Can dogs eat mushrooms?

Updated 13/04/2024

With a shift in focus to superfoods and ingredients that cover a range of health benefits, it's no wonder mushrooms are becoming a staple vegetable in many a household. Home cooks and pet parents alike are understandably wondering - can dogs eat mushrooms - or are mushrooms for dogs a bad idea? Well, the answer is yes, dogs can eat mushrooms if they're store-bought, of a safe variety, and fed in small amounts. And that might open up more questions than it does close them - are mushrooms bad for dogs if they're wild, being one of many. Mushrooms foraged from the ground could potentially poison your pup, so get to the vet as soon as possible if you suspect your dog has nibbled on wild fungi - more on that below.

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Are mushrooms toxic to dogs?

When it comes to store-bought mushrooms for dogs, you should be in the clear (take a look below for a list of mushrooms safe for dogs). There are, however, a variety of mushrooms unsafe for consumption for not only us humans, but our furry friends, too. That's why your safest bet is sticking to common varieties found at your local store so that you can easily avoid toxic mushrooms for dogs. 

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Mushrooms safe for dogs

So, are mushrooms safe for dogs if they're from the store? Can dogs eat mushrooms of any variety, as long as they're shop-bought? Well we're going to tread carefully and say not necessarily - there may be a chance of your store stocking a variety your pup simply can't handle. The safest thing to do would be to opt for the most common variety you can find, and double check with your vet before feeding it to your pup. With that said, here are a few common varieties you're likely to find in your store, and that have a low chance of causing a reaction in your pooch.

• White button
• Chestnut
• Portobello
• Porcini
• Shiitake

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Poisonous mushrooms for dogs

If your dog ate a mushroom on a walk, take your pup to the vet immediately. If you simply want to get clued-up on toxic mushroom identification for dogs and the mushrooms toxic to dogs, check out the list below.

• Deadly galerina
• Death cap
• False morel
• Jeweled death cap
• Deadly agaric

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Mushroom poisoning in dogs: the symptoms

If you know your precious pooch has nibbled on a wild mushroom, your safest option is to get to the vet immediately, even if your pup isn't experiencing any reactive symptoms. Below, find some of the symptoms of mushroom toxicity in dogs so that you're in the know, just in case your pup takes a bite while your head is turned.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Salivation
• Abdominal pain
• Seizures
• Jaundice
• Death

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Health benefits of eating mushrooms for dogs

Your pup should be getting all the nutrients they need from the dog food you're putting down, so if you're wondering - can dogs eat mushrooms as a nutritional supplement, the answer would be no. Mushrooms do however contain a variety of micronutrients that can benefit both us humans and our dogs, too.

• Vitamin D
• Vitamins B2, B3, folate, B5
• Selenium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Copper

Having said that, there are other veggies that are more beneficial to dogs than mushrooms - so your pup isn’t missing out if they aren’t eating mushrooms!

Are mushrooms bad for dogs: the bottom line

So, are mushrooms ok for dogs, or are mushrooms poisonous to dogs, meaning you should avoid them altogether? Well if you'd like to completely steer clear, your pup won't be missing out and it’s actually safest to avoid mushrooms in your dog’s diet. With that said though, if you really want to feed mushrooms to your dog, you can feed your pooch store-bought mushrooms of a safe variety (granted they're served plain and without seasonings). 

Feeding your dog mushrooms safely

My dogs have eaten mushrooms in the yard - what do I do?

If you're here because your dog ate a mushroom in the grass, get your pup to a vet ASAP, even if your precious pooch isn't experiencing any nasty symptoms.

Are wild mushrooms bad for dogs?

Yes, wild mushrooms are bad news for dogs - they could cause mushroom poisoning in dogs and potentially death.

Can dogs eat canned mushrooms?

Can dogs eat mushrooms if they're from a can? Like with any processed food, we'd say avoid, as they're often high in salt and other additives.

Can dogs eat white mushrooms?

Shop bought white mushrooms should be safe for your pup, but always check with your vet before introducing a new vegetable into your dog's diet. 

Can dogs eat cooked mushrooms?

Dogs can eat cooked mushrooms, so long as they're cooked completely plain and without any oil or butter.

Can dogs eat fried mushrooms?

Can dogs eat mushrooms cooked in butter or oil? No - mushrooms fed to your pup should be fat-free and completely plain.

Can dogs eat mushrooms raw?

Can dogs eat mushrooms raw? Raw mushrooms should be avoided, as they are harder to digest and can cause tummy upset in your dog.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

Now that you're all clued-up on mushrooms and dogs, what about other foods dogs can eat? Get started with those below.

• Corn (off the cob)
• Potatoes
• Apples

Meet our veterinary expert, Jnanee

This article has been checked by veterinarian Jnanee Krishnasamy, BVSc (Massey). Dr Jnanee is a small animal veterinarian. She was born in sunny Singapore and spent her formative years there, before studying veterinary medicine at

Massey University. Since graduating from vet school, Dr Jnanee has worked in a variety of settings that include private practice, shelter medicine, and veterinary telemedicine. Due to her varied experiences, she is well-informed on many aspects of the veterinary industry!