SUPER EASY MUSHROOM BROTH RECIPE FOR YOUR DOGS & CATS
Did you know that increasing your mushroom intake could significantly lower your cancer risk? According to recent studies, consuming mushrooms daily can reduce the risk of cancer by 45% (1) (2). This is true not just for humans, but for our pets as well! That's why today, we're sharing a DIY recipe to make an immune-enhancing, cancer-fighting mushroom broth for your dog and cat. It's easy to make, affordable, and an excellent addition to your pet's diet.
In this blog, we will dive into some of the amazing health benefits of medicinal mushrooms for dogs and cats and even give you a super easy DIY mushroom broth that you can make for your dogs, cats, and even yourself.
ARTICLE AT A GLANCE
| 1. The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms |
| 2. Mushrooms to Include in Your Broth |
| 3. Shopping for Mushrooms |
| 4. Ingredients for Mushroom Broth |
| 5. How to Make Mushroom Broth |
| 6. Mushroom Broth Feeding Recommendation for Dogs and Cats |
| 7. Mushroom Supplements vs. Mushroom Broth |
THE POWER OF MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS
Before we dive into the recipe, let's address a common concern: Are mushrooms toxic to dogs and cats? While some mushrooms are toxic, the culinary, medicinal, and functional mushrooms we're using in this recipe are not. In fact, they offer incredible health benefits. If you’re not including medicinal mushrooms in your pet’s diet, you’re missing out!
MUSHROOMS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR BROTH
You can use any type of medicinal mushroom for this recipe, but we love mixing different varieties to create a broth packed with diverse benefits. Here are a few options:
- Shiitake: Rich in protein, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin D, antioxidants, potassium, and selenium, Shiitake mushrooms are known for their immune-modulating and cancer-fighting properties. They help balance your pet’s immune system and support cancer patients in maintaining immune function during chemotherapy.
- Oyster Mushrooms: These mushrooms are full of vitamins, antioxidants, protein, and fiber. They have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce joint pain and promote gut health.
- Lion's Mane: Often called the “smart mushroom,” Lion's Mane supports memory and cognitive function, making it an excellent choice for senior pets.
- King Trumpet: Loaded with antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals, King Trumpet mushrooms support immunity and contain high levels of ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant.
- Maitake: Known for their beta-glucans, Maitake mushrooms offer anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effects. They have traditionally been used to support kidney health, vitality, and balanced blood sugar levels.
SHOPPING FOR MUSHROOMS
When purchasing mushrooms, remember that they are bio-accumulators, meaning they absorb toxins from their environment. Always choose organic mushrooms and try to source them from natural environments like forests, rather than indoor labs.
INGREDIENTS FOR MUSHROOM BROTH
- 2 cups of medicinal mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 6 cups filtered water, broth, or herbal tea
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of herbs or spices (e.g., parsley, ginger, garlic, or turmeric)
HOW TO MAKE MUSHROOM BROTH
1. Sauté the sliced mushrooms in butter over low heat until they soften.
2. Add your choice of liquid (we're using filtered water).
3. Add any herbs or spices if desired.
4. Cover and simmer for at least 20 minutes. For best results, let the broth simmer for 6-8 hours to extract all the medicinal properties.
5. Let the broth cool until it's safe to handle.
6. Puree the mixture using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
7. Serve the broth warm or cool.
MUSHROOM BROTH FEEDING RECOMMENDATION
Start with 1 tablespoon of broth per 25 pounds of your pet's body weight, gradually increasing to up to 4 tablespoons per 25 pounds. Store the broth in an airtight glass container in the fridge for 5-7 days, or freeze it in non-toxic molds for later use.
MUSHROOM SUPPLEMENTS VS. MUSHROOM BROTH
While mushroom broth is a fantastic addition to your pet’s diet, mushroom supplements offer even more potent benefits. Triple-extracted mushroom supplements contain a wide array of medicinal compounds that are not fully accessible through mushroom broth alone. For maximum therapeutic benefits, consider rotating between mushroom broths and high-quality mushroom supplements.
At PAWDEGA, we offer the best triple-extracted, naturally-grown mushroom supplements for dogs and cats and we've also got a mushroom broth for you in case you don't feel like DIY'ing! Check them out to learn more!
Do you have any tips for making your own mushroom broth? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more DIY pet wellness recipes!
