Written by Vickie Do
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT IMMUNE SYSTEM IN DOGS
If you're like most pet owners, you want to do everything possible to make sure your furry friend stays healthy and happy. A dogs immune system and immune health can be difficult to predict or understand. Unlike humans, a dog's immune system is more susceptible to unknown invaders due to factors such as hygiene. Similarly to humans, they are affected by specific factors such as environmental surroundings, certain toxins, and diet. As pet owners, there are steps we can take in an effort to reduce the toxins our pets are exposed to and allow our dogs to feel healthier and better.
If you're wondering, 'how can I boost my dog's immune system?', one way is to feed your pet supplements! Dogs can take supplements to boost their immune system just like humans. The option to feed your pet supplements helps keep your dog's immune system strong to fight against infection before an ailment develops. One ingredient to look out for is Agaricus blazei Murill which is an immune-boosting mushroom when ingested. This mushroom is a superfood that is not only great for humans, but pets as well!
WHAT IS AGARICUS BLAZEI MURILL MUSHROOM?
These mushrooms have been shown to be a powerful natural way to help fight infection and boost the immune system. In this blog post, we'll discuss the science behind Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom and its effectiveness, the benefits for dog immune system support, as well as how to give them to your dog!
Agaricus blazei Murrill mushrooms, also known as AbM mushrooms, are a type of mushroom native to Brazil and widely cultivated in Japan for its health promoting benefits. They have been used traditionally for their immune-boosting properties. The compounds contained in these mushrooms that boost the immune system are the beta-glucans and polysaccharides.
Agaricus blazei Murill mushrooms are the species of all edible mushrooms that have the highest concentration of polysaccharides. Polysaccharides, when ingested, help activate immune effector cells such as macrophages, natural killer cells, and T-cells. The other compound, beta glucans, also known as beta-D-glucan, can benefit an imbalanced immune system in several ways. It triggers an immune response, allowing the body to defend against various types of invaders such as viral, bacterial, and fungal invaders.
IS AGARICUS BLAZEI MUSHROOM SAFE FOR DOGS?
Agaricus blazei Murrill mushrooms are safe for dogs to consume, and can be given to them as early as 6-7 weeks of age. They can be given to dogs of all breeds and sizes and fed in supplement form or mixed into their food. Specifically, the mushroom powder form of supplements can be sprinkled over their kibble, while mushroom liquid extract can be mixed with food or water. If you choose to mix the Mushroom Supplement into your dog's food, we recommend doing so gradually, as some dogs may be sensitive to the taste of mushrooms. Start by mixing a small amount into their food and increasing the amount each day until you reach the recommended dosage.
Since ABM has very few side effects, it is generally safe to include in your pup's diet. However, if you notice any signs of allergic reaction such as irritated skin, sniffles or wheezing, then please contact a vet immediately. Additionally, due to the immune-boosting properties of AbM, it can interfere with other medications so be sure to speak to your vet beforehand if you are planning on supplementing Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom into your pet’s diet.
The benefits of using Agaricus blazei Murrill supplements for dogs are numerous. These supplements can help boost the immune system, fight off infection, and provide additional health benefits. If you are looking for a natural way to help keep your dog healthy, Agaricus blazei Murrill supplements are a great option! Before including AbM mushrooms into your pets diet, check out the 5 Things You Should Know Before You Buy Agaricus blazei Mushroom Extract.
If you choose to give your dog supplements that contain Agaricus blazei Murill, make sure to follow the instructions on the label. Superfood Science Agaricus Bio Immune Support for Dogs and Cats Pet Supplement recommends feeding 300 mg, equivalent to one capsule, per 10 lbs of body weight or up to 1.2 g daily. It’s important to always consult with your vet regarding dosages per age/size as every pup is different. For best results, keep a consistent schedule of intake in order to maximize the benefits of this immune system-boosting superfood.
Do you have any questions about using Agaricus blazei Murill supplements to boost your dog's immune system? Send us a message and we'll be happy to answer!
References:
1. Yoo, H. K., By, -, & Yoo, H. K. (2021, October 27). Benefits of agaricus blazei mushrooms for your pet. Animal Wellness Magazine. Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/agaricus-blazei-mushrooms-pet/
2. Hetland, G., Johnson, E., Lyberg, T., & Kvalheim, G. (2011). The mushroom agaricus blazei murill elicits ... Advances in pharmacological sciences. Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3168293/
3. Ley, B. M. (2001). Medicinal mushrooms for immune enhancement: Agaricus blazei murill: Discover the beta glucan secret! BL Publications.
4. Pereira, M., Valério-Bolas, A., Saraiva-Marques, C., Alexandre-Pires, G., Pereira da Fonseca, I., & Santos-Gomes, G. (2019, October 21). Development of dog immune system: From in uterus to elderly. Veterinary sciences. Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6958461/