Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? Here’s What You Should Know First

You’re walking through the woods or across your backyard when your dog stops to sniff… and suddenly, there’s a mushroom in its mouth. Cue panic.
So you rush to Google and ask: can dogs eat mushrooms?

The answer isn’t straightforward. While some mushrooms are safe, others, especially wild varieties, can be highly toxic or even fatal. Knowing the difference could literally save your dog’s life. In this article, I’ll break down which mushrooms are safe, which are dangerous, signs of mushroom poisoning in dogs, and how to act fast if it happens.

Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

Yes and no.
Dogs can eat certain types of mushrooms, but they must be safe, store-bought, and cooked plain with no added fats, seasonings, or sauces.

However, wild mushrooms are a different story entirely. Many found in forests, parks, and even backyards can be toxic, and sometimes deadly.

According to the American Kennel Club, pet owners should never let dogs eat wild mushrooms, since it’s difficult to tell the safe varieties from the dangerous ones without expert knowledge.

In short:

• Yes – Plain, store-bought mushrooms (in moderation)
• No – Wild mushrooms or anything seasoned/cooked for humans

Safe Mushrooms Dogs Can Eat In Moderation

There are a few human-grade mushrooms that are safe to feed your dog, but only if cleaned, unseasoned, and cooked.

Some safe options include:

• White button mushrooms
• Cremini mushrooms
• Portobello mushrooms
• Shiitake (in small quantities)
• Maitake (cooked and in moderation)

Even with store-bought mushrooms, dogs should only be given small, chopped pieces as an occasional treat or food topper.

The Pet Poison Helpline suggests limiting mushrooms to prevent potential gastrointestinal reactions, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Why Wild Mushrooms Are So Dangerous for Dogs

This is where the real risk begins.

Dogs are naturally curious and have powerful noses. Unfortunately, that means they often can’t tell a toxic wild mushroom from a safe one, and neither can most humans.

Some wild mushrooms are highly toxic, even in small amounts. The problem is, many of the most dangerous ones look identical to common varieties. You’d need a skilled forager or mycologist to tell the difference.

Highly toxic wild mushrooms include:

• Amanita phalloides (Death Cap)
• Galerina marginata
• Inocybe spp. and Clitocybe spp.
• Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric)

These mushrooms can cause a range of serious symptoms within hours, or even minutes, including:

• Drooling
• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Liver failure
• Seizures
• Collapse or death

According to the Humane Society, it’s crucial to remove mushrooms from your yard and closely monitor your dog during walks in wooded or damp areas. Here you can find some plants and foods that can be poisonous to dogs or puppies.

Signs of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs

Caught your pup chewing something suspicious? Here’s what to look for.

Mushroom poisoning can show up in a dog as early as 15 minutes after ingestion, or up to 24 hours later, depending on the type.

Common symptoms include:

• Vomiting (especially with blood)
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy or confusion
• Difficulty walking (staggering, wobbling)
• Excessive drooling
• Yellowing of gums or eyes (jaundice)
• Seizures or sudden collapse

If you notice any symptoms, or even just suspect your dog ate a wild mushroom, treat it as a medical emergency.

Call your vet immediately or reach out to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for guidance.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Mushroom

Time is crucial. Don’t wait for symptoms.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Remove your dog from the area to stop them from eating more
2. Try to identify or photograph the mushroom (do not try to ID it yourself unless you’re an expert)
3. Call your veterinarian immediately
4. If after clinic hours, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661
5. If possible, bring the mushroom in a paper towel or bag to the vet for analysis

If your dog vomits at home, save the contents (yes, really) for testing. Your vet may need to examine it to help confirm the mushroom involved.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Mushrooms?

Yes, dogs can eat plain cooked mushrooms, like those you’d buy at the grocery store, but only under strict guidelines.

Guidelines for safe feeding:

• Cook thoroughly
• No garlic, onions, butter, oil, or salt
• No sauces or marinades
• Chop into small pieces
• Feed only as an occasional treat

Even cooked mushrooms are rich in fiber and can cause temporary stomach upset if your dog isn’t used to them.

PuppyAna recommends starting with a single piece, and only offering mushrooms as a once-in-a-while food enhancer, not a daily snack.

Mushrooms That Dogs Should Never Eat

Let’s clarify a few specific types here:

Mushroom Type	Safe or Not?	Notes
White button (store-bought)	✅ Yes	Must be plain and cooked
Portobello (store-bought)	✅ Yes	Only in small amounts
Wild mushrooms (uncertain type)	❌ Never	Potentially deadly
Truffle oil or flavored dishes	❌ Never	Contains added oils and flavorings
Canned mushrooms	⚠️ Not recommended	Often contain added sodium

Even some “fancy” mushrooms (like truffles) carry no real benefit for dogs and usually come packaged with harmful seasonings.

Stick to basics—and when in doubt, don’t feed it.

Why Risk-Free Veggie Alternatives Are Better

Mushrooms might be safe in some scenarios, but they’re not essential or particularly beneficial to your dog’s health.

Healthier Alternatives Include:

• Baby carrots
• Green beans
• Cucumbers
• Broccoli florets
• Zucchini
• Pumpkin (plain, cooked)

All of these are more digestible and less risky. Brands like PuppyAna offer treats made with pumpkin or sweet potato that are not only safer but offer true nutritional support your dog can use daily.

Unless your dog loves the texture and you’re totally confident in the source, it’s often better to skip mushrooms altogether and focus on veggies with proven safety.

Conclusion

So, can dogs eat mushrooms?

Yes, but only certain kinds.

Store-bought, plain, cooked mushrooms like white button or portobellos are generally safe if served occasionally and without unhealthy seasonings.

But when it comes to wild mushrooms, the answer is always no. The risk is far too high—some can be deadly even in small amounts. If your dog ever eats a mushroom outdoors (or you’re unsure if it’s safe), contact your vet immediately.

When in doubt, stick to safer, dog-friendly snacks like plain vegetables or vet-approved treats.

The bottom line? Your dog won’t miss mushrooms, but you’ll miss them if a snack turns into a medical emergency. Be cautious, stay informed, and choose safe alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

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