Mushrooms, also known as medicinal or adaptogenic mushrooms, have gained attention for their potential health benefits, including in dogs with cancer. Mushrooms have anti-cancer and immune-boosting properties. Shitake, Maitake, Reishi, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, and Turkey Tail are examples of medicinal mushrooms.

Medicinal mushrooms have many ways to help your dog that is battling cancer, including:

Immune System Support: Many medical mushrooms have immune-modulating effects, which can help regulate and balance the immune system's responses. This can benefit dogs with cancer, as a balanced immune system can better recognize and target abnormal cells.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Certain medical mushrooms contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is often associated with cancer progression, so reducing inflammation can support your dog's body's ability to fight cancer.

Antioxidant Activity: Medical mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants can support your dog's overall health and potentially help mitigate some of the adverse effects of cancer.

Enhanced Vitality: Some dog parents and veterinarians have reported that dogs undergoing cancer treatment experience improved energy levels and vitality when supplemented with medical mushrooms.

Adaptogenic Effects: Adaptogens help your dog's body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Medical mushrooms with adaptogenic properties support your dog's ability to cope with the stress of cancer and its treatments.

Potential Antitumor Effects: Studies have found that specific compounds in medical mushrooms, such as beta-glucans, may have antitumor effects. 

Improved Quality of Life: Dogs with cancer often experience side effects from conventional treatments. Medical mushrooms may help manage some side effects, such as nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue, thus improving the dog's quality of life.

Several medicinal mushrooms are considered beneficial for dogs with cancer due to their potential immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Some of the most commonly studied and used medicinal mushrooms for dogs with cancer include:

Reishi mushrooms are often called the "mushrooms of immortality" and are well-known for their immune-modulating effects. These mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to treat inflammation, cancer, heart disease, and hormonal imbalances. Reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which boost T-cell levels in the immune system and reduce inflammatory responses triggered by stress, poor diet, and other factors; ganoderic acids, which have been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels; and triterpenoids, which delay the progression of cancers such as osteosarcomas, lymphomas, and meningiomas.

Turkey tail mushrooms have been used for centuries in Asian cultures to treat various diseases and cancers. Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharide compounds, including PSK (polysaccharide-K) and PSP (polysaccharide peptide), which have been studied for their potential anti-cancer and immune-enhancing effects. 

A study at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine demonstrated an astounding benefit of turkey tail mushrooms for dogs suffering from hemangiosarcoma, a cancer so aggressive that untreated dogs only lived an average of 86 days before succumbing to it. However, the dogs in the Penn study given turkey tail mushrooms lived for more than a year with no treatment other than the mushroom compound!

Maitake mushrooms are high in vitamins and active ingredients that boost immunity, promote natural hormone balance, and promote healthy cell development. Beta-1, 6 glucan polysaccharide components in these mushrooms activate the immune system and inhibit abnormal cell development. They've been used in Asia for decades to help reduce the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

The mushroom's immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties improve tumor-fighting abilities against syngeneic and allogeneic tumors. Maitake's ability to prevent tumor growth and restore suppressed immune functions can be increased when combined with Vitamin C.

Maitake mushrooms can stimulate dogs' macrophages, natural killer cells, and cytotoxic T-cells, increasing their ability to fight cancer. Compared to untreated dogs, those fed mushrooms had minimized tumor growth by 86%!

Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds like lentinan, which has been studied for its potential antitumor and immune-modulating effects.

Shiitake mushrooms provide antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal defense, blood sugar control, and inflammation reduction. They have been used in Japan to treat heart disease, hepatitis, high blood pressure, and infectious diseases since they contain eight basic amino acids and linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid.

Shiitakes are high in protein and contain copper, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, pantothenic acid, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, thiamin, zinc, and dietary fiber. More than 50 enzymes are found in shiitake mushrooms, including pepsin, which helps digest protein.

Cordyceps mushrooms have adaptogenic properties, which can help your dog's body adapt to stress. They may also support immune function.

Also known as Caterpillar Mushrooms, cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) mushrooms possess antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. They are also helpful in boosting the immune system, supporting the liver, detoxifying the blood, and purifying the kidneys. 

Although they are commonly utilized for stamina and endurance, cordyceps can prove incredibly beneficial for dogs with cancer, leaky gut, liver conditions, and other ailments requiring a wellness boost.

Chaga mushrooms are known for their antioxidant and immune-modulating properties. They are rich in antioxidants, particularly a group of compounds known as polyphenols. Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. In dogs with cancer, antioxidant-rich chaga mushrooms could potentially help mitigate the effects of oxidative stress and support overall health.

Chaga mushrooms also contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may help modulate the inflammatory response. Reducing inflammation can contribute to a healthier immune system and improved well-being.

