4 Best Turkey Tail Supplements For Dogs (+ Benefits Explained)

The best turkey tail supplement for dogs, in our opinion, is Real Mushrooms’ Pet Defenders with Krill, an organic mushroom-extract powder made from fruiting bodies with no grain or fillers. Turkey tail mushrooms contain beta-glucans (PSK and PSP) that may support a dog’s immune system, and they are mostly used as a complement to vet care for dogs with cancer or weakened immunity, although research in dogs is still limited.

No, we’re not talking about the Thanksgiving turkey! Turkey tail mushrooms are a type of medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. More recently, they have gained popularity as an immune supplement and as a complementary option alongside cancer treatment. (Another popular natural remedy among dog owners is colloidal silver for dogs, though it comes with more risks.)

There is a growing body of research on turkey tail mushrooms, mostly in people and in the lab. In dogs, the best-known study is a small one from the University of Pennsylvania, in which dogs with hemangiosarcoma (a type of cancer) given a turkey tail compound lived longer than expected. That’s promising, but it’s not proof that turkey tail can treat cancer, and it should never replace the treatment your vet recommends.

So, if you’re looking for a natural way to support your dog’s health and your vet agrees, turkey tail mushroom supplements might be a good option. Here are 4 of the best turkey tail supplements for dogs, based on our research.

Benefits of turkey tail for dogs

Before we dive in, let’s take a look at some of the potential health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms and how they might benefit your dog.

What makes turkey tail mushrooms so powerful are the components known as polysaccharide-P (PSP) and Polysaccharide-K (PSK). (1) They both are beta-D-glucans, which bind to receptors on immune cells and help to modulate the immune response. In theory, this means they may:

• Support immune function when the body is under stress from chronic illness or cancer
• Help balance the inflammatory response

Because turkey tail acts on the immune system, talk to your vet before giving it to a dog with an autoimmune disease or one taking immune-suppressing medication.

Besides modulating immune responses, beta-D-glucans have also shown anti-cancer effects in laboratory and early clinical research (2). They may help to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells and support the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs. These properties make beta-D-glucans a promising area of research for cancer. Supplement makers list these potential uses for turkey tail (3):

• Immune system enhancement
• Enhance cancer therapies
• Protection of cells
• Creating a healthy inflammation response
• Boosting conventional therapies
• Vaccine support

Should you give turkey tail to a healthy dog?

Some people think turkey tail supplements are only beneficial for dogs with cancer or other health conditions. However, that’s not necessarily the case.

Turkey tail mushrooms may help to modulate the immune system and protect cells from damage, and some owners use them to support their dog’s immune system during times of stress, such as travel or boarding. However, there is no solid evidence yet that turkey tail prevents disease in healthy dogs.

In short, turkey tail is generally considered safe for most healthy dogs, and side effects are uncommon (mild stomach upset is the most likely). Still, check with your vet first, especially if your dog is pregnant, has a health condition, or takes medication such as chemotherapy or immunosuppressants, and stop the supplement if you notice vomiting, diarrhea or other changes.

The best turkey tail supplement for dogs

Now that you know a bit about the potential health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms, let’s take a look at some of the best supplements on the market.