Mushroom broth is one of those quietly powerful additions to a dog’s bowl without the histamines in bone broth. It’s simple. It’s gentle. And when done right, it can support hydration, appetite, and overall wellness - without turning your dog’s diet into a complicated supplement stack.
But like anything in holistic nutrition, how you use it matters.
Let’s break it all down - no fear-mongering, no woo, just practical guidance you can actually use.
What Is Mushroom Broth?
Mushroom broth is made by simmering dog-safe mushrooms in plain water to extract water-soluble compounds.
For dogs, it must always be:
Unsalted
Free of onion, leeks, and chives
Made with store-bought culinary or functional mushrooms (never foraged unless you know what you’re doing)
Think of mushroom broth as a hydration + functional topper, not a complete meal.
Why Add Mushroom Broth to Your Dog’s Diet?
1. Supports hydration
Many dogs don’t drink enough water - especially seniors, picky eaters, and dogs eating mostly dry food. Broth increases fluid intake without forcing it.
2. Boosts meal appeal
Warm broth over food can take the chill off cold food, add nutrients to a meal, and tempt a picky eater.
3. Gentle functional support
Certain mushrooms contain beta-glucans and antioxidants that support immune balance, gut health, and cellular health when used appropriately.
Important note: functional mushrooms can interact with some medications. Always use conservatively and loop in your vet if your dog is on meds.
The Best Mushrooms for Dog-Safe Broth (and Why)
The best everyday blend for most dogs is Shiitake + Turkey Tail + Lion’s Mane. You can find fresh mushrooms at Farmer’s Markets (from foragers), ethnic markets, and organic grocery stores and co-ops.
Based on my research, here’s more information about five common functional mushrooms.
Turkey Tail
Why it works: dries well, simmers well, commonly used in functional blends
Benefits: immune modulation, antioxidant support
Shiitake
Why it works: easy to find, rich aroma, excellent “gateway” mushroom
Benefits: beta-glucans, antioxidant support
Maitake
Why it works: great for longer simmers
Benefits: immune and metabolic support
Lion’s Mane
Why it works: mild flavor, blends well with other mushrooms
Benefits: cognitive and nervous system support
Use caution with dogs on blood-thinning meds
Reishi
Why it works: traditionally brewed as tea or broth
Benefits: stress modulation, immune balance
Not ideal for daily use in all dogs; avoid before surgery or with certain meds
Mushroom Broth vs Bone Broth: Which Is Better?
Mushroom Broth — Pros
Very low fat
Gentle on sensitive stomachs
Great hydration support
Low histamine levels
Mushroom Broth — Cons
Benefits depend on mushroom choice and consistency
Possible medication interactions
Bone Broth — Pros
Extremely palatable
Contains collagen and gelatin
Helpful for picky or sick dogs
Bone Broth — Cons
Can be too rich for some dogs
Store-bought versions often contain onion, garlic, or excess sodium
Dog-Safe Mushroom Broth Recipes
Recipe 1: Everyday Gentle Broth
Best for: picky eaters, daily hydration
Ingredients
6–8 cups water
1 cup cremini or baby bella mushrooms
4–6 dried shiitake mushrooms
Did you know cremini and baby bella mushrooms are actually the same mushrooms - just at different stages of development?
These mushrooms are nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods that provide B vitamins to support energy metabolism, selenium for antioxidant and immune support, and copper for red blood cell formation and connective tissue health.
They also contain beta-glucans, which help support immune balance and gut health. When lightly cooked or used in broth, they’re gentle, low-histamine options that add flavor and functional support without adding fat or excess calories.
Stovetop: Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes. Strain and cool.
Instant Pot: High pressure for 20 minutes, natural release. Strain and cool.
Recipe 2: Functional Trio Broth
Best for: immune + cognitive support
Ingredients
6–8 cups water
2 tbsp dried turkey tail
1 tbsp dried lion’s mane
4 dried shiitake
Stovetop: Simmer 60–90 minutes. Strain.
Instant Pot: High pressure for 30 minutes, natural release. Strain.
Recipe 3: Calm & Cozy Broth
Best for: occasional calming support
Ingredients
6–8 cups water
1–2 tbsp dried reishi
4 dried shiitake
Stovetop: Simmer 90 minutes. Strain.
Instant Pot: High pressure for 30 minutes, natural release. Strain.
How to Feed Mushroom Broth to Dogs
Best Uses
As a meal topper over dog food to add hydration or remove the chill
As a hydration snack between meals (not a complete meal on its own)
To soften food for seniors
Dosage by Weight (Conservative & Safe)
Dog Weight | Daily Amount |
|---|---|
Up to 10 lb | 1–2 tsp |
10–25 lb | 1–2 tbsp |
25–50 lb | 2–4 tbsp |
50–75 lb | ¼ cup |
75–100 lb | ¼–½ cup |
Start low. Increase slowly. Watch stools.
How Often?
Start: 3–4x/week
Daily use is fine for gentle broths
Functional blends: consider cycling (4–8 weeks on, then a break)
Adding Mushrooms to Bone Broth
I add functional mushrooms to my bone broth, along with turmeric root, ginger root, and other herbs. I typically use oysters, cremini, and shiitake mushrooms. Sometimes, I try something I can pick up at a local ethnic store: enoki, porcini, and king oyster.
I like to bake the mushrooms for 20-30 minutes at 350-375°F (175-190°C), then add them to the bone broth as it cools.
When the bone broth is cool (which takes several hours), I strain the bones, meat, herbs, and mushrooms from the broth before transferring it to jars. Sometimes, if I can, I leave the mushrooms IN the broth.