What do Dogs, Humans and Mushrooms Have in Common?

Dogs, humand and musrooms can make vitamin D when exposed to the sun.

For us humans, UV light from the sun interacts with a fatty cholesterol-like substance in the skin and this triggers the production of vitamin D, which is vital for bone health, immune function, and overall wellbeing. But for dogs, this process happens on the surface of their fur! After sunbathing, dogs ingest the vitamin D produced when they groom or lick themselves. 

Even though dogs can make their own vitamin D, they might still need a little boost from their diet to stay happy and healthy; this is where mushrooms come in!

The Mushroom Magic of Vitamin D

Placing mushrooms in direct sunlight for 30 minutes to a couple of hours can dramatically increase their vitamin D content. This simple trick transforms regular mushrooms like button, shiitake, or portobello from having almost no vitamin D to being a rich source of this vital nutrient.

Mushrooms are also rich in:

• Vitamins: a good source of B vitamins (B2, B3, B5), which support energy, metabolism, and overall health.
• Minerals: They contain important minerals including selenium, phosphorus, and potassium that help with immune function and muscle health.
• Antioxidants: Mushrooms provide antioxidants like ergothioneine, which can protect cells from damage.

Immune Health:

• Mushrooms contain beta-glucans, a type of fibre known to stimulate the immune system. This may help dogs resist infections and maintain overall immune balance.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties:

• Mushrooms help reduce inflammation, which may be beneficial for dogs with arthritis, allergies, or other inflammatory conditions. This is particularly true for mushrooms like reishi but these are not recommended if your dog is on certain medication including anti-cancer meds, so it is important to check with your vet if this is the case.

Low in Calories:

• Mushrooms are low in calories and can be a healthy, weight-friendly addition to your dog’s diet when used in moderation.

Supercharging Mushrooms with Sunlight:

• Face the gills upward: Slice the mushrooms and place them with the gills (the underside) facing the sun. The gills contain ergosterol and when this is exposed to UV light, it is converted into vitamin D.

Adding Vitamin D-Rich Mushrooms to Your Dog's diet

Giving your dog vitamin D-rich mushrooms can be beneficial, but it is essential to do so safely. Follow these steps to make sure your dog gets the goodness of mushrooms without any risks:

1. Choose Safe Mushrooms: Stick to safe, edible varieties like shiitake, maitake, or button mushrooms; avoid wild mushrooms, as they can be toxic to dogs.
2. Cook Them First: Raw mushrooms can be challenging for dogs to digest and may contain compounds that could upset their stomach. Lightly sauté or steam the mushrooms and chop finely before feeding them to your dog.
3. Serve in Small Quantities: Moderation is vital to any new food. Over-supplementing with anything including vitamin D can lead to toxicity in dogs, which could cause symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, or even kidney issues. For small dogs, start with just a teaspoon or two of finely chopped mushrooms mixed into their regular meals.
4. Monitor for Reactions: Every dog is different, so introduce mushrooms slowly and watch for any signs of digestive upset or allergies. Keeping an eye on how your dog responds is a great way to ensure they can tolerate this new addition.
5. Consult Your Vet: Before making any changes to your dog's diet, it’s always a good   idea to check with your vet, especially if your dog is already on other supplements or is on medication to help ensure your dog gets the right amount of vitamin D and avoid the risk of overdosing.

A Sunshine Boost for Humans Too!

Did you know that up to 40% of Australians are low in vitamin D (for whole range of reasons_? So, next time you cook with mushrooms, give them a little sun first for an extra boost of this sunshine vitamin for yourself and your furry friend! 🌞🍽️