Can dogs eat mushrooms? 

By Dr Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS 

The answer is… it depends. Some mushrooms are safe for dogs, while others can be harmful. 

Mushrooms commonly used in everyday cooking aren’t toxic to pets, but there are wild varieties that can cause serious illness. In this guide, we’ll look at the types of mushrooms dogs can safely eat – and the ones they definitely shouldn’t. We’ll also cover what to do if you think your dog has eaten a poisonous mushroom. 

#Are mushrooms good for dogs? 

Lots of people enjoy mushrooms for their texture and flavour, so, naturally, dogs might want to try them too. There are plenty of safe mushrooms that can be readily purchased from supermarkets or grown at home. These fresh mushrooms will be safe for dogs to consume, as well as humans, provided they have been properly stored and prepared. 

  Examples of pet-safe mushrooms include:  

• White button 
• Portobello 
• Porcini 
• Shiitake 
• Maitake 
• Cremini (White or chestnut mushrooms) 

Mushrooms are low in fat and a good source of plant-based vitamin D, plus there are compounds in mushrooms, including beta-glucan, that seem to act as prebiotics in people and rodents. This could help promote the growth of gut bacteria and a healthy gut microbiome. However, we don’t know enough about the potential health benefits in dogs yet. 

Your dog will be getting all their essential nutrition from a good quality, complete diet. They shouldn’t need anything extra on top of this. So, if you choose to offer your pet mushrooms, it is best to give them small amounts at a time, as an occasional treat. 

Lots of people enjoy mushrooms for their texture and flavour – so it’s no surprise dogs might be curious too. There are plenty of safe mushrooms that can be bought from supermarkets or even grown at home. These fresh mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they’ve been properly stored and prepared. 

Examples of pet-safe mushrooms include: 

• White button 
• Portobello 
• Porcini 
• Shiitake 
• Maitake 
• Cremini (white or chestnut mushrooms) 

Mushrooms are low in fat and a source of plant-based vitamin D. They also contain compounds – including beta-glucan – that seem to act as prebiotics in people and rodents, helping to support the growth of gut bacteria and a healthy gut microbiome. However, we don’t yet know whether these same benefits apply to dogs. 

Your dog should be getting all the nutrients they need from a complete, high-quality diet – so there’s no need to add extras. But if you do decide to offer mushrooms, it’s best to give just a small amount as an occasional treat. 

##Can dogs eat cooked mushrooms? 

Yes, dogs can eat cooked mushrooms – as long as they’re served plain and unseasoned. The challenge is that mushrooms are often cooked in rich sauces or with ingredients like onions, garlic and salt, which aren’t suitable for dogs. A mushroom cooked in a little olive oil is fine for most dogs – just make sure to leave out anything else. 

##Can dogs eat raw mushrooms? 

Raw, shop-bought mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Offering raw mushrooms is a better option than cooked ones that may be coated in sauces or other added ingredients. 

Fresh mushrooms are also a better choice than canned or dried varieties, which can contain high levels of salt and other additives. 

#Are mushrooms bad for dogs? 

There are times when eating mushrooms can be harmful for dogs. These include: 

##Too many mushrooms 

Eating too many mushrooms can cause digestive upset in some dogs. That’s why they should only be given as an occasional treat. Mushrooms – like other pet-safe fruits and vegetables – should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. Too many extras can lead to stomach problems and may unbalance their overall nutrition. 

##Mushrooms with other ingredients 

As mentioned earlier, mushrooms cooked with other ingredients can be a concern for dogs – potentially leading to weight gain or, in some cases, exposure to harmful or toxic foods.  

##Poisonous mushrooms 

Some mushrooms are poisonous to both humans and dogs – and they can cause serious side effects. We’ll explore these in more detail next. 

##Are mushrooms poisonous to dogs? 

Some mushrooms are poisonous to dogs, which is why it’s safest to stick to shop-bought varieties. Many wild mushrooms look similar to the untrained eye, so it’s not worth the risk unless you have expert knowledge. 

There are several poisonous mushrooms to watch out for in the UK, including:   

• Death Cap (Amanita phalloides): Commonly found in England, this is the deadliest fungus and is responsible for the most fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide – often because it’s mistaken for an edible variety. It’s pale green, yellow or white, with a smooth, domed cap. 
• Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa): Another mushroom that’s easily mistaken for an edible type. It has a pure white appearance and resembles a button mushroom. 
• Fool's Funnel (Clitocybe rivulosa): Also known as the sweating mushroom, Fool’s Funnel can resemble edible funnel-shaped mushrooms. They often grow in fairy rings on lawns, meadows and grassy areas. 
• Funeral Bell (Galerina marginata): These small brown mushrooms are deadly and tend to grow in clusters on tree stumps and bark. 

It’s a good idea to avoid walking in areas where mushrooms are commonly found – or to keep your dog on a lead. This is especially helpful during damp, rainy spells, when mushrooms are more likely to appear. 

Because many poisonous mushrooms look similar to edible ones – and research into their health benefits for dogs is limited – some owners choose not to feed mushrooms at all. This helps avoid confusion on walks, so your dog doesn’t try to snack on a wild mushroom they come across.   

#What to do if your dog ate a mushroom 

Eating a small amount of shop-bought mushrooms is unlikely to cause any harm. 

However, if your dog has eaten a mushroom while out on a walk, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine for advice straight away. If possible, take a photo of the mushroom or collect a sample in a bag – being careful not to handle it directly. This can help your vet decide on the best course of action.  

Your dog may need a physical examination, and your vet might recommend treatment to induce vomiting and help clear their stomach. Never try to make your dog sick at home. In some cases, hospitalisation and further treatment may be advised based on the symptoms your dog is showing. 

Signs of mushroom toxicity may include: 

• Drooling 
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea 
• Weakness 
• Seizures 
• Changes in thirst 
• Dilated pupils 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Collapse 
• Organ failure 
• Death 

It's always better to seek veterinary help as soon as possible, rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Early treatment gives your dog the best chance of recovery. 

#Conclusion – can dogs eat mushrooms? 

Let’s recap the key points: 

• Fresh, shop-bought mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat in moderation 
• Avoid mushrooms cooked in rich sauces or with ingredients like garlic and onions 
• Never pick wild mushrooms unless you have expert knowledge 
• Contact your vet immediately if your dog eats a wild mushroom or shows signs of toxicity 

Mushrooms can be safe for dogs – but only in the right circumstances. To help keep your dog safe, stick to small amounts of shop-bought varieties and steer clear of wild mushrooms altogether. And if you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to check with your vet.