Aging dogs and cats sometimes need extra help staying young, and mushrooms are a perfect wellness tonic for all senior animals. Let’s look at the best mushrooms for dogs and cats!
Pet parents know that their dogs and cats may face physical challenges as they age, but what about their mental state? Cognitive decline can affect senior dogs and cats just like it can humans.
As pet parents, sometimes we have to take extra steps to support the physical and cognitive health of our four-legged friends. For example, I knew I had to do something when my older Lab, Trigger, went to the wrong door to go out one day. Luckily, mushrooms are a functional superfood! Here are the top three fungi for aging animals and the benefits of mushrooms for senior dogs and cats.
1. Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane mushrooms are great for senior animals because they’re brain boosters—which is great because they kind of look like brains! This tasty edible mushroom can improve memory, help with thought processes, calm animals, and reduce stress. There are even a few published studies in humans with dementia showing some improvement with the use of this mushroom.
2. Reishi
The benefits of reishi mushrooms for dogs and cats are numerous. These mushrooms can help:
- Balance histamine levels
- Reduce seasonal allergies
- Support the immune system
- Calm and support the nervous system
- Ease the effects of cancer treatments
3. Turkey Tail
One of the best mushrooms for senior dogs and cats is turkey tail. One of the main benefits of this mushroom is its ability to support the immune system. Moreover, it also contains antioxidants and may help improve the response to cancer treatment, support digestive health, and support a healthy inflammatory response.
Best Way to Feed Medicinal Mushrooms to Dogs and Cats
You can add fresh mushrooms to your dog’s or cat’s meals, but you’ll have to cook the mushrooms first to make them easier to digest and release their beneficial compounds. But there is an easier way!
A concentrated mushroom extract for dogs and cats that contains a blend of mushrooms will pack a bigger punch and is more convenient. The mushrooms will work together to provide more comprehensive benefits, and all you have to do is feed your pup or kitty a capsule. Real Mushrooms’ 5 Defenders is a blend containing:
- Reishi
- Chaga
- Turkey tail
- Maitake
- Shiitake
Chaga mushrooms have antihistaminic effects and are good for allergies. Maitake are great for the immune system and might help to fight cancer, according to two new studies. Last but certainly not least, shiitake mushrooms are good for many things, including cancer, metabolism, microbiome support, and blood sugar normalization.
Visit Real Mushrooms to learn more about medicinal mushrooms for dogs and cats, including seniors and aging animals.
The post Top 3 Mushroom Extracts for Senior Dogs and Cats appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.
Robert J. Silver, DVM, MS, CVA
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