Turkey Tail Mushroom for Dogs: How It Benefits Your Pet
For years, many pet owners have avoided turkey tail mushroom for dogs, concerned that they might be toxic. Fortunately, our knowledge about this one, and mushrooms in general, has greatly increased, which now allows us to make informed decisions about whether or not to include it in our pets’ diet.
There has been a revived emphasis on (and enjoyment of) the therapeutic qualities of medicinal mushrooms in recent years, which has resulted in considerable benefits for our pets and that includes turkey tail mushrooms as well.
Below we will examine the fundamentals of turkey tail mushrooms, as they relate to our pets, and look into the reasons why they have become an increasingly essential element of a balanced supplement program.
Table of Contents
- What Are Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
- Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs
- Turkey Tail Mushroom Dosage for Dogs
- Turkey Tail Mushroom Side Effects in Dogs
- Choosing a Turkey Tail Mushroom Supplement for Dogs
- The Takeaway
- Nutrition Strength Turkey Tail Mushroom for Dogs
Check out our Nutrition Strength Turkey Tail Mushroom for Dogs here.
What Are Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
Coriolus Versicolor mushroom for dogs or Trametes Versicolor, which is Turkey Tail mushrooms’ official name, are cloud fungi that may be found all over the globe.
Turkey Tail is derived from this fungus’s lively, colorful, overlapping fan-like appearance. It genuinely looks like a turkey’s tail. The mushroom has no stem and grows in a wave-like form from the tree. They’re quite stunning.
But we don’t like them solely because of their appearance.
Mushrooms have long been used in medicine, with their restorative powers initially discovered during the Qin dynasty (221 to 206 BC). For thousands of years, turkey tail mushrooms have been a go-to in Chinese medicine.
They are known as Yunhi in traditional Chinese medicine. Studies in Eastern Europe stretching back decades have shown the assurance of medicinal mushrooms for health. We’ve recently seen a growing amount of peer-reviewed research from the worldwide scientific community.
So, what are the benefits of turkey tail for dogs that we have to know?
Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs
Let us begin by stating that a significant amount of research has been conducted on the turkey tail mushroom benefits for dogs. Many studies know that these fungi are high in various healthful compounds, including antioxidants, polyphenols, triterpenes, beta-glucans, and prebiotics. These traits, when combined, produce a formidable force.
Here’s what the science says about the benefits of turkey tail mushroom for dogs and how they may aid our animals.
Turkey Tail Mushrooms and Cancer
This may be the most crucial advantage on the list, given the recent spike in cancer diagnoses among dogs. So, which exact mushroom is better for fighting cancer in dogs?
Turkey tail extract has been utilized as an authorized natural medicine alongside conventional cancer therapies in Japan since the 1980s. Polysaccharides and beta-glucans are two essential cancer-fighting components of the turkey tail mushroom. Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and Polysaccharide peptides (PSP) are two of the most significant that science knows.
PSP works by boosting the immune system to target and destroy “oncoviruses” (tumor viruses). PSK extract also boosts the immune system, which aids in inhibiting a variety of cancer-causing pathways in the body.
In fact, these polysaccharides are so potent that researchers exploring how they help dogs with aggressive hemangiosarcoma discovered that they have “antitumor and survival benefits comparable to those observed in regular chemotherapy.”
The median survival duration for dogs with the condition who received no therapy was 86 days. However, some dogs survived for almost a year with no treatment other than the mushroom compound in this trial. That alone speaks about the anti-cancer potential of turkey tails.
Triterpenes found in turkey tail mushrooms for dogs have been demonstrated to have chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities and anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and hepatoprotective characteristics.
Turkey tail mushrooms for dogs have also been shown in studies to be essential for individuals with breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Rich in Antioxidants
Our dogs are exposed to free radicals throughout their lives. They are caused by normal metabolic processes in the body, such as aging, or by external causes such as X-rays, ozone, cigarette smoke, air pollution, industrial chemicals, stress, processed food, and pharmaceuticals.
These free radicals produce oxidative stress if they are not regulated by antioxidants. Furthermore, oxidative stress may hasten the aging process and lead to various health problems.
Antioxidants provide an electron to neutralize or eliminate free radicals at the cellular level. Antioxidants neutralizing impact aids in protecting the body from the detrimental effects of oxidative stress.
Turkey tail mushrooms for dogs (and humans) are high in antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids. In fact, studies reveal that turkey tail mushroom extract contains over 35 distinct phenolic components.
Regulate Immunity
Turkey tail mushrooms for dogs have powerful immune-modulating properties. As a result, they may play a vital part in controlling your pet’s immune system.
Immune modulators may boost or suppress the immune system (depending on what the body requires) and may aid in the body’s battle against cancer, infection, or other disorders. This is about far more than just increasing immunity. It is about rebalancing the ratio of various immune cells for the immune system to operate correctly.
For example, if your dog has an illness, increasing immunity may aid in the battle against the bacteria that has caused their debilitating condition.
However, suppose your dog has an autoimmune disease (such as allergies, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroid disorders, and so on). In that case, this implies that their immune system tends to overreact, and you want to keep it quiet and balanced to control it.