Lion's Mane mushrooms have gained attention for their effects on cognitive function, nerve health, and potential anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that the mushroom's compound hericenones and erinacines can stimulate the production of nerve growth factors. In dogs with cancer, especially those undergoing treatments that might affect nerve function, Lion's Mane could potentially aid in maintaining nerve health.

Cancer treatments and the disease itself can sometimes impact cognitive function in dogs. Lion's Mane is potentially beneficial for supporting nerve growth and brain health and is useful for dogs experiencing cognitive changes or cognitive dysfunction related to cancer.

Other benefits include anti-inflammatory properties that could help modulate the inflammatory response, immune function support for those dogs that become immunocompromised due to cancer or treatments, and antioxidants, which can help protect cells from oxidative stress and contribute to overall health. 

Agaricus mushrooms have been investigated for their potential antitumor and immune-enhancing properties. Studies have demonstrated that they have immunomodulatory effects, which help regulate the immune system. Agaricus mushrooms have also been studied for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Things to Know Before Buying Medicinal Mushrooms

The medicinal properties and nutrient composition of mushrooms are primarily found in the fruiting body, which is the above-ground, visible part of the mushroom. Mycelium, while biologically connected to the mushroom, does not contain the same concentrated levels of bioactive compounds.

When choosing a mushroom supplement for your dog, you want to choose a mushroom extract (liquid or powdered) created from the mushroom's fruiting body. You want to avoid purchasing products that include mycelium, are grown on medium (like grains), or contain fillers because they will not be as biologically available and beneficial for your dog.

Concerns have been raised about the purity and quality of mycelium-based products. Mycelium grown on grains or other substrates may contain residual substrate material, potentially diluting the desired compound concentration. Some manufacturers may label products as "mushroom supplements" when they predominantly contain mycelium. This can be misleading for consumers expecting the benefits of the fruiting body.

Where the mushrooms are grown is also essential. Because mushrooms are bio-accumulators, they absorb toxins from polluted air and soil. How the mushrooms are raised significantly impacts the benefits they will provide to your dog. 

Companies that mass produce mushrooms will use grains or rice for a growing medium rather than in healthy soil or on a tree. If the mushroom is not grown in a natural setting, it cannot absorb all of the essential vitamins and nutrients your dog needs to thrive. You want to ensure that the product you choose has been properly harvested and cultivated, ideally wild-harvested in pollution-free areas.

Medicinal dog mushrooms can be purchased from various sources, including local markets, pet supply stores, online retailers, and specialty health food stores. When purchasing medicinal mushroom products for your dog, choosing reputable sources is essential to ensure product quality, safety, and efficacy. 

Certified herbalists specializing in animal health might offer customized herbal blends, including medicinal mushrooms. They can create formulations tailored to your dog's specific needs.

Some mushroom farms and producers offer dried, powdered, or tinctures of medicinal mushrooms that you can use to prepare homemade supplements for your dog. Make sure these products are safe and suitable for canine consumption.

Tips for purchasing medicinal mushroom products for dogs include:

Look for products specifically formulated for dogs.

Look for products that contain mushroom extracts. Your dog absorbs the medicinal components of mushrooms more quickly if the product is made from mushroom extracts rather than dried whole mushrooms.

Extract tinctures are preferable to extract powders because the powders begin to oxidize when the package is opened. Tinctures are best preserved in an organic vegetable glycerin.

Choose products with clear ingredient lists and dosage instructions.

Check for third-party testing or certifications for quality and purity.

Avoid products with additives, fillers, or unnecessary ingredients.

There are different ways to provide mushrooms to your dog. If using dried mushroom powder, sprinkle it onto your dog's food or pour tea or broth over it. Adding the powder to a homemade bone broth nourishes your dog and encourages her to stay hydrated. If using a tincture, make sure to follow the instructions provided.

To give your dog whole mushrooms, thoroughly cook them to allow for proper digestion. Some raw mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. To avoid gastrointestinal disorders, it is best to introduce mushrooms slowly to your dog. You can gradually increase the amounts once you see that she is tolerating the mushrooms. Start with a lower dose and work up gradually to avoid any digestive upset.

You can give your dog mushrooms daily to reap the benefits provided to your dog.

Edible mushrooms contain antioxidants, digestive enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients.

Some medicinal mushrooms modulate the immune system, maintain cellular health, and provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

Ensure that you buy products made from the fruit body of the mushroom, not the mycelium.

Can maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? 

Potential growth inhibitory effect of maitake D-fraction on canine cancer cells. | Semantic Scholar 

Mushrooms, also known as medicinal or adaptogenic mushrooms, have gained attention for their potential health benefits, including in dogs with cancer. Mushrooms have anti-cancer and immune-boosting properties. Shitake, Maitake, Reishi, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, and Turkey Tail are examples of <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/medicinal-mushrooms">medicinal mushrooms</a>.

Medicinal Mushrooms For Dogs With Cancer

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