Are Mushrooms Safe for Dogs? Store-Bought vs Wild

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Mushrooms range from harmless culinary varieties to some of the deadliest organisms known. For dog owners, the safest rule is simple: store-bought plain mushrooms can be shared in tiny amounts, and wild mushrooms must never be.

Store-bought mushrooms

Common culinary mushrooms, such as white button, cremini, portobello and oyster, are generally non-toxic to dogs. They contain small amounts of fibre, B vitamins and minerals. They are low in calories. But they offer little nutritional benefit to dogs on a complete diet, and are not necessary. Serve them plain, cooked or raw, without garlic, onion, butter, oil or seasoning.

Cooked dishes

Mushrooms are usually cooked with garlic, onion, butter, wine or herbs, which can be harmful. See onions and garlic. Mushroom soups and sauces are often high in salt and fat. See table scraps and fatty foods.

Wild mushrooms

Thousands of species grow wild, and only a small number are deadly, but telling them apart is difficult even for experts. Toxic species include Amanita phalloides (death cap), Amanita muscaria (fly agaric), Galerina, Inocybe and Gyromitra (false morel). Dogs are drawn to mushrooms by smell and often eat them in woods, gardens and lawns.

Types of wild mushroom poisoning

• Liver toxins (amatoxins). Death caps can cause vomiting and diarrhea after a delay of several hours, followed by apparent improvement, then liver failure and death.
• Neurotoxins. Some species cause drooling, tremors, seizures, disorientation or hallucination-like effects.
• Gastrointestinal irritants. Cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• Kidney toxins. Some species can cause kidney failure.

Signs of mushroom poisoning

• Drooling and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Tremors or seizures
• Disorientation, stumbling
• Abdominal pain
• Yellow gums or skin, which signal liver damage
• Increased thirst and urination, or reduced urination

Signs can be delayed by hours or even days.

What to do

1. Remove your dog from the area, and take any remaining mushrooms.
2. Collect a sample, or take photos of the mushroom, in a paper bag or wrapped in paper towel, not plastic.
3. Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a pet poison helpline immediately. Do not wait for signs.
4. Follow instructions. Your vet may induce vomiting if early, give activated charcoal and start intravenous fluids and monitoring.

See what to do if your dog is poisoned.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the toxin. It may include decontamination, fluids, anti-nausea medications, liver protectants, seizure control and hospital monitoring. Early treatment makes a major difference.

Prevention

• Check your garden and lawn for mushrooms after rain, and remove them with gloves.
• Keep dogs on a leash in woods and fields, and teach a solid "leave it" cue. See our training guides.
• Do not allow foraging dogs to roam unsupervised.
• Learn which mushrooms grow in your area, and avoid giving dogs any wild fungi.

Supplements and medicinal mushrooms

Some products contain mushroom extracts. Ask your vet before giving them, because evidence is limited, and quality varies.

Mushroom supplements and dried mushrooms

Mushroom powders and dried products are sold for dogs, but the evidence behind health claims is limited, and quality control varies. Some products include wild-harvested mushrooms, which carry risk. If you want to try a supplement, ask your vet first, choose reputable brands and watch for digestive upset. Never use mushrooms you have foraged yourself.

Magic mushrooms and other hazards

Dogs sometimes eat mushrooms containing psilocybin, which causes agitation, disorientation and abnormal heart rate. This is a veterinary emergency that needs prompt care. Be honest with your vet about what was eaten, since it helps treatment. Keep any recreational products securely locked away from pets.

Seasonal risk

Mushrooms often flush after warm, wet weather, especially in autumn. Check your usual walking routes and your own garden after rain, and be extra watchful during these periods. Muzzle training can be helpful for dogs that cannot be stopped from scavenging.

The takeaway

Plain store-bought mushrooms are fine in small amounts, but wild mushrooms can kill. Prevent access and call for help fast if your dog eats one.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.