Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs & Cats | Holistic Pet Wellness Guide
Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs & Cats | Holistic Pet Wellness Guide
Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets: Evidence Overview (Dogs & Cats)
Abstract. Peer‑reviewed studies in companion animals indicate that mushroom bioactives—especially β‑1,3/1,6‑glucans from fruiting‑body extracts—support immune readiness, gut ecology, and oxidative balance. Canine data include immune and microbiome outcomes; feline data include vaccination‑response modulation, gastrointestinal and immune indicators, and modern in‑vitro antiviral findings (FIV, FIPV). Educational content only.
Key questions
- What outcomes have been reported in controlled pet studies?
- Which mechanisms are most relevant to pets (β‑glucans, triterpenes/phenolics, prebiotic effects)?
- What does current research highlight specifically for cats?
Evidence snapshot
Dogs (highlights)
- Reishi (Ganoderma): Increased phagocytosis and vaccine‑specific IgG in healthy dogs at ~15 mg/kg.
- Lion’s Mane (Hericium): Diet inclusion in aged dogs shifted microbiome composition toward beneficial diversity.
- Shiitake (Lentinula): Elevated plasma SOD (antioxidant enzyme) with good tolerability.
- Turkey Tail (Trametes; PSP): Oncology pilot reported delayed metastasis progression in hemangiosarcoma.
Cats (highlights)
- β‑glucans & vaccination: Diets enriched with β‑1,3/1,6‑glucans modulated immune markers in vaccinated cats.
- Gut & immunity: Yeast‑derived β‑glucans/hydrolysate improved serum IgG and fecal SCFA metrics; optimal range ~1.5% diet.
- Adjunct care: Prospective study in feline sporotrichosis suggested clinical benefit combining itraconazole with β‑glucans.
- Antiviral lab models: Mushroom extracts inhibited FIV reverse transcriptase and showed FIPV protease inhibition with immunomodulatory effects in feline PBMCs.
Mechanisms (concise)
β‑glucans & immune pattern recognition
Engage dectin‑1/TLR pathways to prime innate defenses and shape adaptive responses (e.g., vaccine IgG effects).
Triterpenes & phenolics
Interact with NF‑κB/COX and redox systems, aligning with comfort, recovery, and healthy aging goals.
Prebiotic & microbiome effects
Polysaccharides act as fermentable fibers that support microbial diversity and gut‑barrier integrity.
Neuroactive compounds (LM)
Hericenones/erinacines are explored for neurocognitive support; veterinary applications are under active interest.
Selected studies (dogs & cats)
| Mushroom / β‑glucan | Species / Model | Outcome | Evidence Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ganoderma lucidum | Dog (healthy) | ↑ Phagocytosis; ↑ vaccine‑specific IgG | Controlled feeding |
| Hericium erinaceus | Dog (aged) | Microbiome diversity shift | Dietary inclusion |
| Lentinula edodes | Dog (healthy) | ↑ SOD (antioxidant) | Supplementation trial |
| Trametes versicolor (PSP) | Dog (oncology) | Metastasis delay signal | Pilot, randomized |
| β‑1,3/1,6‑glucans (diet) | Cat (vaccination) | Immune marker modulation | Controlled diet study |
| Yeast hydrolysate (β‑glucan‑rich) | Cat (healthy) | ↑ Serum IgG; ↑ SCFA; GI metrics | Randomized diet study |
| β‑glucans + itraconazole | Cat (sporotrichosis) | 72% clinical cure; fewer ADRs | Prospective interventional |
| Mixed mushrooms (in‑vitro) | Cat (FIV / FIPV models) | FIV‑RT inhibition; FIPV Mpro inhibition | In‑vitro assays; feline PBMCs |
Outcomes summarized for educational context; individual responses vary. Align use with veterinary guidance.
Safety notes
Begin low; monitor stool, appetite, and energy. Consult your veterinarian for pets with medical conditions or on medication. Prefer fruiting‑body extracts with verified β‑glucans and third‑party testing.
References (MLA)
- Brown, Dorothy C., and Jennifer A. Reetz. “Evaluation of a Polysaccharopeptide Extracted from Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail) in Dogs with Hemangiosarcoma.” Evidence‑Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, Article ID 384301.
- Koh, R., et al. “Dietary Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Dogs Improves Phagocytosis and Vaccine‑Specific IgG Titers.” Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 2024.
- Hsu, Y.‑C., et al. “Gut Microbiota Profiling in Aged Dogs after Feeding Pet Food Containing Hericium erinaceus.” Animals, vol. 12, no. 20, 2022, article 2803.
- Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) Supplementation Increases SOD Activity in Dogs.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2024.
- Byrne, J., et al. “The Influence of β‑1,3‑1,6‑Glucans on Rabies Vaccination in Cats.” Animals, 2020.
- Sun, J., et al. “Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Yeast Hydrolysate on Immune Function, Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids, and Intestinal Health in Cats.” Veterinary Sciences, 2025.
- Chacon, A. F. P., et al. “Prospective Uncontrolled Interventional Study of Itraconazole and β‑Glucans to Assess Safeness and Clinical Effectiveness in Cats with Sporotrichosis.” Veterinary Sciences, 2025.
- Seetaha, S., et al. “Anti‑Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Reverse Transcriptase Activity of Medicinal and Edible Mushroom Extracts.” Veterinary World, 2020.
- Hlaoperm, C., et al. “Dual Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Effects of Phallus indusiatus in a Feline Infectious Peritonitis Model Using PBMCs.” Veterinary Sciences, 2025.
- Amaral, A. R., et al. “Translating Human and Animal Model Studies to Dogs’ and Cats’ Veterinary Care: Beta‑Glucans Application for Skin Disease, Osteoarthritis, and IBD Management.” Veterinary Sciences, 2024.
Educational content only. Not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian regarding supplements for pets.