If you’ve been to a cool new restaurant lately, chances are you’ve seen “Hen of the Woods” on the menu.
You may have thought to yourself, is it some kind of chicken?
It isn’t!
In fact, Hen of the Woods is a type of mushroom.
You may be more familiar with its other name, maitake mushroom.
While this is one of the most delicious mushrooms, it is also one of the most healthful.
And like many healthful foods found in nature, this one is also good for your pet.
What is a Maitake mushroom?
Maitake mushrooms are one of nature’s most healthful and powerful plants.
As we mentioned above, this incredible fungus is also known as “Hen of the Woods,” “Sheep’s Head (for its curious appearance),” and Grifola frondosa.
Maitakes grow at the base of oak, elm and maple trees in Japan, China, and North America in the fall.
These wonderful mushrooms are so popular in Asia, people have been consuming them as medicine in Japan and China for thousands of years.
Because of its incredible healing properties, the Japanese call them “dancing mushroom,” for the boost in energy people feel after consumption.
What is Beneficial About Maitake Mushroom for Dogs?
Dried maitake mushrooms are often used to treat:
- Blood pressure problems
- Immune function
- Side effects of chemotherapy
- Cold and flu viruses
- Blood sugar
- High cholesterol
Because maitakes contain polysaccharides and β-1,6-glucan, they are beneficial for the treatment of cancers.
Polysaccharides are proven to regulate the immune system and promote health in human studies.
Experiments in animal studies support the use of this mushroom for cancer treatment due to one component of polysaccharides, β-glucans, which are known to possess immunomodulating properties.
In fact, one study revealed maitake mushroom’s ability to enhance macrophages, natural killer cells, and cytotoxic T-cells.
The research showed maitake reduced tumor growth by 86% compared to untreated animals.
Another study proved the mushroom’s immune enhancement and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly boosting tumor-fighting abilities against syngeneic, allogeneic tumors.
In combination with Vitamin C, one study showed maitake’s ability to inhibit tumor growth and restore suppressed immune functions.
According to the research, maitake mushrooms contain D-fraction, a polysaccharide benefitting human patients with bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and breast cancer among others.
Maitake mushroom contains:
- Beta-glucans
- Vitamins B, C, and D
- Antioxidants
- Amino acids
- Copper
- Potassium
- Fiber
Additionally, maitake mushrooms have very mild side effects, including the ability to lower blood sugar and blood pressure.
However, safety is not proven in pregnant or lactating animals.
How Can You Administer Dried Maitake Mushroom For Your Pet?
While you could learn how to make a maitake mushroom tincture, we think giving your pet an easy to chew supplement is easier.
A supplement that includes other healthful mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, and turkey tail, would most effectively help your pup.
Seeking an all natural supplement to boost your dog’s immune system?
Try PET | TAO Complement Immune. Complement Immune is a medicinal mushroom blend.
It also provides beneficial ingredients such as:
- N-acetyl-L-cysteine
- Vitamin C
- Coenzyme Q-10
- Selenium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
Learn more about PET | TAO Complement Immune.
