You’ve probably heard of lion’s mane mushroom by now—maybe in a podcast, maybe in your local health food store, or maybe because your hippie coworker puts it in their morning tea (guilty as charged…). But did you know this fuzzy little fungus isn’t just for humans? It can work wonders for your pet’s brain, too.
Let’s dig into why lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) might just be the next big thing in natural pet care—especially for our beloved senior pets.
🧠 Lion’s Mane and Cognitive Function: Nature’s Nootropic
Lion’s mane mushroom has earned its reputation as a “smart mushroom” for a reason. It contains two key compounds—hericenones and erinacines—that stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein essential for the growth and survival of neurons.
For those of any age, that’s pretty cool. For aging pets, that’s a BIG deal.
As dogs and cats get older, just like us, their neurons can become less efficient, and cognitive decline can set in. You might notice signs like:
- Disorientation or staring at walls
- Increased anxiety or pacing
- Accidents in the house
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Less responsiveness or engagement
- Getting stuck in corners or in rooms, unable to find the exit
- Lack of interest in eating or, even worse, interest in eating but inability to actually do so
Lion’s mane helps support neuroplasticity, memory, and mental clarity—and it’s been shown in preliminary studies (and a whole lot of anecdotal evidence) to help pets stay sharp, curious, and connected.
Let’s Talk Numbers: Lion’s Mane Nutritional Breakdown
While lion’s mane is best known for its cognitive perks, it’s also nutritionally impressive. This one is for my fellow nerds and nutrition lovers:
- Rich in polysaccharides (beta-glucans) – immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory
- Contains antioxidants – helps reduce oxidative stress
- A source of protein, potassium, zinc, and B vitamins
- Low in calories and fat – making it an ideal functional food, even for overweight pets
So yes, it’s brain food—but also supports the immune system, gut health, and even nerve repair. And, even cooler- if you cut it in half, it kind of looks like a brain!
The Senior Dog Study: Real Dogs, Real Results
Angela Ardolino, founder of CBD Dog Health and MycoDog, created the Senior Dog Study—a 90-day trial using her CLARITY mushroom extract and adaptogen blend tincture on dogs in their senior stage of life. The results? Honestly, they were pretty damn amazing.
Dogs in the study showed:
- Improved mental clarity and reduced cognitive dysfunction behaviors
- Better mobility and less stiffness
- Increased energy and engagement with their surroundings
- Improved sleep and calmer behavior
Angela’s CLARITY blend includes dual-extracted lion’s mane mushroom alongside other heavy hitters like reishi and cordyceps—but lion’s mane steals the show when it comes to cognitive health. The adaptogens in the blend include ashwagandha and bacopa monnieri, both of which are excellent for supporting immune, cognitive and neurologic function.
The results aren’t just anecdotal either—pet parents were filling out detailed weekly assessments and watching their dogs regain sparkle in their eyes and bounce in their step alongside hard data which was obtained from GPS tags on their collars.
⚠️ But Not All Mushrooms Are Created Equal…
Just because a label says “lion’s mane” doesn’t mean it’s actually good for your pet. Here’s what to avoid when shopping for mushroom supplements:
- ❌ Fillers or starches (like myceliated grain—basically, mushroom roots grown on rice or oats)
- ❌ Inactive ingredients (sorry, microcrystalline cellulose, aka sawdust, does NOT belong in there)
- ❌ Artificial flavorings or colorings (your dog doesn’t need “chicken flavor”)
- ❌ Binders or synthetic preservatives (a natural, organic preservative like organic glycerin will do)
- ❌ Products made from only the mycelium, not the fruiting body (the fruiting body is where the magic is)
You want a supplement that’s organic, whole fruiting body, and third-party tested for purity. Naturally, the next question is “does it matter what form the mushroom is in?” The answer is emphatically YES. You can choose from tinctures vs powders vs fresh mushrooms- but which is best? Here’s a quick breakdown:
🍄 Fresh Mushrooms
Great in theory, but:
- Not shelf-stable
- Difficult to dose
- May not be broken down properly without cooking or fermenting
- Hard to source locally, especially if you want it grown organically and on a natural substrate
I think fresh Lion’s Mane mushroom (either cooked and eaten or brewed into a tea) is a great adjunct, or addition, to something more bioavailable and whose sourcing and testing is transparent and excellent.
🧂 Powders
Common but can be:
- Heat-processed, which may degrade active compounds
- Filled with starch, sawdust, or other poor-quality fillers
- Lower in potency and subject to oxidation
💧 Tinctures (Dual Extracted)
Winner winner, mushroom dinner!
- Meticulously crafted to extract beta-glucans, triterpenes, and other active compounds
- Highly bioavailable and easy to dose, either directly into the mouth or in food
- Long shelf life, no fillers, and often more therapeutic than other formats
Angela’s CLARITY tincture (used in the study) falls into this category, and it’s formulated specifically with no added junk, just pure mushroom magic. And although her products are made and marketed for pets, they are all human grade, and I have no problem telling you that I personally take them myself every single day.
You Decide- is Lion’s Mane Right for Your Pet?
If you’ve got a senior dog (or even a middle-aged one showing signs of slowing down or a young buck whose brain you want to support), lion’s mane could be a powerful tool in your wellness toolkit. It’s natural, well-tolerated, and offers a brain boost without side effects. And if you’re combining it with other supportive mushrooms and adaptogens? Even better.
Just be picky about the product. Look for clean sourcing, proper extraction, and no unnecessary fluff. Because your dog, cat, horse, and every other member of your household deserves the real thing—not a bag of flavored oat flour pretending to be a mushroom.
Want to learn more?
Check out my recent podcast episode with Angela Ardolino where we geek out on mushrooms, the Senior Dog Study, and why nature always knows best. Happy mushroom hunting!
