This weekend Mom had a rare hankering for eggs so she decided to scramble some with mushrooms. To say that Mom WUVs mushrooms is an understatement! She especially loves the Maitake Mushroom because it’s delicate, earthy tasting, easy to prepare AND delicious! But, Can Dogs Eat Maitake Mushrooms too?
Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians. We enjoy sharing what we are doing at the furSmiths to encourage you and to give you ideas! Always discuss new foods or potential health approaches with your veterinarian.
What is a Maitake Mushroom?
Maitake is a small, delicate mushroom clump native to China, Europe and North America and are also known as Hen-of-the-Woods and Ram’s Head. Maitake also means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese because of its resemblance to the “waving hands and kimono sleeves of dancing girls”.
Maitake is technically species Grifola frondosa in the Funji kingdom. It is a polypore mushroom typically found in late summer and early autumn at the base of trees, particularly old growth oaks or maples. Maitake can be found in many grocery stores and purchased online. It’s always best to buy your mushrooms and NOT pick them in the wild – just in case they are not what you think they are!
What are Maitake Mushrooms Good For?
According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (for humans) Maitake has traditionally been used in Japan and China as part of the diet to treat diabetes and hypertension. Like other medicinal mushrooms, Maitake contains a complex sugar called beta-glucan.
Maitake Mushroom Health Benefits
In humans, beta glucan can help reduce cholesterol, improving artery functionality and overall cardiovascular health to lower the risk for heart disease. The polysaccharides in maitake can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol without affecting your triglyceride or HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs and People!
Similarly, White Oak Vet purports that Maitake Mushroom also Benefit Dogs because they contain:
- Beta-glucans
- Antioxidants
- Copper
- Potassium
- Amino acids
- Fiber
- Vitamins B, C, and D
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According to Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib in their new book, Forever Dog, Medicinal Mushrooms such as Maitake, are the best source of spermidine which supports liver health, fights cancer and increases life span! If you have not purchased your Forever Dog book we encourage you to do so asap! It’s full of health tips, recipes, recommendations and more!
So, Can Dogs Eat Maitake Mushrooms?
According to our personal Integrative Vet along with Dr Karen Becker (and many online veterinarians), Yes! Ella and Luna are allowed to eat Maitake Mushrooms sprinkled in their meals when Mom prepares them! It’s important – as the AKC points out – to prepare mushrooms for your dogs plain or in a dog-friendly manner. (Sign up for our Free Dog Friendly Mushroom Recipe below and we’ll show you how easy it is)!
Please be sure to check with your personal vet to take in account your individual pet’s health and needs, however, before serving mushrooms or any new foods to your pup.
Scoobylife Homemade Dog Food Recipe
Do yow want to learn how to make a Simple, Delicious and Healthy Maitake Mushroom Dish that both Pups and People will LOVE? Get our free recipe below!
Scrambled Eggs with Maitake Mushroom and Spinach Dog Food Topper
Looking for more healthy foods to share with your pup? Check out our blog for more ideas!
