Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs: An Ancient Herbal Remedy for Your Pup

Are turkey tail mushrooms for dogs? These mushrooms are exposed to the elements and grow on dead trees, decaying stumps, and conifers. Concerned dog owners might think these wild mushrooms are deadly and immediately exclude them from their diet. However, turkey tails benefit dogs and are entirely safe to eat. Moreover, this mushroom has natural properties to help them live healthy and happy lives.

 

 

Humans have consumed turkey tail mushrooms for centuries and benefited greatly. Now, it's time for your canine companion to share these benefits. But before you start feeding your dog turkey tail mushrooms, there are some things you should know about this ancient herbal remedy and if it's suitable for your pup.

 

 

What Are Turkey Tail Mushrooms? 

Turkey tail mushroom is a type of bracket fungi or polypores. These fungi produce bracket-shaped fruiting bodies that look like the tail of, guess what, a turkey. It blooms on dead trees, and you will typically find them in temperate forests. The consumption of turkey tail mushrooms is not new. Traditional Chinese medicine has long employed the benefits of turkey tails, claiming they help support immune cells and general health. Humans have no problem with a turkey tail supplement, but what about dogs, can dogs eat turkey tail mushrooms?

 

 

Are Turkey Tail Mushrooms Safe for Dogs?

Is turkey tail mushroom safe for dogs? Yes, turkey tail mushrooms are safe, beneficial for canines, and a great addition to your dog's daily supplements. Turkey's tails contain beta-glucans. These compounds are soluble fibers found in the walls of fungi, bacteria, plants, or yeasts and contain the essential sugars polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide-P (PSP).

 

 

Both sugars are responsible for maintaining a healthy immune response in your dog. They may also improve your dog's heart, lung, liver, and digestive health. This is why many pet parents make turkey tails a part of their furry friend's wellness regimen.

 

 

Common Uses of Turkey Tail for Dogs

Turkey tail mushrooms are more than just a simple supplement. Let's examine how these mushrooms can keep your dog healthy and discuss the many health benefits of this natural wonder. Turkey tail mushroom benefits for dogs:

 

 

Supporting Immune Function

When your dog suffers from chronic illnesses, the beta-glucans in turkey tails activate and stimulate the body to improve its immune system. This is mainly for dogs; turkey tail mushrooms are beneficial for dogs with autoimmune deficiencies.

 

 

Improving Digestion

Turkey tail mushroom is a prebiotic. These compounds increase beneficial bacteria production and help fight off harmful bacteria to maintain gut health. Pathogens like bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites will not thrive if prebiotics like turkey tail are abundant in your pup's gut.

 

 

Providing Antioxidants

Turkey tails contain antioxidants that help your dog's body eliminate and release unstable atoms. The antioxidants present in turkey tails are phenols and flavonoids, which help to limit harmful compounds from building up.

 

 

Maintaining Yeast Levels

Dogs could have excess yeast in their bodies, leading to blackened skin, smelly feet, hair loss, itchy skin, and much more. But because turkey tails have anti-fungal properties, they can regulate yeast production in the body.

 

 

Improving Liver Health

Liver issues are a common occurrence for dogs as they get older. However, the beta-glucans in turkey tails may improve liver abnormalities, boosting liver function.

 

 

Turkey Tail Mushroom for Dogs Side Effects

Giving fully cooked turkey tails to your dog has little to no effects. However, it would be best never to feed them raw as it may upset their stomach. Mix turkey tail capsules or powder in hot water and administer them as a broth. But giving your dog too many turkey tails can lead to intestinal irritation, bloating, gas, and, in rare cases, toxicity.

 

 

Safety Considerations

Consider any medical issues your dog may have before giving them turkey tails. In addition to their health, here are some things to consider when feeding turkey tails to your dog.

 

 

Amount

The proper amount of turkey tails to give your dog depends upon the strength of the supplement, your dog's overall health, and body weight. Always check the label for a consumption guide or ask a holistic or homeopathic vet.

