Shiitake Mushroom Powder 100g

The shiitake mushroom is an edible mushroom and part of the Lentinula edodesspecies, native to East Asia.

Shiitake mushrooms are used for their antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. And they’re a good source of zinc. Dogs can have a zinc deficiency that leads to skin and digestive issues. They need to have a constant source of zinc in their diet and shiitake mushrooms are a good source.

Shiitake mushrooms are a high protein source and contain many of the same amino acids as meat. Whether fresh or dried, shiitake mushrooms contain a long list of beneficial nutrients. This includes vitamins and minerals, enzymes, fiber, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. 

Some of the benefits your dog will get from shiitake mushrooms;

1. Immune Function Support

Shiitake mushrooms are full of nutrients that support immune function:

• Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium, Iron, Protein including the amino acid glutamine, and Copper

Shiitake also have lentinan, a beta-glucan that’s only found in shiitake. It boosts the immune system by increasing production of killer T cells and NK cells. 

2. Cancer Fighting Properties

The lentinan in shiitake mushrooms can also fight cancer. It increases the production of cancer-fighting alpha interferon. Shiitake mushrooms can also help control inflammation in your dog’s body. This is important because chronic inflammation can lead to cancer and other long-term health problems for your dog.

3. Weight Control

Shiitake mushrooms increase satiety (the feeling of fullness) making them great for weight loss, this is because shiitake mushrooms contain soluble dietary fibre. One component is beta-glucan. It increases satiety, reduces food intake and delays the absorption of nutrients. Shiitake also contain phytonutrients that support heart health and immune function.

4. Antioxidant Properties

Shiitake mushrooms have large amounts of mycochemicals, which are compounds unique to fungi. This includes important antioxidants that prevent and address chronic diseases. Shiitake also has ergothioneine (an amino acid) and selenium, which are anti-oxidative. These potent antioxidants control harmful free radicals and preserve cellular health. They capture free radicals in your dog’s body and neutralize them. Free radicals are damaged cells. Left unchecked, they can continue to damage other cells. Antioxidants prevent damage that can cause premature aging, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

5. Cardiovascular Support

Shiitake mushrooms are a heart-healthy food. They’re low in sodium and free of saturated fats. And they contain linoleic acid. This is an omega-6 essential fatty acid needed to support heart health. Lentinan also supports the heart.  

Cholesterol is also a risk for your dog’s heart, especially since many dogs eat a diet high in fat. Luckily, shiitake mushrooms contain many compounds that fight cholesterol. They contain eritadenine, which inhibits an enzyme that produces cholesterol. The beta-glucans in shiitake also lower cholesterol. And shiitake have sterols that stop cholesterol absorption in your dog’s gut. 

Finally, the potassium in shiitake mushrooms may help reduce blood pressure. This is important for dogs with kidney disease or Cushing’s that may have high blood pressure. 

6. Antimicrobial Properties

Shiitake mushrooms are being tested against bacteria. One study found shiitake extract was effective against 85% of the bacterial organisms tested. Shiitake also controlled yeast and mould.

7. B Vitamins For Energy And Brain Function

Shiitake mushrooms might be helpful in aging dogs who experience cognitive disorders. That’s because they contain high amounts of B vitamins. And B vitamins convert into energy and improve cognitive performance, also balancing hormones and supports adrenal function. Your dog’s adrenal glands produce steroids that are important in regulating organs and body systems.

8. High Vitamin D Content

When left in the sunlight, shiitake mushrooms have the highest content of vitamin D of any plant food. In the sun, they’ll produce ergosterol, or vitamin D2. You’ll only find higher amounts of vitamin D in fish, fowl, meat and eggs. Then you can include more vitamin D in your dog’s diet without resorting to synthetic vitamins.

Your dog needs this important vitamin for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Your dog also needs vitamin D for bone health and immune system support. And it’s needed to avoid heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and some cancers.

9. Selenium For Coat & Skin Health

Shiitake mushrooms contain the trace element selenium. It contributes to the health of your dog’s skin and coat. And with their zinc content, shiitake mushrooms can also improve skin healing. Selenium also helps in hormone balance and immune function. And it can reduce cancer, decrease DNA damage and improve joint health.

10. Digestion And Gut Health

Shiitake mushrooms contain fiber that supports digestion and gut health. These fibers also inhibit inflammation in the gut. And that helps maintain a healthy microbiome.They also contain up to 30 different enzymes that help digestion. One of the enzymes is amylase. It helps break down starches, helpful for dogs on a high-starch kibble diet.