I let my dog eat mushrooms outside?

No. Dogs should not eat mushrooms they find outdoors because wild mushrooms may be toxic and difficult to identify.

Recap: Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

Yes, dogs can eat some mushrooms, but only certain types.

Plain, cooked edible mushrooms may be safe for dogs in moderation, while wild mushrooms should always be avoided. Because many toxic mushrooms look similar to safe varieties, the best way to protect your pup is to prevent them from eating mushrooms they find outdoors.

If you introduce any new food into your dog’s diet, start with a small amount and monitor for signs of digestive upset or an unusual reaction. And when it comes to everyday rewards, choose treats and foods made specifically for dogs to ensure they’re getting safe, nutritious ingredients that support their overall health.