Given that mushrooms are considered a delicacy by us humans, you might have wondered if dogs can eat mushrooms.
The answer is no: potentially they can eat some types if properly cooked, but it's better not to administer them.
Let's look at why, and continue reading to discover everything you need to know about dogs and mushrooms.
Are mushrooms bad for dogs?
Even though some mushrooms edible for humans might not be toxic for dogs, it is generally considered better to avoid giving them to dogs.
This also concerns common mushrooms purchased in supermarkets and therefore not poisonous.
There are several main reasons for this precaution:
Variability in tolerance: Even among mushrooms edible for humans, some can cause gastrointestinal upsets or allergies in dogs due to differences in their digestive physiology.
Difficulty in identification: Identifying mushrooms with certainty can be difficult, and even mushrooms that seem safe might turn out to be toxic. Dogs might eat a non-toxic mushroom at one time and then eat a toxic one another time.
Long-term effects: Even if a mushroom seems not to cause immediate problems to your dog, there could be an accumulation effect or long-term problems that are not immediately apparent.
Preventing risky eating habits: Giving dogs edible mushrooms might make them think that all mushrooms are safe to eat, increasing the risk that they might ingest toxic mushrooms in the future.
What to do if your dog has eaten a mushroom in the garden?
If you suspect that your dog has eaten a mushroom in the garden, it's important to act promptly to ensure their safety. Follow these steps:
Stay calm: Try to remain calm and focused during this situation. Your calm behavior will also help your dog feel more secure.
Collect the mushroom: If possible, try to identify and remove the mushroom that the dog has eaten.
Take a photo if you can, so it can be identified later, if necessary.
Contact the vet: Call your vet or an emergency veterinary center immediately.
Provide them with detailed information about the situation, such as the type of mushroom (if you know it), the amount the dog has eaten, and any symptoms you might have noticed.
Observe the dog: Carefully watch your dog for any changes in behavior, symptoms of poisoning, or discomfort.
Mushroom poisoning in dogs can manifest with a range of symptoms that can vary based on the type of mushroom ingested, the amount consumed, and the individual characteristics of the dog.
Some common symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs include:
Gastrointestinal disorders: Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive abdominal pain, and straining to defecate can be signs of mushroom intoxication.
Lethargy: The dog might appear very tired, weak, and less responsive than usual.
Tremors and seizures: In some cases, dogs poisoned by mushrooms might exhibit tremors or seizures.
Oral irritation: The dog might show signs of irritation in the mouth or on the tongue, such as frequently licking their lips or making grimaces.
Breathing difficulties: Panting, heavy breathing, or difficulty breathing could be signs of poisoning.
Increased or decreased heart rate: The dog's heartbeat might increase or decrease compared to normal.
Changes in body temperature: The dog's body temperature might increase or decrease.
Eye irritation or red eyes: In some cases, the dog might show signs of irritation or redness in the eyes.
Blood in the feces or urine: The presence of blood in the feces or urine could be a sign of intoxication.
Deterioration of consciousness: In severe cases, the dog might become confused, ataxic, or even enter a coma state.
Do not induce vomiting: Do not try to induce vomiting in your dog unless specifically advised by the vet. In some cases, inducing vomiting could worsen the situation.
Future prevention: Take measures to prevent your dog from accessing mushrooms in the future. Monitor your garden and, if possible, remove toxic mushrooms.
Be aware that some varieties of mushrooms have effects on the human and animal body after 24-48 hours, and they can cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys even two days after ingestion, or be fatal.
Remember that promptness is crucial in these situations. Do not wait to see if the dog shows symptoms before acting. If you have doubts or concerns, do not hesitate to consult the vet for specific advice for your case.
What to do if the dog eats mushrooms and vomits?
In this case too, stay calm and proceed as follows:
Collect the mushroom: If possible, try to identify and remove the mushroom that the dog has eaten. Take a photo if you can, so you can identify it to report to the vet.
