From Lion’s Mane to Maitake, edible mushrooms are rich in prebiotic fiber and other nutrients that help improve the health of your dog’s gut microbiome.
Shiitake, Maitake, and oyster mushrooms are not only delicious but also provide solid nutrition for your dog’s health. They have high levels of good quality protein and fiber, while containing low levels of carbohydrates and fats. But that’s not all. The high fiber content in mushrooms, consisting mainly of non-digestible polysaccharides like chitin and beta-glucan, is also a prime food for the “good” bugs that make up your dog’s gut microbiome.
Mushroom Fiber is a Rich Source of Prebiotics
The fiber nutrients in mushrooms that feed the good bugs in your dog’s microbiome are called “prebiotics.” With high levels of prebiotic fiber and immune-enhancing benefits from beta-glucan fiber, mushrooms are very effective in improving microbiome health. Several studies in dogs have shown that this fiber promotes the growth of beneficial microbes that support your dog’s overall health.
Study Shows Lion’s Mane Improves GI Health in Dogs
A recent study conducted in Japan demonstrated that adding a small amount of dried, powdered Lion’s Mane mushroom to commercial dry pet food significantly improved the microbiome health in aging dogs. Lion’s Mane is known for its ability to improve various GI issues, including gastritis, esophagitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The study involved 18 female dogs, all 11 years old and approximately the same weight, from Schnauzer, Poodle, and Maltese breeds. They were divided into three groups, with each group being fed a different diet. The results showed that the diets containing Lion’s Mane had a positive impact on the microbiome health of the dogs, with no significant difference between the low and high potency test diets.
An interesting finding from this study was the increase in a specific genus of bacteria called Blautia. This presence of Blautia bacteria indicates that Lion’s Mane may have an anti-obesity effect on the microbiome, as this bacterial genus has been associated with visceral fat accumulation.
Understanding the Microbiome
The gut microbiome of your dog consists of bacteria, yeast fungi, and even some protozoa. These microbes, numbering in the trillions, live in your dog’s bowel, and they play a vital role in overall health. A healthy microbiome is characterized by a higher number of beneficial bacteria called Bacteroidetes. On the other hand, an unhealthy microbiome has a higher number of bacteria from the Firmicutes group, which can lead to health issues.
The microbiome doesn’t just impact the digestive system; it can also affect other systems within the body. As dogs age, their microbiome composition changes, which can influence their health and longevity.
Selecting a Mushroom Product
The study mentioned earlier focused on Lion’s Mane mushroom, but all mushrooms contain substantial microbiome-friendly fiber. Any mushroom that’s properly extracted can provide similar benefits. If your dog is already on a good mushroom supplement, there’s no need to switch to Lion’s Mane. The best mushroom products for the microbiome are 1:1 extracts, which retain the crucial fiber along with other active molecules commonly found in mushrooms.
Along with Lion’s Mane, many other mushrooms contain prebiotic fiber and other nutrients necessary for supporting a healthy microbiome in your dog. However, not all products are created equal, so it’s important to choose a quality extract that will do the job. Considering the importance of good microbiome health for overall well-being, exploring what mushrooms can do for both you and your dog is definitely worth it.
To read more about the benefits of mushrooms for your dog’s gut microbiome, visit Pet Lovers Diary.