Mushrooms for Dogs
Nature’s Medicine Isn’t a Trend, It’s Here to Stay
Why I Talk About Mushrooms So Much
I get asked this all the time: “Toni, are mushrooms just another wellness trend?” Short answer? Absolutely not. Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands and thousands (and thousands) of years.
Mushrooms support everything from cognitive health to joint function to autoimmune disorders. There are so many ways they can help our pets, and the research is starting to catch up with the history. And yes, the particular brands I use for my dogs are the exact same ones humans can take too.
Not All Mushroom Brands Are Created Equal
Here’s the thing: mushrooms aren’t cheap. I have bottles in my house that cost more than $90, and trust me, you want to make sure that money is going to quality, not filler.
One of the biggest debates in the mushroom world (and one I’ve covered in three of my podcasts) is whether or not mycelium should be included in these supplements. Mycelium is basically the root system of the mushroom, and depending on where the mushroom is grown, it can absorb whatever it’s growing in. It's also very difficult to remove the mycelium without the substrate included.
And that’s where things get messy. And the reason why I’m so picky about which brand I’m buying.
A lot of mushroom supplements are grown on rice, cardboard, or even low-quality wood. Whatever the substrate is, the mushroom absorbs it. So if your dog has a grain allergy, you do not want mushrooms grown on rice. Ideally, mushrooms should be grown on what they’d naturally grow on: trees and soil.
Why I Avoid Mushroom Powders
I’m not a fan of powders. Powders often contain substrate, meaning not just mushroom, but mushroom plus whatever it was grown on. It’s unnecessary, it’s diluted, and it’s not what I want to give my own dogs.
Tinctures, on the other hand, tend to be cleaner, more potent, and far easier for the body to absorb.
My Go-To Brands
One of my favorite companies is MycoDog. Their formulas are targeted to specific needs, which I love.
Vitality is their immune system and daily wellness formula, and I give it to both Bo and Greyson every day. Since Greyson almost died as a puppy from mange and parvo, immune support is non-negotiable for him.
This one is a tincture, so it’s clean, potent, and doesn’t come with the extra stuff powders sneak in.
Clarity is their cognitive support blend. It includes lion’s mane, which is amazing for brain health in both dogs and humans. Greyson gets Clarity. Bo gets Clarity. And yes, I take it too. I really do feel different since I started using it.
Another brand I trust is Earth Buddy. All of their Certificates of Analysis are available on their website. You can't get anymore transparent than that! Transparency = Trust
The founders are huge believers in plant medicine and have been guests on my podcast. Their approach to mushrooms and whole-body wellness is incredibly aligned with what I believe.
They make CBD, they make mushrooms, and they make them well.
Hemp Heroes is another excellent company with a strong foundation in plant-based healing. Like Earth Buddy, they support mushrooms, CBD, and holistic health, not because it’s trendy, but because the science and history support it.
Why Mushrooms Are Having a Moment
I’m glad mushrooms are finally being talked about in both human and veterinary medicine, but let’s be honest about why. Our dogs and cats are dealing with more chronic disease, cancer, and autoimmune issues than ever before. Pet parents want answers. They want options. They want hope.
Mushrooms aren’t the next big fad, but they might finally be getting the credit they deserve.