Monitor the dog: Carefully observe your dog to see if they are vomiting multiple times, if the vomiting is frequent, or if there are other symptoms of discomfort.
Suspend feeding: Temporarily stop solid feeding to your dog for about 12-24 hours, but continue to offer small amounts of water to prevent dehydration.
Contact the vet: Call your vet to inform them of the situation. Describe the type of mushroom (if you know it) and explain the symptoms your dog is exhibiting.
Continuous monitoring: Continue to closely observe your dog. If vomiting persists, worsens, or if other symptoms such as lethargy, tremors, breathing difficulties, or neurological symptoms appear, seek immediate medical assistance.
Do not give medications: Do not give your dog any medications for vomiting without the vet's consent. Some medications could be harmful to your dog in this situation.
Avoid self-treatment: Do not try to treat the dog at home without the supervision of a vet. Self-treatment could worsen the situation.
In situations of mushroom poisoning, it's always better to turn to the vet for specific advice.
The vet will be able to provide guidance based on the health and well-being of your dog.
Which mushrooms can dogs eat?
As a general rule, dogs can eat porcini mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms, obviously in quantities equivalent to a snack.
They can also eat button mushrooms, but as we said, they do not need them, so it's better to avoid them.
Can dogs eat cooked mushrooms?
Some types of cooked mushrooms can be safe for dogs, but it's important to be cautious and know which types of mushrooms are safe for canine consumption.
Many mushrooms that are edible for humans can still be toxic to dogs, and there are mushrooms that lose their toxicity only if cooked at a certain temperature for a certain time, or are toxic even to humans.
Here are some points to keep in mind if you're thinking of giving cooked mushrooms to your dog:
If you're not sure whether a specific type of mushroom is edible for animals even if it is for humans, it's better not to offer it to your dog. Some mushrooms edible for humans can be extremely toxic to dogs.
Avoid offering mushrooms picked outdoors unless you are an expert in their identification.
In general, some cooked mushrooms that are edible for humans can be given to dogs in moderation. However, make sure the mushrooms are cooked without seasonings or ingredients toxic to dogs, such as onions or garlic.
Even if a mushroom is considered safe, only offer small portions as an addition to the usual food.
So, even though dogs can eat cooked mushrooms, avoid overfeeding Fido with mushrooms, as they are mainly composed of fiber that could cause stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal disorders.
Can dogs eat rice with mushrooms?
Rice with mushrooms is not toxic to dogs (obviously provided that the mushrooms in question are among the species safe for animal consumption), but the answer is no, it is not advisable to give dogs rice with mushrooms.
Risotto contains wine, onion, perhaps garlic, and other spices and seasonings, not to mention salt. All foods that are not suitable for animal consumption.
Moreover, the rice used for risotto is rich in starch, which is difficult for dogs to digest.
If you want to cook for your dog, it's better to opt for ingredients that are known to be safe and beneficial for dogs.
Rice without harmful seasonings, along with lean proteins such as boiled chicken or lean meat, can be a basis for preparing homemade meals for dogs.
In conclusion…
If saying that dogs can eat mushrooms is intended in the sense that they can digest some of the more common varieties then yes, they are not toxic.
But since they do not need them in their daily diet, it's better to avoid them.
Giving mushrooms to dogs, cooked or raw, is unnecessary as, although they are good sources of vitamins and minerals in humans, in the case of dogs they do not represent an indispensable addition to their diet.
Moreover, considering the possibility that the dog might eat mushrooms in the garden or in the woods, it's better to be careful during walks.
It only takes a moment to find yourself with a big problem that you certainly do not want to have to face.
Other articles that might interest you
How to season rice for dogs: create 9 simple and delicious recipes
Proteins for dogs: which and how many they should eat, and how to choose
Author's note
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Disclaimer
The information reported on our site is of a general nature and does not replace in any way the opinion of the veterinarian or industry experts. For any doubts, always turn to the veterinarian.
