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What Are Functional Mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms are special kinds of mushrooms that do more than just taste good — they support overall health. You might also hear them called medicinal mushrooms, but there’s a small difference between the two:
Functional mushrooms help with general wellness, brain health, and immune support.
Medicinal mushrooms are used in herbal medicine to help manage or treat specific health conditions.
All medicinal mushrooms are functional, but not all functional mushrooms are used as medicine.
Humans have been using mushrooms for over 4,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and other healing systems around the world. Mushrooms have always been more than food — they’re nature’s medicine in disguise.
Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium
When you shop for mushroom supplements, you’ll see two common words: fruiting body and mycelium.
Fruiting Body: This is the part of the mushroom you see above ground — the cap and stem. It’s what you’d cook or eat. Fruiting bodies contain most of the good stuff, like antioxidants and beta-glucans.
Mycelium: This is like the mushroom’s root system that grows underground. It’s important for growth but not as nutrient-rich. Many companies grow it on grains (like rice or oats), which can water down the benefits.
For the best results, choose supplements made from 100% fruiting body that clearly list their beta-glucan content.
Powders vs. Tinctures
There are two main types of mushroom supplements for dogs:
Powders – Mushrooms are dried and ground up. They mix easily into food and stay fresh for a long time.
Recommended brands: Real Mushrooms and Earth Buddy PetTinctures – These are liquid extracts made by soaking mushrooms in alcohol or hot water. Alcohol tinctures can pull out extra compounds, like triterpenes.
Recommended brand: MycoDog and Adored Beast Apothecary
Tip: Powders are great for everyday use, while tinctures can help target specific health needs like inflammation or immune issues. Many dog parents use both.
How Mushrooms Are Grown
The way mushrooms are grown affects how nutritious they are:
Log-grown (best) – Grown on logs or sawdust, just like in nature. Most nutrient-rich.
Grain-grown mycelium (weaker) – Mycelium is grown on grains, which dilutes nutrients.
Liquid culture (moderate) – Mycelium is grown in a nutrient liquid. Good for mass production, but less potent.
Best choice: Log-grown, fruiting body extracts.
Common Functional Mushrooms and Their Benefits
Mushroom | TCM Energy | Main Benefits |
|---|---|---|
Chaga | Neutral to Cooling | Powerful antioxidant, supports immune health, reduces inflammation, helps skin and metabolism. |
Cordyceps | Warming | Boosts energy, supports lungs, kidneys, and immune system. |
Lion’s Mane | Neutral to Cooling | Improves brain health, memory, and nerve repair; supports the gut. |
Maitake | Cooling | Helps regulate the immune system and weight. |
Reishi | Slightly Warming | Calming, supports heart, liver, and immune system. |
Shiitake | Warming | Supports immune and gut health. |
Tremella | Neutral to Cooling | Helps skin, immune system, and hydration. |
Turkey Tail | Neutral | Strong immune support, helps fight cancer cells. |
*TCM Energy Source: The Herbal Dog by Rita Hogan, C.H.
The Power of Ergothioneine
Ergothioneine (ERGO) is a special antioxidant found in certain mushrooms. Dogs (and humans) can’t make it themselves, but their bodies recognize it as important. It acts like a bodyguard that protects cells from stress, toxins, and aging.
Benefits for dogs:
Fights cell damage from stress and aging
Supports brain, heart, and liver health
Improves energy production in cells
May help dogs live longer and stay healthier
Mushrooms highest in ergothioneine:
Oyster mushrooms
King Trumpet (King Oyster)
Shiitake
Maitake
Porcini
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, mushrooms rich in ergothioneine are considered neutral to slightly cooling, which makes them good for most dogs all year round — especially those with inflammation or allergies.
Why Give Mushrooms Twice a Day
The helpful compounds in mushrooms (like beta-glucans and ergothioneine) don’t stay in the body for long because they’re water-soluble. The body uses what it needs and removes the rest.
That’s why giving mushrooms twice a day — once in the morning and once at night — works better than one big serving. This keeps your dog’s immune system and energy levels balanced all day long.
How to Feed Fresh Mushrooms to Dogs
Dogs can’t digest raw mushrooms easily, so cooking helps unlock the nutrients. Try:
Lightly sautéing in water or bone broth (skip butter or oil)
Baking or dehydrating for chewable treats
Simmering into broth for immune support
Possible Side Effects
Functional mushrooms are generally safe, but it’s good to know:
Too much can cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
Some mushrooms might interact with prescription meds.
Never feed wild mushrooms — many are toxic and can cause liver failure.
My Favorite Mushroom Supplements for Dogs
I’ve tested many brands, and these are the ones I trust the most. They all use fruiting body extracts and are transparent about their ingredients.
Mushrooms: Turkey Tail, Maitake, Reishi, Shiitake, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Oyster
Great for everyday use and immune balance. Perfect for healthy adult and senior dogs.
Best for: Overall wellness and antioxidant protection.
Mushrooms: Turkey Tail, Maitake, Reishi, Shiitake, Chaga
Supports immune strength and recovery after illness.
Best for: Senior or immune-compromised dogs.
Mushrooms: Agarikon, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail
Uses liposomal technology for better absorption.
Best for: Dogs with allergies or inflammation.
Mushrooms: Agarikon, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail
Boosts energy, focus, and brain function.
Best for: Active or senior dogs needing mental clarity.
Mushrooms: Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps
Supports brain health and calm behavior.
Best for: Senior dogs and those needing focus or nerve support.
My Routine
I rotate mushroom blends based on my dogs’ needs:
Daily Dawg for everyday maintenance
Five Defenders during recovery or immune challenges
Earth Buddy formulas during allergy season or stressful times
Clarity for senior brain support
I always give mushrooms twice daily with meals for the best results.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.