Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
When you are making soup, a salad or even gravy, a lot of us like to add mushrooms to the dish.
There are so many different kinds of mushrooms available today from your simple store-bought mushrooms to shitake mushrooms.
When you’re cooking or even growing mushrooms in your back yard and your dog decides to nibble on a mushroom, you’re probably wondering (as we all do) if it’s OK for your dog to eat mushrooms.
Unfortunately, the answer is not as straightforward as it should be. It really depends on the actual type of the mushroom consumed.
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Are Mushrooms Bad for Dogs?
While there are thousands of different mushrooms, only about 100 varieties are toxic to dogs while the others are safe for dogs to sample.
Because there are so many different types of mushrooms, it can be difficult to distinguish which mushrooms are safe and not safe.
Generally speaking, store bought mushrooms such as Portabella mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat in small amounts.
Of course, if you are going to feed your dogs any mushrooms at all, make sure they are plain and without any seasoning, spices or sauces.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Which Mushrooms Are Toxic For Dogs?
Most veterinarians will agree that wild mushrooms of any strain or variety are unsafe and can be very toxic for dogs.
If you see your dog eat a mushroom right out of the grass or sprouting up from a sidewalk, those mushrooms are definitely toxic and you should take your dog to the vet immediately.
While all types of wild mushrooms aren’t necessarily toxic, it is always best to be on the safe side and keep your dogs’ away from any wild mushrooms.
Have dogs? No wild mushrooms!
If you’re growing mushrooms in your backyard, make sure they are secured in a fence or area where your dog doesn’t have any type of access.
If you think your dog ate a wild mushroom or one from your garden, you should call your vet immediately.
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The Symptoms of Mushroom Toxicity in Dogs
If you are uncertain if your dog ate a mushroom, there are some symptoms to watch out for.
The different symptoms that might occur with mushroom poisoning really depend on the type of mushroom that was eaten.
Each mushroom has a different type of toxin which can cause different reactions in dogs.
However, if your dog has any of the below symptoms, you should your dog to the vet or even emergency room immediately:
- Lethargy
- Salivating
- Staggering
- Seizures
- Liver failure
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
If your dog has a reaction to mushrooms, having pet insurance will certainly be a huge relief. Of course, you want your dog to get the best care possible and wouldn’t hesitate about the cost. With a provider like Healthy Paws, that cost will be much lower.
Treatment For Mushroom Toxicity
The treatment for mushroom poisoning also depends on the type of mushroom your dog consumes and how recently your dog ate the mushroom.
If it is possible, perhaps, to get a sample of the type of mushroom that was eaten by your dog, it can be helpful to your veterinarian to know the best way to help your pup with that particular toxin.
The usual treatment would be to get your dog to throw up if the mushroom was eaten recently.
Or your vet might give your dog medication to help counteract the mushroom toxin.
If the toxin is very serious, your dog might even be in a heavy sleep and will need to be monitored until your dog is awake.
Your dog might even have an allergic reaction to mushroom which isn’t as serious, but should
Allergic Reactions to Mushrooms can cause:
- Hives
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Swelling on your dog’s body
- Coughing
How To Keep Your Dogs Away From Mushrooms
If you grow a variety of mushrooms at home, the best thing you can do is keep the garden covered or blocked where the mushrooms are growing.
If you have the wild mushrooms at home, make sure that your dog can’t reach them either while you’re cooking or if you throw them away in the trash.
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Other Safe Fruit & Vegetable Options for Dogs
There are many other safe fruit and vegetable choices for dogs:
Grapes and raisins and avocados are very toxic to dogs, like mushrooms, and should be watched.
Pet Insurance For Mushroom Toxicity
If your dog happens to eat a wild mushroom, the best thing you can do is get to the vet immediately. Timing is everything with getting the treatment right away.
And as these things happen, it will probably be at night when your vet is closed and you will need to get the nearest animal hospital for treatment.
But when you do get the final vet bill and it won’t be pretty, you will once again be so happy that you have a good pet insurance policy that will cover the treatment and all the bills associated with this horrible experience.
The best pet insurance companies such as Healthy Paws, Embrace and Pets Best will cover anywhere from 70% to 90% of your total bill (depending on the plan you choose) which will save you a lot of money and worry!
Be Careful When Feeding Your Dog Mushrooms
As the saying goes, “better safe than sorry” and the same goes for mushrooms.
If your dog happens to eat a mushroom that you just brought home from the store, then a bite or two should not cause you to panic and your dog should be fine.
But, if you grow mushrooms in the garden or bought some wild ones at a farmers market and you’re not sure of the origin, keep those mushrooms away from your dog.
Mushrooms really don’t add any nutrients to your dog’s diet, so the best thing you can do is keep mushrooms out of your dog’s diet. It’s that simple!
There are many other fruits, vegetables and other food items that are safe to share with your dog and our ultimate safe food guide can give you some tips.
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Finding safe alternative foods for your dogs to eat can be tricky. We have a long list of articles about every food you could possibly consider feeding your dog. One thing we recommend is that you consider looking into pet insurance for your pet and you can start by checking out the best rates for dog and puppy insurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat mushrooms?
While store-bought mushrooms like Portabella are generally safe for dogs in small amounts, wild mushrooms can be toxic. It’s crucial to identify the type of mushroom before allowing your dog to consume any.
Which mushrooms are toxic for dogs?
Most veterinarians advise against allowing dogs to eat any wild mushrooms. The toxicity varies among mushroom types, making it challenging to determine safety. If your dog ingests a wild mushroom, it’s best to seek immediate veterinary attention.
What are the symptoms of mushroom toxicity in dogs?
Symptoms vary based on the mushroom type but may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, and even coma. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, consult your vet promptly.
How is mushroom toxicity treated in dogs?
Treatment depends on the mushroom type and ingestion time. Inducing vomiting, medication to counteract toxins, and monitoring may be necessary. A sample of the mushroom can aid in treatment.
How can I prevent my dog from eating mushrooms?
If you have mushrooms at home, secure the garden or cooking area. Wild mushrooms should be kept out of reach. If ingestion occurs, prompt vet visits are essential, and having pet insurance like Healthy Paws can significantly ease the financial burden.
Is pet insurance necessary for mushroom toxicity?
Yes, pet insurance, such as plans offered by Healthy Paws, Embrace, or Pets Best, can cover a significant portion (70% to 90%) of vet bills related to mushroom toxicity treatment, providing financial relief during emergencies.
Are there other safe fruit and vegetable options for dogs?
Yes, many fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs, such as blueberries, carrots, and watermelon. However, some, like grapes and raisins, are toxic and should be avoided.
Can dogs eat mushrooms from the store?
Store-bought mushrooms, like Portabella, are generally safe for dogs in small amounts. It’s crucial to ensure they are plain and free of seasoning, spices, or sauces.
What should I do if my dog shows symptoms of mushroom toxicity?
If your dog exhibits symptoms like vomiting, seizures, or lethargy after consuming mushrooms, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Pet insurance can help alleviate the financial burden of treatment.
Why is it essential to keep mushrooms out of a dog’s diet?
Mushrooms don’t add nutritional value to a dog’s diet, and some can be toxic. It’s safer to avoid mushrooms altogether to prevent potential health risks.
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.