According to research, turkey tail mushrooms for dogs effectively regulate immunity, maintain homeostasis, and restore optimal immunological function.
Help Protect the Gut
Turkey tail mushrooms for dogs may also help decrease inflammation by regulating immune cells. They, in particular, reduce inflammation in the digestive, urinary, and respiratory tracts. Turkey tail mushrooms may potentially also be beneficial to the liver.
Prоbiotics are found in turkey tail mushrooms. They provide prеbiotics, which aid in the multiplication of friendly bacteria in your animal’s intestines. Those probiotics will die if they are not fed.
As the gut is home to the majority of your dog’s (and your own) immune system, we need to maintain it healthy to boost its capacity to fight off potentially hazardous bacteria and viruses.
Turkey Tail Mushroom Dosage for Dogs
The correct turkey tail mushroom dosage for dogs is determined by the animal’s size and the purpose for use. Amounts are typically calculated on a milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg).
А 30kg dog would take 3000 mg (3 g) daily at the maximum dosage. A smaller dog weighing 10kg, on the other hand, would need just 1000 mg (1 g) each day.
Another consideration is the motive for consuming turkey tail supplements for dogs. Currently, there is limited study on the best dosing for specific illnesses. However, the turkey tail dose for dogs with cancer is likely more significant than that for merely happy dogs.
Individuals who want to use turkey tails for dogs should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or see a veterinarian.
Turkey Tail Mushroom Side Effects in Dogs
Because there have been few studies on this supplement, information on its adverse effects is scarce. Depending on the variety of mushrooms used, side effects may include upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness, and skin rash. Seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, increased drinking, lack of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or weakness are all signs of toxicity.
And what about the risk factors? The information on risk factors is also insufficient. The danger risks vary depending on the species of mushroom used, but in general, medicinal mushrooms should not be used in dogs sensitive to mushrooms.
In dogs with bleeding problems, low blood pressure, liver or renal illness, or immune-mediated diseases, Turkey tail mushrooms should be cautioned. Do not use medicinal mushrooms without veterinarian supervision since long-term usage or large amounts may be harmful.
When used with medicinal mushrooms, the following drugs should be taken with caution: insulin or other diabetic treatments, anti-inflammatories, anti-coagulants, or immune modulators. Vitamins, herbal remedies, supplements, prescriptions, and over-the-counter drugs can interact.
You must inform your veterinarian about any medicines (including vitamins, supplements, and herbal treatments) that your pet is taking.
Choosing a Turkey Tail Mushroom Supplement for Dogs
When choosing a turkey tail mushroom supplement for dogs, it is critical to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Medicinal mushrooms, such as turkey tails, are usually thought to be safe. They are, however, effective bio accumulators, which means they can take poisons such as heavy metals from their surroundings.
While this is beneficial for cleaning up the soil, it is not helpful for those who ingest the mushrooms. Selecting an organic product devoid of heavy metals, artificial pesticides and fertilizers is essential.
The Takeaway
There are plenty of human studies, which show that turkey tail mushrooms may confer considerable benefits, particularly to those undergoing cancer treatment.
According to current research, the advantages of turkey tail mushrooms for dogs may be comparable. However, the studies done so far have been limited and have lacked a sufficient control group.
As a result, it is a good idea, as it usually is, that if you are thinking about feeding medicinal mushrooms or any other supplement to your dogs, you speak to your veterinarian first.
Nutrition Strength Turkey Tail Mushroom for Dogs
Check out our Nutrition Strength Turkey Tail Mushroom for Dogs here.
Nutrition Strength Turkey Tail Mushroom for Dogs to Support a Strong Immune System, Promote Gut Health, Antioxidant Activity & Inflammatory Relief, Reduce Fatigue & Boost Stamina, 120 Chewable Tablets are tasty chewable tablets, made with organic Trametes versicolor (turkey tail), which has been demonstrated to help support your pet’s immune system and promote gut health and general well-being.
Trametes versicolor mushrooms contain a wide range of beneficial phenols and flavonoids, including quercetin and baicalein. These antioxidants may help prevent the oxidative stress caused by free radicals in the body.
A great way to support your pet’s well-being, our premium turkey tail for dogs supplement could benefit your four-legged furry friends by helping to:
- Support the immune system.
- Boost the antioxidant defenses.
- Provide inflammatory relief.
- Promote gastrointestinal health.
- Reduce fatigue and boost stamina.
Our carefully developed turkey tail supplement for dogs is formulated to help ensure that your pet gets sufficient levels of this mushroom, whose unique properties offer potential benefits to your dog’s overall health, including support for the lungs, spleen and fatigue, among other things.
Studies have shown that turkey tail mushrooms are filled with polysaccharide peptides (PSP), which act as a powerful probiotic to help promote gastrointestinal health.
A great source of antioxidants, turkey tail mushrooms can help prevent the oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Turkey tail mushrooms have traditionally been used as a natural way to relieve fatigue and boost stamina.
Image source: Wikimedia / Captainplanetreborn.
