Mushrooms are the only ground fungi that you and your pets can eat and are similar to the fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices found in your kitchen. These medicinal turkey tail mushroom for dogs have also been used by holistic vets which makes turkey tail mushroom for dogs a great way of treating infections, inflammations, and other diseases.
Medicinal mushrooms have tremendous potential value for your dogs and cats which makes them a new superfood for pets. If your dog has a weakened immune system because of infection, inflammation, or cancer he/she can have a host of other health problems.
Your dog can benefit from a mushroom-based supplement that can benefit his immune system, digestive system, promote normal cell growth, promote respiratory and joint health, act as an anti-inflammatory, and protect him from free radical damage. There are very many ways you can give mushrooms to your dog with very little to no side effects. You can serve them whole or mix them in his food in the form of a powder extract.
Turkey tail mushrooms
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These are known as trametes Versicolor and grow on dead and decaying logs around the world. They have colored rings that look like the tail of a turkey. They’re part of the polypore family which means they have tiny pores underneath instead of gills like other mushrooms that release spores.
They’re mostly used as medicinal mushrooms for dogs and are well known for their immune-boosting properties to promote longevity and good health. However, they’re packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are good for you and your pet.
Turkey tail is rich in polysaccharide-K (PSK), a starch that has anti-cancer properties and has been found to improve the life expectancy of dogs with hemangiosarcoma, a deadly form of cancer. It also contains polysaccharide-P (PSP) which helps to fight viruses which are also a very powerful prebiotic. It’s also rich in antioxidants that include flavonoids and phenols.
Benefits of turkey tail mushrooms for your dog
Immune boosting
Dogs aren’t the most germ-conscious beings they will drink from a slimy puddle and eat anything in the woods that’s why they need a very strong immune system. Turkey tail is a powerful immune booster that can support your dog’s natural defenses against disease and illness.
Turkey tail contains high levels of both PSK and PSP or beta-D-glucans that bind directly to your immune cell receptors which causes an immune change that increases activity in some of your immune cells. The beta-glucans bind with and activate the macrophages that destroy viruses, bacteria, and even cancer cells. They also stimulate the natural killer cells and T-leukocytes that are part of your adaptive immune system.
Cancer-fighting abilities
Turkey tail mushrooms are effective in treating hemangiosarcoma in dogs which is vascular cancer that spreads very fast in your dog’s body and is mostly found in the spleen. Even after the spleen is removed, your dog’s survival rate is less than 12 months.
Studies have shown that dogs given PSP have a slower rate of metastasis with an increased survival rate depending on the amount given. Ergosterol is another important compound in turkey tail that acts like cholesterol in humans but contains anti-tumor and antioxidant properties.
Adaptogen agent
Turkey tail is an adaptogen which means it can help your dog adapt to the different stressors in his environment. This has the same concept as doing vigorous exercise. When your dog gets enough exercise, he works out his heart and muscles and this makes them stronger. Turkey tail acts as positive stress on your dog’s body so it’s able to better adapt to other environmental stressors in the future.
Reduces the side effects of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy has nasty side effects like destroying your dog’s immune function and immune cells like leukocytes, but turkey tail can help in reducing these side effects. These mushrooms are much safer and don’t come with nasty side effects. The beta-glucans in turkey tail increase the function of your dog’s immune cells improving the immune status of your dog and making it a great addition if your dog is undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Digestive and urinary health
Turkey tail can help in regulating the immune cells responsible for controlling inflammation and this helps to reduce inflammation in your dog’s digestive system, respiratory and urinary tracts. Turkey tail is a very healthy prebiotic that helps the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract which helps to reduce digestive inflammation, produce important fatty acids and vitamins, and form an important part of your dog’s immune system.
Other health benefits include:
- Turkey tail has powerful and unique antioxidants that help in reducing oxidative stress and protect your dog from free radical damage.
- It helps in giving your dog a more lustrous coat and skin so that your dog can feel and look his best.
- It contains some mushroom compounds that promote healthy circulation and production of oxygen which improves your dog’s respiratory and cardiovascular health.
- Turkey tail contains multiple compounds that help to support your dog’s normal detoxification process.
- Naturally-occurring vegetarian glucosamine and essential fatty acids found in turkey tail help in promoting healthier joints.
- Turkey tail contains amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support the bioavailability of nutrients your dog needs for his kidneys, liver, and general health and well-being, especially if he’s sick or lacking some nutrients.
Are turkey tail mushrooms safe for your dog?
Giving your dog raw mushrooms is not always safe because it can upset your dog’s stomach. That’s why safety and quality are important. Make sure you buy high-quality mushroom products that don’t contain heavy metals. If you’re feeding your dog fresh mushrooms, ensure that they’re cooked properly to breakdown the rigid cells walls for better absorption of beneficial compounds and prevent stomach irritation and gas. You can also opt for mushroom extracts and supplements that are available in powder form so you can just mix with your dog’s food.
Final thoughts
Turkey tail mushrooms for dogs are very beneficial for your dog as they provide immune support, digestive, joint, respiratory, and brain health which helps your dog to have a longer and healthier life.
