We’ve come a long way since it was common practice to serve our favorite furballs off-brand kibble from the corner store. These days, there’s a plethora of healthier options for our four-legged friends, even including fresh organic pet food made from the same high-quality ingredients humans eat. Along with this major diet upgrade, some believe our beloved critters should also be getting in on the supplement game. If humans benefit from adaptogenic mushrooms, can dogs and cats too? According to some veterinarians they can, but before sharing your favorite supplements with Spot, it’s important to get all the intel. Keep reading to find out whether your pet should start 'shrooming. 

What types of mushrooms are best for pets, and how can they be helpful?

Adaptogenic mushrooms, such as reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and others, are most often looked to for one specific benefit: stress relief. “Adaptogens by definition help the adrenal glands deal with stressors and may also help mentally to deal with stress,” says holistic veterinarian and President of the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medicine Robert Silver, DVM, MS. And while your pet may seem to have it pretty good—blissfully napping away 10 hours of every day—they’re not immune from suffering stress, especially if they have to travel or adapt to new environments. “All critters, four-legged and two, can benefit from the stress-relieving properties of adaptogens,” says Dr. Silver.  

Angst-release isn’t the only benefit of adding adaptogenic mushrooms into your pet’s diet. According to Angie Krause, DVM, a veterinarian at Boulder Holistic Vet who often uses traditional Chinese medicine in her practice, the beta-glucans in adaptogenic mushrooms can also support an animal’s immune system. Additionally, adaptogenic mushrooms can help regulate an animal’s cholesterol and may positively affect brain health because of the fatty acids, alkaloids, and terpenes they contain.

But only very specific 'shrooms are safe for your pet. “It’s important to understand the difference between medicinal mushrooms and other varieties of mushrooms that could be toxic to dogs and other pets,” Dr. Krause says. “Many toxic mushrooms are found outdoors or in the homes of people that are recreationally using hallucinogenic mushrooms.” In other words, don’t allow your pet to just eat whatever is growing wild in your backyard, and certainly don’t try letting any beloved furry family members ’shroom on psilocybin. Instead, Dr. Kraus says mushrooms such as cordyceps, maitake, lion’s mane, and chaga are all safe bets and have the stress-reducing and immune-supporting benefits highlighted above. According to Dr. Silver, reishi and shiitake mushrooms are also safe for cats and dogs.