 

 

Interactions With Medications

Turkey tails can lower blood sugar and blood pressure in your dog. Canine medications that do the same can conflict with these mushrooms. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your pup turkey tails to ensure no harmful medicinal interactions.

 

 

Pregnant or Nursing Dogs 

Issues with turkey tail mushrooms in pregnant or nursing dogs have not been established. It's best to be cautious by not giving your lactating or pregnant dog any turkey tail mushroom for dogs benefits.

 

 

How to Purchase Turkey Tail Mushrooms

When purchasing a full turkey tail extract or mushroom supplement, check the label to see if it contains at least 30% beta-glucans and direct turkey tail mushroom extract.

 

 

Also, be on the lookout for the following terms.

• Fruiting Body: Also known as the full spectrum, the fruiting body is the entire mushroom dried and turned into powder. It's the purest and most concentrated form of turkey tail and contains the most beta-glucans. 
• Mycelium: This is a part of the mushroom's root. It contains fewer beta-glucans, antioxidants, and phytonutrients than the fruiting body.
• Hot Water Extract: Hot water extract is a mushroom cooked in hot water. It's fully cooked, safe for your dog, and contains 30 to 40% beta-glucans.

 

 

Other Naturally Beneficial Products for Dogs

In addition to turkey tails, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of other naturally beneficial products for your pup. Let's take a look at some of the most popular ones:

 

 

• Cannabidiol (CBD): This hemp-derived compound interacts with the cannabinoid receptors of your dog's endocannabinoid system (ECS). This internal network of cell-signaling receptors is crucial for your dog's overall well-being and helps to optimize several vital biological functions. Some of these functions include mood, digestion, and sleep.
• Medicinal Mushrooms: If turkey tails don't satisfy your dog's palate, try giving them another medicinal mushroom with similar properties. Varieties include shiitake, maitake, reishi, and phellinus.
• Echinacea: This plant extract, also known as coneflower, helps to support immune function and contains antibacterial properties.
• Flaxseed Oil: Contains beneficial properties for heart health and prebiotics for improved digestive health. 

 

 

Where to Get CBD Products

The best CBD products for dogs are available right here at Holistapet! Our products are made from natural ingredients and are broad spectrum (contain no THC). They also come with Certificates of Analysis (COA), which are third-party lab-tested documents attesting to a product's quality, potency, and ingredients.

 

 

Some of Holistapet's best-selling CBD dog products include:

• Treats: Available in Wellness, Mobility, and Calming formulations, your dog will love these crunchy treats. Naturally flavored, these bite-sized snacks are a perfect way to give your dog the benefits of CBD in a tasty way.
• Soft Chews: These soft-baked treats are perfect for dogs of all ages. Available in Mobility and Calming formulations, your dog will savor the flavors of these treats while receiving beneficial CBD.
• Oil (Tincture): Many pet parents love the versatility of CBD oil. You can mix it into your dog's water bowl or food or feed it to your dog directly.
• Capsules: You can hide one of these predosed capsules in your dog's favorite snack or crack a capsule open and sprinkle the contents into their food or drink.

 

 

Why People Choose Holistapet?

Holistapet promotes a holistic approach to your dog's wellness through safe, clean, and top-shelf CBD products. Our products are 100% Farm Bill compliant and made from the best American-grown hemp. A COA backs all of the above products to ensure their quality.

 

 

In addition to great products, you'll save money on every order. We offer a free subscription service that saves you 25% on every order, free shipping on all orders, and a 30-day money-back guarantee if your dog's unsatisfied. Shop with confidence when you choose Holistapet for your dog's CBD needs!

 

 

Final Thoughts 

Now that you know how beneficial turkey tail is for your dog, it's time to decide if it's right for them. But before you do, confirm with your vet that this natural herbal remedy doesn't conflict with other medications or your dog's health. It's not wrong to go natural when taking care of your dog. So if turkey tails are not to your dog's liking, you'll find other natural products that are.

 

 

A great alternative to turkey tails is CBD, which you can purchase here at Holistapet. Ensure your dog's wellness today, and head to our shop to get their paws on our best-selling CBD products for dogs!

 

 

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