Are Functional Mushrooms Good for Pets?

 Mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular as a functional food and a powerful ally in the toolbox of holistic medicines and with good reason. There is enough historical data going back thousands of years supporting the benefits of mushrooms in the diet. Peer-reviewed studies are growing, too, with over 2,000 results for “medicinal mushrooms.”

Mushrooms can benefit your companion animals as much as they benefit you! Fungi are their heyday, and the potential for mushrooms to benefit your four-legged family members is significant. Before you buy functional mushroom supplements for pets, though, you should go through the information provided here.


Reasons to Feed Mushrooms to Pets

The benefits of mushrooms are vast and far-reaching, with each variety of fungi having its own exclusive properties and organ targets. However, there are beneficial features of mushrooms, and they are common to all of them.

For as long as they evolved, animals encountered the immune-stimulating effects of fungi, some of which were strong pathogens. These fungal pathogens were strong incentives for animals to develop immune system mechanisms to detect and protect against these bacteria and viruses.

When an animal eats mushrooms as food or supplement, it activates a type of communication in the body, informing the immune system of where attention is necessary to maintain vigor and balance. What is the cause of this beneficial immune response? Mushrooms are chock-full of bioactive compounds called polysaccharides, including beta-glucans.

Beta-glucans are immunomodulators that can help to balance the immune system and keep it in optimal working condition. Beta-glucans interact with monocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells.

The same thing happens within the bodies of pet animals when they consume functional or medicinal mushrooms, such as Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps. These fungi activate an alert system in the body, sending a message to deliver resources where needed.

The main reason why you should buy functional mushroom supplements for cats and dogs is that they can help their immune systems become more resilient.

Advantages of Feeding Functional Mushrooms to Dogs & Cats

All functional mushrooms have a few common benefits.

· Modulating the immune system

· Supporting healthy gut bacteria

· Antioxidants

· Supporting natural inflammation response

There are other applications worth mentioning based on the mushrooms. For example, cordyceps is perfect for a natural boost of energy and lung health. Lion’s Mane can facilitate healthy brain function and support cognition. Reishi may work as a calming agent while improving sleep quality.

Which Mushroom is Best for Pets?

The fact that these functional mushrooms share so many beneficial qualities is incredible. However, it may also make choosing a specific fungus to add to your pet’s regimen confusing. If you want to buy functional mushroom supplements for pets, speak to a veterinarian about which fungus will be suitable.

If you want to proactively support your pet with mushrooms and they do not have any specific health condition, it is best to provide a combo of medicinal fungi.

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