The white button mushrooms also referred to as Agaricus Bisporus are one of the most cultivated mushrooms in the world. It is perfectly safe for humans to eat, but can dogs eat white button mushrooms? Let’s find out!
So, Can Dogs Eat White Button Mushrooms?
The short answer is yes. As long as the mushroom is fit for human consumption, dogs can eat it too. There are no risks to eating white button mushrooms – both raw and cooked. White button mushrooms are low in calories, fats and high in dietary fiber. Basically, they are a tasty and healthy addition to your dogs’ diet but is that all you should know about feeding white button mushrooms to dogs? Keep reading to find out.
White Button Mushrooms for Dogs
The first thing to consider when serving vegetables to your dog is whether or not they’re fresh. If a dog eats a spoiled mushroom, it could cause several intestinal issues. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and dehydration.
On the other hand, when dogs eat fresh white button mushrooms, you’re ensuring your dog gets all the healthy vitamins and minerals that these mushrooms have to offer. White button mushrooms are rich in potassium, phosphorus, iron, selenium and copper.
In addition, the mushrooms are a good source of proteolytic enzymes responsible for healthy immune system function. They also contain lots of healthy fibers and antioxidants that aid the dogs’ cardiovascular system. So, the best way to make sure your dog is getting the benefits of white button mushrooms is to serve it fresh.
How Can You Feed White Button Mushrooms to Dogs?
As for feeding the mushroom to your pup, dogs can eat both raw and cooked white button mushrooms. However, keep in mind to not feed a whole mushroom to him/her in one bite. Chop the mushroom into small pieces to avoid the risk of choking and intestinal blockage. And when it comes to cooked mushrooms, it is best to avoid feeding heavily seasoned mushrooms to your pet. Extra salt and spices in dishes are harmful to dogs. It could lead to health issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and even seizures.
Additionally, dogs shouldn’t eat the mushroom dish if it contains additional toxic ingredients such as onions, garlic, onion powder, or dried basil. These ingredients have been known to cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs.
And if your dog is allergic to mushrooms, you should steer clear of serving any mushroom or mushroom products to your pet. As for dogs with underlying health conditions, dogs on medications, and/or pregnant dogs, it’s best to run it by your veterinarian before serving mushrooms to your dog. These dogs might be at higher risk of experiencing serious side effects from eating them.
If you’re feeding these mushrooms to your pooch for the first time, start out with small servings to see how they react. If your dog does well, then serve it more as the days go by. However, if you notice vomiting and/or diarrhea after giving your dog white button mushrooms, discontinue serving it to them. Your pup might be allergic or otherwise intolerant to these mushrooms and allergic reactions can worsen over time. The symptoms can be treated easily with home remedies, but if they persist long term, consult a vet.
You might also be interested in Can Dogs Eat Reishi Mushrooms?
Conclusion
As long as the mushroom is fresh and fit for human consumption, dogs can eat white button mushrooms too. However, you should avoid feeding a large amount of white button mushrooms to your dog in one sitting to avoid any risks of gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, don’t give your dog mushrooms with lots of seasoning, and avoid feeding them any mushrooms that contain toxic ingredients such as onions and garlic. Also, run it by your vet if your dog has underlying health conditions, is on medication, pregnant, and/or shows any signs of adverse reactions after eating the mushroom.
Thank you for reading the article.
Now that you know whether dogs can eat white button mushrooms, check out other types of mushrooms that may/may not be safe for dogs to eat in mushrooms for dogs.
Have you ever shared white button mushrooms with your dog? What was their reaction? We would love to hear from you. Please share with us by leaving a comment below!