All mushrooms serve some sort of function, whether as a food in the grocery store or as a part of our ecosystem. However, the term “functional mushrooms” is a little more complex.

Functional mushrooms refer to the specific varieties that are used to help regulate and strengthen the immune system - there are around 140,000 species of mushrooms on earth with only about 700 known for their medicinal and pharmacological properties. Different species of functional mushrooms have different properties and applications, though most contain supportive elements and antioxidants that promote maximum vitality through balanced immunity. This includes enhancing energy and endurance, improving brain function, balancing stress hormone levels, decreasing inflammation, and much more.

As the research on functional mushrooms expands, their list of benefits only continues to grow, which has given them a true spotlight in the pet health industry. And because these mushrooms are not always delicious on their own, finding creative ways to incorporate them into the daily lives of both people and pets has become a cause worth working towards!