Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? The Dangerous vs Safe Types UK Owners Should Know

We know how hard it is to resist your pup’s sweet, begging eyes when you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen. But before you give in and ‘drop’ a few bites of those mushrooms you’re chopping, it’s best to check if they’re safe to eat. 

Generally speaking, it’s safe for dogs to eat small amounts of supermarket-bought mushrooms such as chestnut, portobello or button mushrooms. However, as with any treats, your dog’s individual preference and tolerance may vary. 

Some dogs love to sniff out a snack wherever they are, and while supermarket mushrooms are safe for dogs, some types of wild mushrooms native to the UK are toxic and can cause severe tummy aches or worse for humans and dogs alike. 

Let’s dig in and discuss which fungi make fun snacks for your pup!

Are Mushrooms Safe for Dogs?

Supermarket-bought mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. As with humans, some types of wild mushrooms can cause illness, so never allow your dog to munch on any fungus you come across on your adventures! 

If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom while out on a walk, don’t panic! Not all wild UK mushrooms are toxic to dogs, but certain types are, so it’s important that you take your dog to the vet to be assessed. If possible, take the mushroom with you to help identify whether it was a toxic or safe type. 

Popular UK mushrooms which are safe to feed your dog include: 

• Cremini
• Chestnut
• Portobello 
• Button

As well as more exotic options such as: 

• Shiitake
• Oyster 
• Enoki

Raw mushrooms can be hard for dogs to digest so prepare your pup’s mushroom snack by boiling or steaming and letting them cool before serving. Avoid any seasoning which could be dangerous for dogs like salt, butter or garlic and always serve them plain.

Just like people, dogs can have allergies and intolerances, so take care when introducing any new foods to their diet. Feed small amounts and monitor them over the next few days for signs of discomfort such as lethargy, changes to their poos or a change in appetite. 

If your dog has any existing digestive issues or sensitivities, either speak to your vet before feeding them mushrooms, or avoid this new snack in favour of tried and tested treats. 

If your dog has a particular penchant for portobellos, it’s ok to let them enjoy a little mushroom snack from time to time, as long as they’re shop-bought, washed properly, cooked, and prepared plain. 

Are There Any Benefits to Feeding Your Dog Mushrooms?

For both people and dogs, mushrooms are a good source of nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B, and potassium. Early studies have also shown that certain mushrooms, such as shiitake mushrooms, may offer potential benefits for the immune system and various health issues. 

However, that being said, mushrooms don’t have any particular beneficial qualities for dogs, and there are lots of other veggie snacks which are much better for your pup. These include blueberries, which are filled with antioxidants, or carrots, which can be great for a dog’s dental wellbeing. 

With a good quality diet, your dog is getting all the nutrients they need from their dog food and won’t need any additional snacks. Mushrooms and other treats should be given to them only occasionally and in small quantities. 

Remember that some wild mushrooms can be toxic to dogs, so never let them eat them on walks or in your garden.

Are There Any Risks to Feeding Your Dog Mushrooms?

While shop-bought mushrooms are generally a safe snack for your dog, they can be hard to digest raw and should always be cooked safely by steaming or boiling. 

There are some instances when it might be best to avoid feeding your dog mushrooms at all. For example, it might not be a good idea to give your dog mushrooms if they’re a: 

• Puppy – Puppies are fed specialist puppy food for a reason. Their little bodies are still growing and developing. They need different levels of nutrients and fats in their food to help with their rapid growth in the first year of life, and they’re at higher risk of digestive issues like bloating. 
• Older dogs – Some dogs can develop stomach issues and sensitivities in old age. Senior dog food is balanced to support their changing needs, and adding new snacks, such as mushrooms, to their diet could lead to discomfort. 
• Overweight dogs – Mushrooms are a low-fat snack, so they’re unlikely to impact an overweight dog’s diet too much. However, when helping a dog lose weight, it’s best to keep to a firm diet plan and keep any additional treats to a minimum.
• Dogs with diabetes and other existing health conditions – It has been reported that certain mushrooms, such as shiitake mushrooms, can have health benefits for dogs with diabetes, arthritis, high-blood pressure and a few other conditions. However, this is an area of ongoing medicinal research and should not be a replacement for veterinary-prescribed medications. Speak to your vet before introducing any new treatment or food to your dog. 

If you suspect your dog has ingested a wild mushroom, speak to your vet immediately, and try to take a sample of the mushroom along with you. There are only a few types of wild mushrooms that are toxic to dogs, but the results can be fatal if they eat one of them, so it’s vital that they see a vet as soon as possible.

How Much Mushroom is Too Much Mushroom for Your Dog? 

Fruits and vegetables can be good for your dog, but should only ever be fed in small quantities and should only make up a very small part of your dog’s diet – even if they beg for more! 

Mushrooms, especially, can cause bloating and discomfort if fed raw in too large a portion. If your dog absolutely insists on nibbling on a morsel of morel, here’s a rough portion guide:

A small amount of cooked, store-bought mushroom is plenty for any greedy pup!

How to Safely Serve Your Dog Mushrooms

Raw mushrooms can be hard to digest for pups and could potentially cause bloating, diarrhoea, and discomfort, even in small quantities. 

Cooked mushrooms are a lot friendlier on doggy tummies; however, you can’t simply give them the mushrooms from your plate! Seasonings such as salt and other flavourings like garlic and onion are dangerous and potentially even lethal for your dog to consume. 

Some safe ways to cook and serve mushrooms include:

• Steaming
• Boiling
• Roasting gently in the air fryer or oven 

Remember to let cooked food cool completely before serving it to your dog so they don’t burn their mouth by gobbling it up too quickly! You know what they’re like… 

As long as mushrooms are shop-bought, free from any seasoning, oils or butter, and washed, cooked until soft and then cooled, they can make a safe and enjoyable snack for your dog.

Signs your Dog has Eaten a Toxic Mushroom 

There are over 12,000 types of fungi in the UK; it’s estimated that around 250 of them are poisonous. There are about five deadly toxic mushrooms found naturally in the UK.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, it’s important to act quickly. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before taking them to the vet, along with a sample of the mushroom if possible. 

Signs of mushroom poisoning can appear as soon as 15-30 minutes after ingestion, but it can also take up to two days to see evidence of more serious liver damage or kidney failure. 

Symptoms of mushroom poisoning to look out for include: 

• Excessive salivating
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Stumbling or disorientation 
• Increased drinking and urinating 
• Difficulty breathing
• Yellow discolouration to gums and eyes

If in doubt, act promptly and consult your vet for the most appropriate medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts 

If your dog has taken a shine to shiitakes or has a craving for creminis, then plain, cooked, supermarket-bought mushrooms are a safe and tasty treat for them. However, there are other veggie snacks like blueberries and carrots, which are better for them in terms of nutritional value. 

Keep in mind that raw mushrooms can cause digestive discomfort, so mushrooms should be cooked until soft and then cooled before serving. Avoid all dangerous seasonings such as salt, garlic and onions. 

Remember that, although they’re generally rare, poisonous mushrooms do grow in the UK, so you should never let your dog eat any type of fungi in the garden or out on a walk. If you think your dog has ingested a wild mushroom, call your vet as soon as possible and gather a sample of the mushroom to take with you to the appointment. 

While some mushrooms can make a safe snack for most healthy dogs, they’re not the best treat to feed your furry friend. For more nutritious and tasty treat options, and if you’re searching for more ways to make your dog’s treat time extra rewarding, check out Webbox’s selection of tasty dog treats.