The potential of functional mushrooms for immune support in companion animals

Incorporating functional mushrooms into pet treats is an excellent way to deliver immune-boosting benefits in a palatable form. Whole functional mushroom ingredients can be formulated into supplements in various forms, such as powders, capsules or chews. Treats made with NASC-certified mushroom ingredients can provide pets with a tasty and nutritious snack that supports their immune system.

Dr. Julie Daoust
Chief Scientific Officer
M2 Ingredients

Selecting ingredients that promote the health and well-being of pets is now a critical focus for pet food manufacturers, treat formulators, and supplement makers. Factors such as aging, increased indoor lifestyles, and environmental stressors can compromise the immunity of both dogs and cats, leading to a growing demand for immune-supportive products. According to recent industry reports, the global pet supplement market is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2027, driven largely by consumer interest in immune health solutions for pets1. Functional mushrooms, long revered in many healing traditions for their immune-enhancing properties, are now recognized by veterinarians and formulators alike for their scientifically validated benefits. There is a growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that certain mushrooms can support balanced immune function in companion animals, offering a natural approach to improving resilience and overall well-being.

EACH MUSHROOM SPECIES IS UNIQUE
It’s easy to assume that all mushrooms have very similar benefits. While they all contain beta glucans, soluble fibers that are present in the cell walls of fungi, which have been shown to support immune health, each mushroom species has unique bioactive compounds and can provide unique functional benefits. Each mushroom species has its own distinct characteristics and bioactive compounds. Also, the constituents can vary even in different strains of a single species and based on the growing conditions. Science continues to advance around the breeding, growing and processing of many mushroom species as well as their functional benefits. Here, we examine some of the species found to have immune support benefits for dogs, cats and horses:

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is known for its immunomodulatory effects. Studies have shown that Reishi can enhance the activity of immune cells. Reishi also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can also play a role in immune support2.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushrooms contain polysaccharides like lentinan, which have been shown to help support a healthy immune system3.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) mushrooms are rich in polysaccharopeptides which have been shown to provide potent immune support. Turkey Tail has also been shown to support gut health, which can also contribute to healthy immune function4.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms are increasingly recognized for their potential benefits in veterinary health, particularly for their immune-supporting properties. Canine studies have shown that the polysaccharides from Maitake support immune health5,6.

Himematsutake (Agaricus blazei), also known as Agaricus blazei, has been studied for its benefits in enhancing immune function and supporting a healthy inflammatory response in companion animals. The mushroom’s high content of beta-glucans and other bioactive compounds plays a key role in supporting immune health in both dogs and cats7,8.

BENEFICIAL NUTRIENTS AND BIOACTIVES
Medicinal mushrooms are valued as being a nutrient-dense food. They contain many health-supporting, bioactive compounds such as beta glucans, antioxidants, triterpenes, prebiotics, dietary fibers, vitamins, protein and digestive enzymes. Many mushroom species contain polysaccharide complexes and sterols that can support immune function. But keep in mind that many of these elements are lost in mushroom extracts. In order to provide a full spectrum of nutrients and beneficial compounds, look for ingredients that contain whole milled mushrooms, such as whole mushroom powders.

IS ORGANIC IMPORTANT?
Mushrooms are amazing bio-accumulators and take in and absorb everything in the environment they are grown in. Because of this, organic cultivation is particularly important for mushroom ingredients. It is also important that the mushrooms are grown in pristine, clean environments. Tremendous innovation is taking place in controlled, indoor mushroom cultivation. Make sure you know the origin and growing methods of functional mushroom ingredients.

CERTIFIED INGREDIENTS
When incorporating functional mushrooms into pet products, it is crucial to ensure that the ingredients are safe and effective. The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) provides certification for supplements that meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. Using NASC-certified ingredients guarantees that the products are reliable and beneficial for pets, enhancing consumer trust and satisfaction.

DELIVERY FORMATS
Incorporating functional mushrooms into pet treats is an excellent way to deliver immune-boosting benefits in a palatable form. Whole functional mushroom ingredients can be formulated into supplements in various forms, such as powders, capsules or chews.

Treats made with NASC-certified mushroom ingredients can provide pets with a tasty and nutritious snack that supports their immune system. These treats can be particularly beneficial for pets that are picky eaters or have difficulty taking supplements. Pet food manufacturers can enhance products by including functional mushrooms. Adding mushroom extracts to pet food formulations ensures that pets receive consistent immune support with every meal.

CONCLUSION
Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Maitake and Himematsutake mushrooms in particular offer effective solutions for helping to boost immunity in pets. By incorporating organic, NASC-certified functional mushrooms into products, pet food manufacturers and supplement creators can provide pets with the immune support they need to stay healthy and resilient.

References
1Mordor Intelligence. Pet Supplements Market – Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023-2028). https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/pet-supplements-market
2Kayser E, Castaneda PL, Soto-Diaz K, et al. Functional properties of Ganoderma lucidum supplementation in canine nutrition. J Anim Sci. 2024;102. doi:10.1093/jas/skae051.
3Gern J, Miyake K, Yang Y, Jacobsson LM, Larsson E. Polysaccharide and extracts from Lentinula edodes: structural features and antiviral activity. Virol J. 2021;18:139. doi:10.1186/s12985-021-01613-0
4Roszczyk A, Turło J, Zagożdżon R, Kaleta B. Immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(16):8980. doi:10.3390/ijms23168980
5Brown DC, Reetz J. Single-agent polysaccharopeptide (PSP) in canine hemangiosarcoma: A retrospective analysis of survival and quality of life in 15 dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2012;26(4):897-904.
6Tzianabos AO. Polysaccharide immunomodulators as therapeutic agents: structural aspects and biologic function. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2000;13(4):523-33.
7Ogawa T, Hashimoto T, Oguchi K, Ishikawa H. The effects of Agaricus blazei Murill extract on canine oral papillomavirus: a pilot study. J Vet Sci. 2001;2(3):257-61.
8Wynn SG, Marsden S. Veterinary herbal medicine. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2006. p. 345-50.

About Julie Daoust
Julie Daoust, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at M2 Ingredients has extensive experience in research and natural product chemistry and is committed to advancing mycology science, promoting sustainable mushroom cultivation and driving innovation in functional mushrooms for health and wellness.