Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs

Many pet parents believe that mushrooms are toxic and that dogs should never eat them. Though some species of this fungus can be dangerous and even deadly, one mushroom, the Turkey Tail mushroom, has many amazing health benefits for dogs. These fantastic little mushrooms help dogs fight infection, boost liver function, and even combat cancer. Best of all, they are safe and easy to administer. Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes Versicolor) have been used as medicinal mushrooms for centuries. Their active ingredients are polysaccharides, proteins, and glycoproteins. Common medical indications for these mushrooms are their anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune boosting properties. It’s most importantly used for its cancer fighting properties. Several published research studies show positive effects when used in humans with cancer. Turkey Tail Mushrooms have shown effectiveness against prostate and breast cancer in humans. Other studies in humans have shown positive effects in stomach cancer and against various non-specific cancers. Researchers have theorized that the antibacterial and antioxidant properties are responsible for the positive outcomes. The mushrooms have been given in both traditional and holistic veterinary medicine for many years. In dogs, Turkey Tail mushrooms are most commonly used to treat hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive and malignant tumor derived from the cells that line the blood vessels. Dogs with hemangiosarcoma that were treated with Turkey Tail mushrooms in addition to their regular cancer treatment have survival times on average 113 days longer. Turkey Tail mushrooms contain high levels of powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants inhibit and reverse the oxidative stress that free radicals cause in the body. Turkey Tail mushrooms contain thirty-five different antioxidants as well as flavonoids and phenols, which also aid in repairing free radical damage. Turkey Tail mushrooms are antibacterial. Many dogs suffer from common and chronic disorders that can interfere with their lives and their happiness: Allergies, skin infections, ear infections, hot spots, and bad breath. Turkey Tail mushrooms can be very beneficial for dogs with these conditions, for both treatment and prevention. The antibaterial properties of the mushroom work to fight the unerlying bacterial infections that cause these issues in dogs. Packed inside these magical mushrooms are substances called beta-glucans. These chemicals stimulate cells within the dog’s immune system to aid in fighting disease, keeping the dog’s immune system primed and on alert for germs, aiding the immune system to fight infections, and soothing over-active immune systems and reactions. Research has shown that Turkey Tail mushrooms also aid immunity by functioning as a prebiotic. The role of a prebiotic is to provide nutrients for the friendly, beneficial bacteria in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. These good gut bacteria aid immune system function and play a vital role in keeping the dog healthy and able to fight off infections. When shopping for an all-natural supplement for yourself or your pet, getting it from a trusted source is crucial. In the case of Turkey Tail mushrooms, the supplement must be made from the fruit portion of the mushroom. Lower-quality supplements are often made from the root portion of the mushroom (called the mycelium). The most critical essential ingredient is the beta-glucans that were discussed earlier. The supplement information should state that it is made from the mushroom’s fruiting body or contains >30% beta-glucans. Turkey Tail Mushroom Capsules by Real Mushrooms. Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder by Real Mushrooms. Dogs are typically given 1,000 mg a day, which is two of our capsules or ½ teaspoon of the powder form. In the form of capsules and powders, Turkey Tail mushroom supplements have few, if any, reported side effects. As with any medication or supplement, if your dog is pregnant, nursing, or has a medical condition, contact your veterinarian before administering Turkey Tail mushroom supplements.