Are you looking for a natural way to boost your furry friend's immune system, support their joint health, or improve their overall well-being? Look no further than functional mushrooms! These powerful fungi have been used for centuries in to treat a variety of health conditions in both humans and animals. From the immune-boosting turkey tail to the king of Mushrooms, Chaga, there are many different types of functional mushrooms that can benefit your pet. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of using functional mushrooms for pets, discuss the top mushrooms for dogs and cats, and provide tips for incorporating these superfoods into your pet's diet. Read on to discover how functional mushrooms can help your pet live a happier, healthier life!
Nutrition In Mushrooms
Mushrooms’ healing abilities come from their fantastic nutritional value. They are rich in so many nutrients including:
Minerals: potassium, selenium, sulfur, sodium, geranium, zinc, phosphorus
Sugars: mannitol, xylose, glucose, galactose, mannose
Vitamins: B complex, folic acid, pro-vitamin D
Protein: essential amino acids
Enzymes: antibacterial, proteolytic
Lipids: phospholipids, sterols, sterol esters, free fatty acids, mono-, di- and triglycerides
Polysaccharides: glycogen, beta-glucans, chitin
Essential oils: triterpenes
One key reason functional mushrooms are so nutritionally beneficial is because they contain beta-glucans. These compounds are soluble fibers found in the walls of fungi, bacteria, plants, or yeasts, and are responsible for maintaining a healthy immune response in your pet. They may also improve heart, lung, liver, and digestive health. This is why many pet parents are adding functional mushrooms to their furry friend’s wellness regimen.Â
Potential Benefits from Functional Mushrooms Include:
Supporting Immune Function
If your pet suffers from chronic illnesses, the beta-glucans can activate and stimulate their body to improve their immune system, this is especially beneficial for dogs with autoimmune deficiencies.
Improving Digestion
Many mushrooms are prebiotic. These compounds increase beneficial bacteria production and help fight off bad bacteria to maintain gut health. Pathogens like bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites will not thrive if prebiotics are abundant in your dog's gut.
Providing Antioxidants
The antioxidants present in functional mushrooms help to limit harmful compounds from building up.
Maintaining Yeast Levels
Some pets, often in dogs could have excess yeast in their bodies, leading to blackened skin, smelly feet, hair loss, itchy skin, and much more. But because many mushrooms have anti-fungal properties, they can regulate yeast production in the body.
Improving Liver Health
Liver issues are a common occurrence for dogs as they get older. However, the beta-glucans present may improve liver abnormalities, boosting liver function.
Common health complaints in pets and the corresponding functional mushrooms that may help:
Maintain General Health and wellbeing: Reishi, Evolution Botanicals 10 Mushroom Formula
Immune support:Â Chaga, Maitake, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps
Joint health:Â Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane
Allergies:Â Turkey Tail, Chaga, Maitake
Anxiety and stress:Â Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, Maitake
Digestive health: Turkey Tail, Chaga, Lion's Mane, Evolution Botanicals 10 Mushroom Formula
Respiratory health:Â Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Chaga
It's important to note that these recommendations are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, and we advise you consult with your vet before giving your pet any new supplements or medications.
What is a serving size of Functional Mushrooms for your pet?
Small pet up to 5 kg: 1/4 - 1/2 tsp of mushroom powder, up to 3 times per day
Up to 10 kg: 1/2 - 1 tsp of mushroom powder, up to 3 times per day
Medium pet up to 20 kg: 1 to 2 tsp of mushroom powder, up to 3 times per day
Larger pet up to 30 kg: 1.5 to 3 tsp of mushroom powder, up to 3 times per day
It's best to start with a smaller dose and gradually increase it over several days to avoid any digestive upset or adverse reactions, and to work with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate dose and formulation for your individual dog.
How to add functional mushroom powders to your pets daily diet.
Simply use your Evolution Botanicals Mushrooms Powders and add to your pets daily food bowl.
Alternatively make a broth with the mushrooms too, and serve as broth or pour over dry biscuit. Using bone broth would also give your pets an added boost.
Remember, adding a little bit of fungi to your furry friend's food can go a long way in promoting their well-being - so let's give our pets the mush-love they deserve!
See our full range of functional mushrooms
