Medicinal mushrooms aren't just for humans anymore, they're transforming canine wellness. This article explores four expert-backed superfood mushrooms supporting dogs' immunity, cognition, and overall health.
Quick Takeaways
4 of the Best Mushrooms for Dogs
- Lion's Mane - Supports brain health by promoting nerve regeneration, enhancing memory, and helping slow cognitive decline.
- Reishi – Aids in managing dogs’ stress, balancing their immune system, and reducing inflammation.
- Turkey Tail – Promotes immune system support and potential cancer fighting properties, especially during chemotherapy.
- Chaga - Supports dogs' health with antioxidants and immune-modulating properties that may aid in cancer care.
Functional Mushrooms for Dogs Made Simple
At Rocker Dog, we believe in nature-backed nourishment. That's why our gently cooked meals include the best mushrooms for dogs like Lion's Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Chaga. All of which are safely dosed by a canine nutritionist to support your dog's vitality, immunity, and cognitive health. Mushrooms aren't just for people anymore, they're functional foods your dog can thrive on every day.
What are the Benefits of Mushrooms for Dogs?
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries to promote longevity, resilience, and healing in humans; and emerging research suggests they can provide similar benefits to our canine companions. Rich in beta-glucans, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, functional mushrooms offer a variety of benefits such as:
- Immune system modulation: Functional mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Reishi help regulate and enhance immune responses without overstimulating them. They support the activity of macrophages, natural killer cells, and cytokine expression,
which is essential for maintaining a balanced immune system (Ahmad et al., 2024; Silver, 2023). - Stress resilience: Mushrooms such as Reishi act as adaptogens, supporting the nervous system and helping dogs manage chronic or acute stress by regulating cortisol and promoting homeostasis in the HPA axis (Petitto, 2020; Kępińska-Pacelik, 2025).
- Cognitive health: Lion's Mane mushrooms have shown neuroregenerative potential by stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF), which plays a key role in memory, learning, and nervous system repair (Seilis, 2023; Basko, 2023).
- Cancer adjunct support: Chaga, Turkey Tail, and Reishi mushrooms have demonstrated anti-tumor activity and are being studied as supportive therapies in veterinary oncology, especially in conjunction with conventional treatments for cancers like hemangiosarcoma (Alexander, 2023; Silver, 2023).
Let's explore the top mushrooms we include in Rocker Dog's meals.
Lion's Mane - The Brain Booster
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is gaining attention for its potential neuroprotective and cognitive benefits, especially for aging dogs. Research shows that Lion's Mane contains bioactive compounds like hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein critical for the maintenance, survival, and regeneration of neurons (Basko, 2023). In animal studies, these compounds have demonstrated the ability to support nerve regeneration and enhance learning and memory performance.
For aging dogs, NGF stimulation may help slow cognitive decline and support brain function, particularly in cases of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD - a condition some refer to as doggie Alzheimer's). As Alex Seilis (2023) explains, Lion's Mane for dogs is gaining popularity in the pet wellness world for its role in maintaining neurological health, improving memory, and supporting learning capacity in senior dogs.
You can find Lion's Mane in our Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth recipe
Reishi Mushrooms for Dogs - Calmness & Immune Harmony
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), often called the “Mushroom of Immortality,” is a revered adaptogen known for its wide-range of health benefits. In both humans and animals, it helps regulate the immune system, supports adrenal function, and promotes a calm,
resilient response to stress (Petitto, 2020). This makes it especially useful for dogs dealing with anxiety, immune imbalance, or chronic inflammation.
Scientific studies confirm Reishi's potent antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, largely due to its triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds. These bioactives may help protect the liver, reduce oxidative damage, and support cardiovascular health (Ahmad et al., 2024). In dogs, this translates to potential relief from allergies, autoimmune conditions, and an overall stronger defense against illness.
Reishi is the powerful adaptogen included in our ABF Free Range Turkey recipe
Turkey Tail - Immune Power & Cancer Support
Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor or Trametes versicolor) is one of the most researched mushrooms for immune function and cancer adjunct care. It contains two potent polysaccharides, PSK (Polysaccharide Krestin) and PSP (Polysaccharide Peptide), which have been studied for their anti-tumor and immunomodulatory properties. (Alexander, 2023)
Dr. Robert Silver (2023) notes that Turkey Tail may be especially helpful for dogs undergoing chemotherapy or managing cancer, citing research that links PSP to increased survival rates and enhanced immune response. In fact, veterinary interest in Turkey Tail grew after a promising clinical trial at the University of Pennsylvania found extended survival in dogs with hemangiosarcoma (a highly metastatic skin cancer) that received a high-dose Turkey Tail supplement (Silver, 2023).
You can find Turkey Tail in our Chicken & Salmon and Fish (Salmon & Pollock) recipes.
