October 15 is National Mushroom Day! But everyday is a good day for mushroom broth.
Recipe: Mushroom Broth for Dogs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic mushrooms (shiitake, reishi, maitake, turkey tail, Button, Baby Bellas, or a medley)
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 small celery stalk, diced
- 1 tsp fresh turmeric (or ¼ tsp dried)
- 4-5 cups filtered water
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, helps extract nutrients)
- Add herbs as desired (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the mushrooms, carrot, celery, and turmeric with the filtered water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 1-2 hours.
- Remove from heat and strain out the vegetables and mushrooms, reserving the broth.
- Run All the veggies through an immersion blender or food processor, and return to the broth.
- Let the broth cool before serving to your dog. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze in portions.
Bonus: Adding Essential Oils at Feeding Time
When serving the broth, add 1-2 drops of ginger essential oil for dogs who need digestive support, particularly if they suffer from nausea or indigestion.
Other Essential Oils to Consider:
- Longevity (blend): Supports immune function and has calming properties.
- **Thieves: excellent for the immune system.
- Peppermint: Great for digestion, but use in very small quantities—1 drop diluted in broth can help soothe upset stomachs.
- (When adding essential oils you may also to add a small amount of fat (ghee, tallow, grass fed butter, or high quality oil at feeding time)
Tip: Always dilute essential oils and use them under guidance from a professional.
Benefits of Mushrooms for Dogs:
- Immune Support: Medicinal mushrooms like reishi and turkey tail are rich in beta-glucans, which enhance the immune system.
- Anti-inflammatory: Mushrooms contain compounds that help reduce inflammation, supporting joint health and managing chronic conditions.
- Antioxidants: Mushrooms provide antioxidants, protecting your dog’s cells from damage and aging.
- Digestive Health: Turkey tail and maitake mushrooms are especially good for gut health, helping balance your dog’s microbiome.
You can really use any mushrooms you find at the grocery store or farmer’s market.
Tips:
- Introduce Gradually: If your dog is new to mushroom broth, start with a small amount to ensure they tolerate it well.
- Consult Your Vet: Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new ingredients, especially garlic, as it can be harmful to some dogs.
By incorporating this mushroom broth into your dog’s diet, you can help support their immune system and overall health in a delicious and natural way.
Don’t forget to add mushrooms to your bone broth recipe too!