Cordyceps is a popular supplement for us humans thanks to its potential to support various aspects of our wellbeing. That includes our energy levels, heart health, skin health, and immune system. It’s only natural that we want to share these wellness advantages with our canine friends. But can dogs eat cordyceps mushrooms? And are there any benefits to adding them to your pup’s diet? Today, we’re exploring the ways cordyceps could support your pet’s wellbeing and how to feed them the ingredient safely. Time to discover what this funky fungus really brings to the bowl!
A quick intro to cordyceps
First up, let’s get to know this mysterious mushroom a little better. A common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, cordyceps isn’t the type of fungus you’re likely to find in the supermarket. In the wild, its parasitic spores infect an insect like an ant or caterpillar and consume the unfortunate host’s insides. Pretty creepy, right? Luckily for us and our pooches, some clever scientists figured out how to cultivate the fungus without using bugs.
Not only is cultivated cordyceps more humane and sustainable, it’s also more affordable. And if you choose a top-quality product, it should be safer and more potent too. That’s because it’s richer in key wellness-boosting compounds, such as cordycepin and beta-glucans. Plus, it has a lower risk of contamination with heavy metals like lead. That’s one reason why the answer to the question ‘is cordyceps safe for dogs?’ depends on the product you pick. Other factors include your pet’s health condition and how you use the ingredient.
Is cordyceps safe for dogs?
It’s understandable to be nervous about offering your pup mushrooms. Just like for us, some species are toxic to our furry friends while others are harmless. (Quick side note – this is why you should never let your pet munch on wild fungi). Fortunately, experts generally agree that cordyceps is safe for dogs to eat.(1) Even better, it offers several potential benefits for their wellbeing.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that every single cordyceps product is suitable for our mutts. For example, some might contain other ingredients that are harmful to their health. Among those to look out for are chocolate and an artificial sweetener called xylitol. Because of this, we recommend only giving your pooch cordyceps products specifically created for pets.
What about fresh or dried mushrooms? Is cordyceps safe for dogs in its whole form? This largely comes down to how you prepare it. Raw fungi can be difficult for your pup to digest, so it’s best to cook the mushrooms thoroughly first. This enables your mutt to absorb more of their beneficial nutrients. However, don’t use any seasonings when doing so. Some, including garlic and onions, are toxic to our canine companions. Similarly, consuming too much butter or salt is also dangerous for our pets.
It's normally easier to source cordyceps for dogs in tablet and powder form. Personally, we prefer powders for several reasons. They’re less likely to include filler ingredients, simpler to add to your pup’s diet, and more digestible. They allow you to be more flexible with dosage too. Alternatively, treats that contain cordyceps powder can be another convenient option.
The potential benefits of cordyceps for dogs
Not only is cordyceps safe for dogs, but it can have a positive influence on their health. This is thanks to certain bioactive compounds it contains, including beta-glucan and cordycepin. It’s important to note that there haven’t been many cordyceps studies specifically on dogs. Most of these findings are based on anecdotal evidence from vets and pup parents, plus research on rodents and humans.
Here are some of the key ways this potent ingredient could support your pet’s wellbeing:
Enhances energy and stamina
The most famous benefit of cordyceps is its potential to increase endurance and fight fatigue. That means it can be a great choice for both playful pups and senior pooches who tire easily. It works by supporting respiratory function and enabling your mutt’s body (and yours!) to use oxygen more efficiently. This allows the muscles to work harder for longer without getting as tired. Perfect for everything from long hikes to agility training! Plus, the fungus’s anti-inflammatory properties could potentially ease respiratory conditions like asthma in our furry friends.(2)
Cordyceps contains two compounds – cordycepin and adenosine – that help to boost the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).(3) ATP is a molecule that stores and releases energy within your mutt’s cells. The more of it they make, the more mental and physical vitality they have available for walkies and games! The mushroom might also enable muscles to recover and repair more quickly after exercise.
Supports the immune system
There are a few ways in which cordyceps could have a beneficial effect on your pet’s immune system. For instance, we mentioned above that it has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to this, the fungus acts as an antioxidant. That means it protects your pup’s cells from free radical damage. Also known as oxidative stress, this contributes to ageing and several chronic diseases.
What’s more, cordyceps is rich in a type of fibre called beta-glucan. And one of the many benefits of beta-glucan for dogs is that it supports the immune system. It can stimulate certain types of immune cells, including natural killer cells and macrophages.(4) This enables your pup to fight off pathogens more effectively, improving their protection against infections. Plus, beta-glucan functions as a prebiotic, nourishing the good bacteria in your pooch’s gut. That’s advantageous for the immune system because roughly 70% of your dog’s immune cells are located there.
Looks after the heart
Beta-glucan does more than support the immune system. It has a positive influence on your pup’s cardiovascular health too. The fibre helps decrease the amount of cholesterol in your mutt’s blood, which can lessen the risk of heart disease.(5) Cordyceps might also increase blood flow by relaxing blood vessels, further supporting circulation and heart health.
