Can dogs eat Turkey tail mushrooms?

Overview

Yes. Turkey tail mushroom is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. It’s packed with nutrients that have antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Turkey tail must be cooked before giving to dogs.

Benefits

Turkey tail mushroom is a type of fungus that grows on dead trees and logs. It contains beta-glucans, a special polysaccharide type with immune-boosting, anti-cancer, and anti-tumor properties.
Turkey tail contains prebiotics that nourishes the good bacteria in the gut. This enhances a dog's digestive health.
Turkey tail is packed with antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenols, which help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent arthritis and other inflammatory diseases in dogs.

Risks

Raw turkey tail is tough and woody, which is difficult for dogs to chew on. It also contains chitin which is hard for dogs to break down and digest.
When consumed raw, turkey tail mushrooms can cause intestinal gas and irritate the dog's liver. Excessive consumption can lead to toxicity.

Servings

Clean the turkey tail thoroughly. Cook by boiling or steaming until tender. Serve cooked turkey tail in moderation. It can be mixed with dog food or consumed directly.
Turkey tail mushroom supplements formulated for dogs are available in capsule, oil extract, and powder form. Follow the dosing instructions to prevent mushroom overdose. The standard recommended daily dosage of turkey tail mushroom powder for dogs is ½ teaspoon per 25 lbs.