Chaga Mushrooms for Dogs - Antioxidant Armor
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) may not look like much, with its rough blackened exterior that resembles a chunk of burnt wood. But this superfood is gaining attention for its cancer-fighting potential and antioxidant activity in dogs. In a recent study, Chaga extract demonstrated the ability to suppress the growth of canine bladder cancer organoids by inducing apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in abnormal cells (Ishihara et al., 2023). While research is still emerging, these findings highlight Chaga's promise as a supportive therapy in veterinary oncology.
Seraiah Alexander (2023) further notes that Chaga's immune-modulating and antioxidant compounds may complement traditional cancer treatments, making it one of several functional mushrooms of interest for holistic dog health. These antioxidants help defend the body against free radicals, which are unstable, reactive molecules that contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer. (Alexander, 2023)
Chaga is the primary adaptogen in our Grass-Fed Black Angus Beef recipe.
How Our Fresh Homemade Meals Include These Mushrooms
At Rocker Dog, we go beyond trendy ingredients. We formulate every recipe with science-backed superfoods, and love. Each of our meals is crafted with real, gently cooked ingredients, traceable proteins, fresh vegetables, powerful superfoods, and adaptogenic mushrooms.
We work closely with certified canine nutritionists to ensure these mushrooms are incorporated appropriately for dogs of all ages and sizes. No powders. No fillers. Just functional food made easy for dog parents who want the best for their pups.
Whether it's our Turkey Tail–infused chicken and salmon, or our Chaga-fueled black angus beef, we deliver complete meals designed to support your dog's health and vitality at every life stage.
Bring the Power of Mushrooms to Your Dog's Bowl
By incorporating Lion's Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Chaga into your dog's diet, you're offering daily support for cognition, immune function, and overall long-term vitality. Medicinal mushrooms are no longer reserved for niche supplements or complex regimens. With Rocker Dog, they're already in the bowl. Backed by research, balanced by experts, and loved by pups - our superfood meals set a new standard for canine nutrition.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can dogs eat mushrooms?
Yes, dogs can safely eat certain mushrooms, but not all. Specific mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Chaga, when properly prepared and dosed,
offer benefits and are safe for canine consumption. But it is important to avoid wild mushrooms as many are toxic, or even deadly, to dogs.
Are mushrooms good for dogs with cancer?
Yes, studies have shown mushrooms like Turkey Tail, Reishi, and Chaga have shown promising results in supporting dogs undergoing cancer treatment, thanks to their immune-modulating and antioxidant properties.
What are the best mushrooms for dogs with tumors?
Turkey Tail and Chaga are among some of the best-studied mushrooms for dogs with tumors, especially when used alongside traditional cancer treatments. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides which have been studied for their anti-tumor and immunomodulatory properties.
Should I talk to my vet before giving my dog mushrooms?
Absolutely, especially raw or store-bought mushrooms. Rocker Dog's recipes are formulated by a certified canine nutritionist, but every dog is unique. That's why we always recommend consulting your veterinarian when making any kind of changes to your dog's diet.
References
Alexander, S. (2023). How Medicinal Mushrooms Can Help Your Dog Battle Cancer. Shroomer.
Retrieved from https://www.shroomer.com/dog-cancer-medicinal-mushrooms/
Ahmad, M. F., et al. (2024). Ganoderma lucidum: Insight into antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with development of secondary metabolites. Heliyon, 10(3), e25607. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25607
Basko, I., & Dohmen, L. (2023). Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): A Potential Treatment for Neurologic Disorders in Veterinary Medicine. Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, 70(Spring), 15–20. https://doi.org/10.56641/pssj9210
Ishihara, Y., Sasaki, K., et al. (2023). Anti-cancer activity of Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) against dog bladder cancer organoids. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1159516
Kępińska-Pacelik, J., & Biel, W. (2025). Herbal Support for the Nervous System: The Impact of Adaptogens in Humans and Dogs. Applied Sciences, 15(10), 5402. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105402
Petitto, M. (2020). Adaptogens: A Directory of Over 70 Healing Herbs for Energy, Stress Relief, Beauty, and Overall Well-Being. Chartwell Books.
Seilis, A. (2023). 5 Reasons to Give Your Dog Lion's Mane Mushroom. Dogs Naturally Magazine.
Retrieved from https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/5-reasons-to-give-dog-lions-mane-mushroom/
Silver, R. (2023). Turkey Tail for Pets. Real Mushrooms/DVM360 Magazine.
Retrieved from https://www.realmushrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/dvm360_Robert-Silver_Turkey-Tail-CE-Article_April2023.pdf
AAFCO Nutrient Profile
All Rocker Dog products are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including growth of large size dogs (70 lbs. or more as an adult). Every meal supports your dog’s health through scientifically aligned levels of protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients.