As our beloved pets age, we naturally seek the best ways to support their health and happiness. One supplement that’s gaining attention in the pet health community is Lion’s Mane mushroom—not just for people, but for our aging dogs and cats, too.

What is Lion’s Mane?

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a unique, shaggy-looking mushroom known in herbal medicine circles for its potential to support the nervous system and cognitive function. The magic comes from its natural compounds—hericenones and erinacines—which may stimulate nerve growth and help protect brain cells.

Why Consider Lion’s Mane for Senior Pets?

Cognitive Support: Some early research and plenty of anecdotal reports suggest Lion’s Mane could help with memory, alertness, and general mental sharpness in senior pets. This is especially appealing to pet parents seeing the early signs of “doggie” or “kitty dementia.”
Overall Wellness: Lion’s Mane is also believed to support gut health, boost the immune system, and offer anti-inflammatory properties, all of which are valuable for aging dogs and cats.

How Effective Is It?

While much of the scientific evidence comes from studies in humans or laboratory animals, feedback from veterinarians and pet owners is encouraging. Lion’s Mane is now a popular option for those looking to add gentle, natural support to their senior pet’s daily routine. It’s intended to complement—not replace—other aspects of good senior care, such as regular checkups, high-quality nutrition, and mental enrichment.

Is Lion’s Mane Safe for Pets?

Lion’s Mane is widely considered safe for both dogs and cats. Most pets tolerate it well, though a few might experience mild digestive upset when starting out. As with any supplement, it’s best to introduce Lion’s Mane gradually and watch for changes.

What to Look for in a Supplement

The supplement market is booming, and quality can vary. For peace of mind, choose:

Products made from 100% fruiting body rather than mycelium
Organically grown mushrooms
Brands that use third-party testing to confirm purity and active ingredients

Some reputable brands offering Lion’s Mane for pets include Real Mushrooms (our author’s favorite), Four Leaf Rover, Animal Essentials, and blends from companies like iHeartDogs and Austin and Kat.

The Bottom Line

Lion’s Mane mushroom is a promising, low-risk addition to the wellness toolkit for senior dogs and cats. While more research is needed specifically in pets, early evidence and real-world experiences suggest it might help support cognitive function and overall vitality as our furry friends age.

Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement, especially if your pet has underlying health conditions or takes medications.

Author: Cheryl Miller, RVT, CVBL, FFCP (Veterinary), VCC

If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss Lion’s Mane or if you’re looking for brand suggestions tailored to your pet, please call or text us at (843) 966-3362. If you’re a current client, you can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Cifranick online, or you can schedule a virtual appointment directly with Cheryl here.

References:

Animal Essentials. “Animal Essentials FOCUS Lion’s Mane for Dogs & Cats.” Only Natural Pet. https://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/animal-essentials-focus-lions-mane-mushroom-powder-for-dogs-cats
Real Mushrooms. “Can Dogs Eat Lion’s Mane?” Real Mushrooms, 20 December 2024. https://www.realmushrooms.com/lions-mane-for-dogs/
Four Leaf Rover. “Lion’s Mane – Organic Mushroom Extract For Dogs.” Four Leaf Rover, 13 November 2023. https://fourleafrover.com/products/lions-mane-mushroom-for-dogs
Well Pet Dispensary. “Lion’s Mane Mushroom Capsules for Pets.” Well Pet Dispensary, 26 July 2025. https://www.wellpetdispensary.com/lions-mane-capsules
American Kennel Club. “Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives.” AKC, 17 March 2025. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/medicinal-mushrooms-for-dogs/