Can Dogs Eat Shiitake Mushrooms? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

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Mushrooms are a complex food. While many types offer a nutrient-loaded, low-calorie, savory, and meaty addition to your recipes, others can be deadly for both humans and dogs. Therefore, if you’re staring at the shiitake mushrooms on your plate and wondering if you can share them with your dog, you’re right in being cautious.

Thankfully, shiitake mushrooms are one of the best varieties to share with your pup. However, there are some things you should know before giving your dog a taste. Read on to learn about the benefits and risks of offering this fungus to your pet and how to prepare them properly.

What Are Shiitake Mushrooms?

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are one of the most commonly eaten mushroom varieties in the world. They grow on the decaying wood of a variety of trees in moist and warm climates and are found predominantly in eastern Asia. As with many other herbs and plants, shiitake mushrooms have been used for decades in traditional herbal medicine.

Benefits of Giving Shiitake Mushrooms to Dogs

They May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties

Shiitake mushrooms are rich in a beta-glucan known as lentinan. Lentinans may improve the immune system and suppress certain cancer cells.

However, it is important to note that the cancer-fighting benefits of these mushrooms have been predominantly studied in humans, and dog-specific research is still lacking.

They Contain Many Vitamins & Minerals

It’s not just their lentinan content that makes shiitake mushrooms healthy for dogs. These powerful fungi are chock full of vitamins and minerals your dog needs to thrive.

According to the USDA, a 19-gram serving of raw shiitake mushrooms contains a hefty dose of phosphorus, potassium, niacin, copper, and selenium¹.

They’re High in Fiber

Shiitake mushrooms have a relatively high fiber content, which can positively impact gut microbiota and overall health. Fiber is a necessary yet complex component in all commercial canine diets. In some cases, gastrointestinal conditions can be managed effectively with diets enhanced with fiber.

Foods high in fiber can also increase satiety, which may help reduce a dog’s overall food intake if they need to lose weight. One study in rats found that those fed a higher dose of shiitake mushrooms had a 35% lower body weight gain than those eating low or moderate amounts of the fungus.

Please note that we do not recommend using shiitake mushrooms for weight control unless advised by your veterinarian to do so.

Are There Risks to Offering Shiitake Mushrooms to Dogs?

While shiitake mushrooms are not toxic, there are some things you should know before giving them to your pup.

If your dog is unwell or takes medication, it’s best to speak with your vet before offering them these powerful fungi. Lentinan interferes with cytochrome P450 activity in people; this group of enzymes is also present in dogs and involved in liver metabolism. Long story short, lentinan could interfere with the metabolism of some medications.

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