Why not consider mushroom supplements for your pet. Their health-promoting properties, with their ability to support the immune system, aid detoxification as well as their anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, antioxidant properties
For thousands of years mushrooms have been valued by many cultures around the world, especially in the Far East, for their therapeutic as well as nutritional properties and increasing evidence is confirming their benefits for animals as well as humans.
In addition to immune-enhancing beta-glucans and related polysaccharides, which help support a healthy immune response to infectious and immune-deficient conditions, mushrooms are also rich sources of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds, many of which are now known to have significant health benefits in other areas as well.
Together with extensive clinical trials in humans, multiple studies have confirmed their benefit for animals in a wide range of immune-related, degenerative and metabolic health conditions.
At Healthful Pets we sell a number of medicinal mushroom products for cats and dogs, with health-supporting properties:
Mushrooms 4 Pets
Mushrooms 4 Pets specialise in supporting the health of small animals and are dedicated to bringing you the finest mushroom nutrition supplements. They use carefully selected mushrooms from leading growers from around the world and are formulated according to the latest scientific research to deliver the full health benefits. Set up by Martin Powell, the biochemist and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) who has been working with medicinal mushrooms since 1992. Mushrooms 4 Pets products are all produced and professionally formulated and manufactured in the UK.
Reishi Plus : As well as its benefits for the immune system, Reishi’s anti-oxidant properties make it especially valuable for supporting the liver and contribute to its benefit for allergic conditions, benefits which are reinforced in Reishi Plus by the other ingredients of the mushroom chaga together with quercetin, chlorella, milk thistle and Alpha-lipoic acid.
Coriolus Plus : Coriolus Plus contains extracts from Coriolus which are the most extensively researched forms of nutritional support for the immune system with over 40 clinical trials confirming their efficacy. In addition Coriolus Plus is also complemented by four other mushrooms, with proven immune enhancing properties - those of maitake, reishi, cordyceps and shiitake. Comes in capsule form.
Reishi Flex: Reishi Flex with Reishi’s triterpenoid components show anti-inflammatory activity, while its polysaccharides help to re-balance the immune system’s response in cases where it is overactive, as well as where it is underactive. Together, they contribute to its benefits for a range of musculo-skeletal conditions such as Arthritis, with benefits reinforced by Devil’s Claw, Boswellia and Turmeric.
Cordyceps Plus: Cordyceps has traditionally been used to support the weak and elderly and shows benefit for many aspects of metabolism, including: Liver health, Kidney health, Lung health, Immune function and Neurological function.
In Cordyceps Plus its anti-ageing activity is supported by reishi - the ‘Mushroom of Immortality’ and Lion’s Mane – ‘Nature’s Nutrient for the Neurons’
Armillaria Plus : Armillaria mellea, commonly known as Honey Mushroom, produces a range of neurologically active components, including: tryptamine. L- tryptophan and serotonin, which contribute to its calming properties.
Dr Mercola’s Whole food Mushroom Complex
Dr Mercola Whole Food Mushroom Complex for Pets contains 8 species of certified organic, health-supporting mushrooms (Shiitake, Reishi, Maitake, Lions’s Mane, King Trumpet, Turkey Tail, Himematsutake and Cordycepts) that provide an array of enzymes, nutrients, antioxidants and immune supporting compounds. Pet owners have reported the benefits of mushrooms including skin and coat appears more lustrous, supports flexibility and ease of movement and older pets appear to regain some of their youthful vigour. Other reported benefits include supporting your pet’s immune health, digestion, detoxification and longevity.
Simply add the powder to your pet’s normal food.
Four Leaf Rover
We are now stocking the Four Leaf Rover brand from the US. They sell two great mushroom products - Turkey Tail and Immunity Mushroom using high quality, whole mushrooms grown on wood in the fresh air without fillers, binders or preservatives.
Immunity Mushroom Each of the mushrooms is specifically chosen to help balance your dog’s immune system. Every jar of Immunity features 7 organic mushrooms chosen for their synergistic properties, rich in beta-glucans the active part of the mushrooms
Turkey Tail Mushroom has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries to reduce phlegm, enhance immunity, and clear dampness. Its diversity makes it one of the most powerful mushrooms and a great addition to your dog’s daily supplements. It supports energy production and healthy digestion as turkey tail is a prebiotic. Turkey tail produces important vitamins and fatty acids to help support digestive, urinary and respiratory health.
Lion Mane Mushroom is a gut-friendly source of beta-glucans with a long list of benefits for senior dogs, dogs with anxiety, overweight dogs, and more. Four Leaf Rover's Organic Lion's Mane mushroom is made from the entire mushroom, not just mycelium. This gives it a high beta-glucan content that's third-party tested at 25% minimum.
Adored Beast
Adored Beast sell a number of mushroom products including Turkey Tail and Chaga Mushroom.
Turkey Tail - crafted form organic, North American Grown Turkey Tail Mushroom. Adored Beast Turkey Tail Mushrooms come in a liquid form which compared to most powders, double liquid extracts contains a range of full spectrum compounds featuring both water-soluble (for example polysaccharides like beta-glucans) and alcohol-soluble compounds (like antioxidants such as triterpenoids), ensuring access to all the beneficial properties mushrooms have to offer. Helps to support gut health and the immune system.
Chaga Mushroom - Organic, North American Grown Chaga Mushrooms (Vitality) from Adored Beast. A nutrient-dense superfood, the chaga mushroom grows on birch trees throughout the northern hemisphere. Well known as the king of mushrooms, this nutrient-dense superfood is full of a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants (the second most antioxidant-rich food in the world next to cocoa) that can help improve core vitality.
Check out specific details and dosages on our website. Read product labels carefully as it may be necessary to consult your veterinarian.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this article or have any questions, then please contact us on: 01565 740 777.
References and Resources
Dodds, W.J., (2015). Canine Nutrigenomics – the new science of feeding your dog for optimum nutrition.
Dr Mercola (2016). Mushrooms – The New Superfoods for Pets.
Powell, M. (2014). Medicinal Mushrooms – a Clinical Guide
