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 might immediately exclude them from their dog's diet. However, turkey tails are beneficial for dogs and are completely 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 have benefited greatly from them. Now it's time your canine companion shared these benefits as well. 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 right for your pup.

 

 

What Are Turkey Tail Mushrooms For Dogs? 

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 employed turkey tails for a long time, claiming it helps support immune cells and general health. We know humans have no problem with a turkey tail supplement, but what about dogs?

 

 

 

 

Are Turkey Tail Mushrooms Safe for Dogs?

Yes, turkey tail mushrooms are safe and beneficial for canines and a great addition to your dog's daily supplements. Turkey 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 heart, lung, liver, and digestive health in your dog. This is why many pet parents are making turkey tails a part of their furry friend's wellness regimen.

 

Benefits

Mushrooms for dogs are more than just a simple supplement. Let's take a look at how these mushrooms can keep your dog healthy and examine the many benefits of this natural wonder.

 

Supporting Immune Function

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

 

Improving Digestion

Turkey tail mushroom is a prebiotic. These compounds increase beneficial bacteria production and help fight off bad 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 consist of 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 present in turkey tails may improve liver abnormalities, boosting liver function.

 

Common Side Effects

There are little to no effects of giving fully cooked turkey tails to your dog. However, you should never feed them raw as it may upset their stomach. You can 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

Always 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 tail 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 air on the side of caution by not giving your lactating or pregnant dog turkey tails at all.

 

 

 

 

How to Purchase Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs

When purchasing a turkey tail mushroom supplement, check the label and see if it has at least 30% beta-glucans and contains 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 form. 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 the mushroom cooked in hot water. It's fully cooked and 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 wellbeing and helps to optimize several key 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 helps to support immune function. Also known as coneflower, echinacea also contains anti-bacterial 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 (contains no THC). Our products 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 fall in love with these crunchy CBD dog 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 for dogs. You can mix it into your dog's water bowl or food or feed it to them 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. You'll find all of the products mentioned above backed by a COA 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 in the rare case you're dog's not satisfied. Shop with confidence when you choose Holistapet for your dog's CBD needs!

 

 

Final Thoughts - Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs

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 right here at Holistapet. Ensure your dog's wellness today and head over to our shop to get their paws on our best-selling CBD products for dogs!

 

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