Why Oyster Mushrooms Deserve a Spot in Your Dog’s Bowl

When it comes to unsung heroes in food, mushrooms don’t always steal the spotlight. But at Virchew, we think oyster mushrooms are total underdogs (or should we say under-dogs’ bowls 🐾). These little fungi may look delicate, but they pack mighty benefits for your pup’s health, which is why you’ll find them in our LOVE Bite toppers and treats.

Why Mushrooms?

For centuries, mushrooms have been celebrated in human nutrition for their rich nutrients, digestive support, and immune-boosting properties. So it’s no surprise that research now points to their benefits for dogs, too. Of course, not all mushrooms are safe (wild mushrooms can be toxic so big nope 🚫🍄), but the trusty, store-bought oyster mushroom is both safe and seriously beneficial when cooked plain.

The Mighty Oyster Mushroom

Here’s why we’ve gone mushy for oyster mushrooms:

✨ Nutrient Powerhouse
Oyster mushrooms deliver fiber, B vitamins, folate, iron, and antioxidants. That’s like a multivitamin disguised as a tasty snack.

✨ Digestive Delight
The natural fiber in oyster mushrooms supports a healthy gut and smoother digestion. Think fewer rumbles, more tail wags.

✨ Immune Boost
Packed with anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants, they give your dog’s immune system a helping paw. 

✨ Low-Calorie Love
Flavorful without the extra calories or fat which is perfect for pups watching their waistlines.

Enter Ergothioneine: The Hidden Mushroom Hero

Here’s where things get really exciting. Oyster mushrooms are one of the richest natural sources of an amino acid called ergothioneine (often abbreviated “ERG” or “ET”). You won’t find this special compound in plants or animals. It's only in fungi (and some bacteria). (PMC)

So, what makes it so paw-some?

• Dogs (and humans) are built for it — Animals don’t produce ergothioneine themselves. But many (including dogs) have a dedicated transporter system that allows them to absorb and concentrate it in tissues. (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)

• Power antioxidant & cell protector:  ERG is known to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect vulnerable tissues from damage. (FEBS Journal)

• Organ support + longevity vibes: Some emerging studies (mostly in animal or lab models) suggest that ergothioneine may help protect organs like the liver and kidneys, slow aging of cells, and support overall healthspan. (ScienceDirect)

• Dogs + reproduction: A fascinating study on canine semen showed that ergothioneine (along with another compound) offered cryoprotective effects (i.e., it helped reduce damage in thawed canine semen) by reducing oxidative stress. (PMC)

In short: ergothioneine is a mushroom-exclusive nutrient that seems tailor-made to help dogs (and us) fight cellular wear and tear.

Safe Serving at Home

If you’re tempted to share your mushrooms at dinner, here’s the golden rule: keep it simple.

• Cook thoroughly (never raw).

• Serve plain — no salt, oil, onions or too much garlic.

• Chop small to prevent choking.

• Start with a tiny portion to see how your pup responds.

And always, always skip the wild mushroom scavenger hunts. Nature’s mystery mushrooms can be poisonous. Better left to squirrels. 🐿️

Why We Add Them to Virchew LOVE Bites

At Virchew, we’ve done the research for you by carefully sourcing the highest quality supplier, Maia Farms to offer oyster mushrooms (and their ergothioneine goodness) in our LOVE Bites toppers and treats. The result? A tasty, plant-powered sprinkle of goodness that supports digestion, boosts immunity, helps guard cells, and keeps your dog thriving from the inside out.

Because in every bite, we believe in doing the right thing: for dogs, for their humans, and for the planet. And if that means giving mushrooms (and ergothioneine) their well-deserved moment in the spotlight, we’re all in.

🍄 “Shroom for one more treat? Spoil your pup with LOVE Bites today.” Fetch them here →

Thanks for being here!

Laura Simonson, Founder of Virchew

References & Science Backing

• Kalaras et al. (2017) showed that mushrooms are among the richest dietary sources of ergothioneine and glutathione. (Regulations.gov)

• Borodina et al. (2020) review the biology of ergothioneine and how it’s synthesized by fungi, not by animals or plants, and how consumption provides protection from oxidative stress. (PMC)

• Halliwell (2018) describes how ergothioneine has powerful cytoprotective and antioxidant properties, and that bodies tend to accumulate it in areas more subject to oxidative stress. (FEBS Journal)

• Petrovic et al. (2025) found that ergothioneine improved healthspan and mobility in aged animal models. (ScienceDirect)

• Apparoo et al. (2024) suggest that ergothioneine-rich mushrooms could help eliminate senescent (aging) cells, thus contributing to anti-aging research. (ScienceDirect)

• Usuga et al. (2021) demonstrated that ergothioneine provided cryoprotective effects in thawed canine semen, reducing oxidative damage. (PMC)

• Tian et al. (2023) call ergothioneine an “underrecognized dietary micronutrient” and discuss its accumulation and protective roles in tissues. (PMC)

• Cheah et al. (2021) explore ergothioneine in the context of neuroprotection and other cellular roles. (ScienceDirect)

• Tiupova et al. (2025) specifically highlight that oyster mushrooms contain significant amounts of ergothioneine and that it contributes to their antioxidant activity. (mdpi.com)

Please Note: Our products and services are not a replacement for the expert care and advice provided by your veterinarian. Any dietary or healthcare changes should be made under their guidance, especially in the case of existing underlying health conditions.