Medicinal mushrooms for dogs: what they are and what is proven

Medicinal mushrooms for dogs are mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake or reishi that have long been used in Asian cooking and tradition and are now also offered for dogs. Above all, they contain dietary fibre and polysaccharides such as beta-glucans. However, an effect against diseases has not been proven in dogs, because most studies come from the laboratory or from animal experiments and therefore cannot simply be transferred.

What are medicinal mushrooms for dogs?

“Medicinal mushroom” (in German “Vitalpilz”) is not a technical term but a collective name for edible mushrooms and mushrooms from Asian tradition. Well-known examples:

In shops, medicinal mushrooms are available as powder made from the whole mushroom or as an extract.

What do medicinal mushrooms contain?

First of all, mushrooms provide dietary fibre and, in addition, a group of complex sugars called polysaccharides. The best known are in particular the beta-glucans found in the cell walls of mushrooms. That is why most of the research revolves around them.

What does research say?

To be honest: the evidence is thin. The consumer advice centre of North Rhine-Westphalia (Verbraucherzentrale NRW) sums up that results from laboratory and animal studies cannot be transferred to humans and that clinical studies often have only a few participants. In addition, there are even fewer studies in dogs. A benefit against specific diseases has therefore not been proven.

However, that does not mean medicinal mushrooms are worthless. Instead, it means that nobody can seriously promise what they will do for your dog. So see them as part of feeding, not as treatment.

And what is MSM?

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulphur compound. It occurs naturally in many plants and foods, for example in milk, and is sold as a supplement for people and animals, often together with joint nutrients. For foods, the EU has so far not authorised any health claim for MSM. You can find more about this ingredient on our page MSM for dogs.

What should you look out for with medicinal mushrooms for dogs?

• See the vet first if your dog is ill. Medicinal mushrooms do not replace an examination or a treatment. Therefore, necessary therapy should never be postponed because of a mushroom supplement.
• Mention any medication. If your dog is on medication, for example cortisone or painkillers, discuss every supplement with your vet first. For humans, the Verbraucherzentrale advises against combining beta-glucan extracts with such medicines.
• Pay attention to quality. Mushroom products can be contaminated with mould toxins or heavy metals. For this reason, look for a clear declaration, traceable origin and the manufacturer’s test reports.
• Do not believe miracle promises. Anyone who promises that a mushroom cures or stops a disease is promising more than research can deliver.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Verbraucherzentrale NRW: Verbraucherzentrale NRW on medicinal mushrooms (in German), as of 16 October 2025 (evidence, contamination, interactions, legal status)
• Wikipedia: Dimethyl sulfone (MSM, in German) (occurrence, EFSA assessment 2010)

Your dog does not need miracle cures, but people who look closely. With curiosity and healthy doubt, you make the best decisions for him.