How Mushrooms are Grown, and Why it Matters

When it comes to choosing mushroom supplements for pets, the way mushrooms are grown and where they’re sourced can dramatically influence their overall quality. Not all mushrooms are created equal — especially when it comes to potency, purity, and nutrient density.

While mushrooms can be cultivated on a wide variety of substrates like oats, sawdust, and rice, these growing methods don’t always deliver the full spectrum of beneficial compounds. In contrast, mushrooms grown outdoors on logs or wild-harvested from their natural habitat tend to yield a more robust, nutrient-rich extract.

Let’s explore why mushroom growing practices matter so much — and what to look for in a supplement that actually supports your pet’s wellness.

CULTIVATED VS. WILD-HARVESTED MUSHROOMS

Mushrooms evolved in the wild — in forests, feeding on fallen logs and decaying organic matter. Humans began cultivating mushrooms once their value became clear, and today, most supplements come from cultivated mushrooms grown indoors on substrates like oats or sawdust.

But here’s the catch: the compounds mushrooms produce depend on the environment and substrate they grow in. A mushroom like Reishi, for example, synthesizes key compounds such as triterpenes only when grown on natural wood in the wild. When grown on brown rice, those compounds are present in much smaller amounts.

That’s why sourcing matters. The more natural the growing conditions, the more likely the final product contains the constituents that support immune resilience, cellular function, and neurological balance.

WHY DOES IT MATTER HOW MUSHROOMS ARE GROWN?

Here’s what many consumers don’t know: a large percentage of mushroom supplements on the market are produced using grain-based substrates — and the entire mixture of mycelium (the mushroom’s root structure) and the substrate is ground up and packaged.

This practice is problematic for a few reasons:

• Substrate Fillers: Oats and rice contain beta-glucans, which can artificially inflate a product’s perceived potency. But these beta-glucans are not the same as those found in mushrooms and do not deliver the same biological effects.
  

• Dilution of Active Compounds: Mycelium is fragile and can’t be separated from its growth medium, so a large portion of the product ends up being non-medicinal filler.
  

• Contaminants in Sawdust Logs: Sawdust often comes from treated lumber, which may contain chemicals or heavy metals. Mushrooms are bioaccumulators — they absorb everything in their environment, including toxins.
  

In short, poor-quality growing methods lead to supplements with questionable efficacy and possible contamination.

WHY REAL TREES AND NATURAL LIGHT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

When mushrooms grow on real logs in the wild, they absorb the rich nutrients from hardwoods and forest soil. These conditions foster the development of beta-glucans, triterpenes, and other key compounds.

Outdoor cultivation also exposes mushrooms to natural sunlight — which can support the production of naturally occurring vitamin D compounds in some species.

This is why natural, log-grown, or wild-harvested mushrooms are considered the gold standard in traditional herbalism.

SOURCING A QUALITY MUSHROOM SUPPLEMENT FOR DOGS & PETS

Here’s what to look for when shopping for a mushroom product — especially for pets:

1. Fruiting Body Only: Choose products made from the mushroom’s fruiting body, not mycelium. The fruiting body contains the bulk of bioactive compounds.
   

2. Extraction Method: Look for “dual-extraction” or “triple-extraction” on the label. These processes help pull out both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds — maximizing potency.
   

3. Source Transparency: Brands that share details about where and how their mushrooms are grown show commitment to quality. Bonus points if they’re wild-harvested or naturally cultivated on logs outdoors.

4. No Alcohol for Pets: Alcohol-based tinctures may not be ideal for pets when used regularly. Glycerin-based extracts are gentler and more palatable.
   

THE MYCODOG DIFFERENCE

At MycoDog, we do things differently — because your pet’s wellness deserves the best nature has to offer.

• Outdoor Cultivation: Our mushrooms are grown in forests across the Pacific Northwest and Michigan, on natural wood substrates under the sun.
  

• Wild-Harvested and Naturally Cultivated: We work with small co-op farmers who harvest mushrooms at peak potency — no artificial lighting, no shortcuts.
  

• Dual Extraction: We use organic cane alcohol and distilled water to extract a full spectrum of compounds — and the final product is alcohol-free, preserved in organic glycerin.

• Veterinarian Formulated: Every MycoDog blend is formulated with intention, transparency, and integrity — backed by tradition and science.
  

A high-quality mushroom extract doesn’t just “sound” natural — it is natural. And that means it retains the full array of compounds that support immune balance, cognitive function, stress resilience, and gut health.

When you choose mushroom supplements for your pets, ask where they’re grown, what they’re grown on, and how they’re extracted. Because those answers make all the difference.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s wellness routine.

About Angela Ardolino

Angela Ardolino, a certified fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. She is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.

Angela is the founder and formulator behind Hemp Dog Health and MycoDog, two pioneering brands that prioritize pet health through carefully crafted Full Spectrum Hemp for dogs, cats, and horses, as well as wild-harvested, dual-extracted mushrooms and adaptogens.

Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.