Why Medicinal Mushrooms Are Emerging As A Pet Wellness Superfood
Introduction
As Australian pet parents become increasingly proactive about natural, science-backed nutrition, medicinal or functional mushroom powders are rapidly rising in popularity. Extracts from mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, turkey tail, lion’s mane and maitake are widely studied for their immune-modulating, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties in humans and recent research now shows they may deliver similar benefits for pets.
At Kindly Tail, we focus on preventative pet wellness, longevity and natural care. So if you’ve been wondering whether mushroom powder is worth adding to your dog or cat’s daily routine, this guide breaks down the evidence, benefits, safety and how to choose a high-quality mushroom supplement.
What Does the Research Say?
While human studies dominate the field, several new peer-reviewed papers now examine mushroom supplementation specifically in dogs with promising results.
1. Shiitake Mushroom Improved Antioxidant Activity in Dogs (2024 Study)
A controlled study found that dogs given shiitake mushroom powder (800 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks) experienced:
- Significant increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), a key antioxidant enzyme
- Increased sirtuin-1 mRNA expression (associated with cellular health and ageing)
- No adverse effects and no change in body condition score
Conclusion:
“Shiitake supplementation increased antioxidative activity… and may be useful in ameliorating signs of age-related diseases in dogs.”
(Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2024)
2. Lion’s Mane Benefits for Aged Dogs (2022 Findings Reported in 2025)
A summary published in 2025 noted that Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane) supplementation:
- Improved immunity in older dogs
- Supported healthy body weight
- Improved gut microbial balance
3. Broad Evidence for Immune Support in Companion Animals (2025 Review)
Industry research highlights that mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, maitake, turkey tail and himematsutake provide:
- Immune modulation
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Antioxidant activity
- Prebiotic/gut-support benefits
These insights support the growing usage of mushroom complexes in pet health products especially for ageing pets, immune-sensitive breeds, and long-term wellness maintenance.
Key Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs & Cats
1. Immune System Support
Beta-glucans the main active compounds in mushrooms that help regulate and activate immune cells. Pets dealing with seasonal allergies, stress, gut imbalance, infections or ageing can benefit from better immune resilience.
2. Antioxidant Protection & Healthy Ageing
The 2024 dog study confirms mushrooms help increase antioxidant enzyme activity. This is crucial for:
- Ageing pets
- Chronic inflammation
- High-stress environments
- Highly active dogs
Antioxidants help slow cellular damage and support long-term vitality.
3. Gut Health & Microbiome Support
Some mushrooms act as natural prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. Improved microbiome balance is linked to:
- Better digestion
- Firmer stools
- Reduced inflammation
- Stronger immunity
Lion’s mane and turkey tail are particularly beneficial for gut wellness.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Support
Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to joint issues, allergies, skin problems and digestive discomfort. Functional mushrooms contain compounds that help regulate inflammatory pathways naturally.
5. Cognitive & Nervous System Support
Lion’s mane contains compounds that may support nerve growth factor (NGF) that potentially benefiting:
- Senior dogs with early cognitive decline
- Pets with neurological ageing
- Overall long-term brain health
While pet-specific studies are emerging, the mechanism is biologically plausible and widely studied in humans.
How to Choose a High-Quality Mushroom Supplement for Pets
Not all mushroom powders are created equal. Here’s what Australian pet owners should look for:
✔ Fruiting Body, Not Mycelium on Grain
Fruiting body extracts contain higher beta-glucans and bioactive compounds.
Mycelium-on-grain can be diluted with unnecessary starch.
✔ Dual Extraction
This method releases both water-soluble polysaccharides and fat-soluble triterpenes for full-spectrum benefits.
✔ Third-Party Testing
Especially important for heavy metals and contaminants.
✔ No Fillers or Artificial Additives
Pure mushroom extracts deliver the best results for gut, immune and ageing support.
Recommended Use Cases for Pets
- Senior pets needing immune or cognitive support
- Dogs recovering from stress, illness or gut imbalance
- Active dogs or working dogs
- Pets with recurring skin or allergy issues
- Preventative long-term wellness (very common in Australia)
Is It Safe?
Yes, when using commercial pet-formulated products.
Avoid wild mushrooms (e.g., Amanita species) and avoid giving raw mushrooms from supermarkets.
Pets with major medical conditions (autoimmune, anticoagulant medications, liver/kidney disease) should only be given such supplements under vet supervision.
Monitor your pet if you see signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, discontinue and consult vet.
Conclusion: Should You Add Mushroom Powder to Your Pet’s Routine?
If you want to support your pet’s immune health, gut balance, ageing, or overall vitality. The answer is yes.
The research is growing, the safety profile is strong, and Australian pet parents are already seeing benefits with daily functional mushroom supplementation.
References
- Kusaba A, Arai T. Shiitake mushroom powder supplementation increases antioxidative activity in healthy dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2024.
- Nicotra M. et al. “Nutraceuticals, Social Interaction, and Psychophysiological …” Veterinary Sciences. 2025.
- Adrien C. Pets get mushroom supplement benefits like people. NutraIngredients, 2025.
- Daoust J. The potential of functional mushrooms for immune support in companion animals. Feed & Additive, 2025.
- Balanced Canine UK. Research-Backed Benefits of Mushrooms for Dogs, 2025.
- PetMD. Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs, 2023.https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/medicinal-mushrooms-for-dogs
- VCA Animal Hospitals. “Medicinal Mushrooms.” https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/medicinal-mushrooms
- Pet Food Industry. “Functional foods’ effects on dog, cat health summarized.” 2017.https://www.petfoodindustry.com/nutrition/pet-food-ingredients/article/15463777/functional-foods-effects-on-dog-cat-health-summarized