And that’s not all! Cordyceps’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers further help to care for your pet’s ticker by fighting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. This can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Human trials have also found that the mushroom might aid in the treatment of arrhythmia. Is cordyceps safe for dogs with existing heart conditions? It depends on their individual needs, so check with a vet beforehand.
Has adaptogenic properties
Like many medicinal mushrooms, cordyceps is an adaptogen.(6) That means it helps reduce the negative effects of stress on the mind and body. This is good news because stress can cause both physical health problems and behavioural issues like aggression. One potential way in which the fungus does this is by regulating the body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol. However, further research is necessary to clarify this.
Can dogs have cordyceps to help with conditions like separation anxiety? It’s possible, though other functional fungi – for example reishi – will probably be more effective. Don’t worry if you can’t choose between these two mushrooms! Your pooch can have both, provided you give them a half-sized dose of each.
How long does it take to see results from cordyceps?
We’ve established that not only is cordyceps safe for dogs, but it could also be beneficial for their wellbeing. So, you might now be wondering how long you have to wait for your pup to enjoy these benefits. There’s no easy answer to this question. It depends on several factors, including your pet’s overall health and the specific advantage you’re talking about. However, you can expect the fungus to take between two weeks and three months to have an impact.
For the best results, consistency is key. Medicinal mushrooms like cordyceps work cumulatively, not immediately. That means it’s more effective to give your pup the ingredient daily rather than weekly or monthly. This doesn’t mean your pooch needs to take cordyceps for the rest of their life! In fact, we recommend giving them a break from it every few months. This helps to prevent them building up a tolerance to the fungus or overstimulating their immune system.
Potential risks and side effects of cordyceps
Is cordyceps safe for dogs? Yes, experts widely agree that this mushroom is not only harmless but even beneficial for our canine friends. However, it’s important to consider the following possible risks and side effects before adding it to your pup’s diet.
First, cordyceps isn’t suitable for all animals. You shouldn’t give it to dogs who are pregnant or lactating, nor to those who are still puppies themselves. There’s also the chance that your pet could be allergic to the ingredient. Start by giving them a small dose, and keep an eye on them to see how they react. If you notice any negative effects, take them to the vet straight away.
Speaking of dosage, always stick to the recommended amount of your chosen product. This will vary depending on the size of your dog. For instance, we advise feeding your pet ¼ to ½ a teaspoon of our cordyceps powder per 10kg of their body weight. Consuming too much could cause tummy troubles like diarrhoea or vomiting. Beginning with a lower dose can allow your pup’s digestive system to get used to the new ingredient.
Can dogs eat cordyceps mushrooms if they have an existing health condition? That’s going to depend on the specifics, so always check with a vet first. The same goes if your mutt is on any kind of medication. This is to help avoid unwanted interactions and side effects. As an example, because cordyceps has an influence on the immune system, it might interfere with the actions of immunosuppressants.
Lastly, remember that medicinal mushrooms are not a substitute for professional veterinary care and treatment. If you have any concerns about your furry friend’s wellbeing, book a vet appointment.
How can dogs have cordyceps safely?
Adding cordyceps powder to your pup’s diet is easy. Simply mix the correct amount (or less) into their normal wet food. That’s it! You can do this in one go, or spread it out over two or three meals. The flavour is mild, so even fussy eaters shouldn’t have a problem!
We mentioned that quality is super important when buying medicinal mushrooms like cordyceps for your dog. Looking for a pet-specific product is only one aspect of this. Another top tip is choosing a powder that is 100% pure cordyceps. That way, you steer clear of filler ingredients that reduce the ingredient’s potency.
We also recommend finding a company that has its cordyceps tested by an independent and accredited laboratory. (Spoiler alert: we do!). The first thing they should be checking for is that there are no nasty contaminants like heavy metals in the mushrooms. The second is the level of key wellness-supporting ingredients like beta-glucans and cordycepin. For example, our organic cordyceps powder for pets contains 48% beta-glucans and 5.5mg of cordycepin per gram. We’re proud to say that makes it one of the most potent on the market. That’s sure to get your pup’s tail wagging!
Finally, even if your pet is in perfect health, we still suggest talking to a vet before giving them cordyceps. They’ll be able to offer personalised advice on whether the ingredient is suitable for your pooch’s individual needs.
The last woof on cordyceps for dogs
Let’s sum up. Is cordyceps safe for dogs? Yes, experts widely agree that it’s fine for our furry friends to munch on this mushroom. And while research into the benefits of cordyceps for dogs is still in its puppyhood, it seems there are several potential advantages to giving the ingredient to your pet.
Of course, we need to be realistic about the results we can expect. Cordyceps isn’t going to give a sedentary pooch or an elderly mutt the energy levels of a puppy! However, it could help them feel more sprightly, play for longer, and have more fun on walks. The mushroom may also have a positive influence on their immune system, heart health, gut health, and stress levels. For the best results, make it one part of a holistic approach towards canine wellness. That means a healthy diet, plenty of mental stimulation, and lots of cuddles. We’re sure you’re already doing that last one!
