Dr Karen Becker:
The 8 Species we selected for my Bark & Whiskers™ :

> Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Contains abundant l-ergothioneine and the immune system-supporting polysaccharide lentinan.

> Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Known as a "three treasure" herb, it's thought by the Chinese to harmonize jung (life force), qi (energy), and shen (spirit).

> Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
The fruit bodies and mycelia of the Maitake contain high concentrations of immune-supporting beta-glucans.

> Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Resembling a cheerleader's pom-pom more than a mushroom, this whitish mushroom supported memory and helped regain a sense of curiosity in a group of study mice. It is unknown whether the benefits in mice apply to cats and dogs.

> King Trumpet (Pleurotus eryngii)
A robust culinary mushroom with significant levels of l-ergothioneine, selenium, and beta-glucans. In animal studies, it helped maintain healthy cholesterol levels that were already within the normal range.

> Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Known for its rich supply of a particular type of polysaccharide – PSK – that may promote immune, digestive, urinary and respiratory health and normal cellular growth.

> Himematsutake (Agaricus blazei)
Related to the common button mushroom, the Agaricus is noted for its high content of immune-supporting polysaccharides and other important cellular growth-supporting compounds.

> Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Chinese herbalists believe that Cordyceps replenishes both Yin and Yang Jing and acts as a restorative tonic for extreme exertion, stress, or from normal aging. Also known for its ability to support energy, performance, circulation, respiratory health, and healthy cholesterol levels already in the normal range.

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Fruit Body or Mycelium – Which Is Preferable?

Mushroom expert Steve Farrar of M2 has over 30 years’ experience growing mushrooms. He recommends choosing products that contain more of the mycelium. His reasons?

> There is more research on the mycelial stage of the mushroom, by far, than the fruit body stage.
> The mycelial stage of the mushroom is easier to standardize and keep contained.
> Mushrooms grown to the fruit body stage for harvesting risk environmental factors that can be more difficult to control, so there's more variation in the quality.
> Mushroom fruit bodies attract airborne contaminants, both biological and industrial, so there's greater risk for contamination.

https://products.mercolamarket.com/healthypets/mushroom-complex-for-pets/

Active Ingredients per 1 Scoop (1 g):

Organic Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) (Mycelium and Fruitbody)^........... 200 mg
Organic Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) (Mycelium and Fruitbody)^...... 200 mg
Organic King Trumpet (Pleurotus eryngii) (Mycelium and Fruitbody)^ ..... 200 mg
Organic Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) (Mycelium and Fruitbody)^.............. 100 mg
Organic Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) (Mycelium)^ ........................... 100 mg
Organic Himematsutake (Agaricus blazei) (Mycelium)^.......................... 100 mg
Organic Maitake (Grifola frondosa) (Mycelium)^....................................... 50 mg
Organic Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) (Mycelium and Fruitbody)^..... 50 mg

Inactive Ingredients: None

^Mycelium Biomass cultivated on Certified Organic Oats.

Cautions: If animal’s condition worsens or does not improve, stop product administration and consult your veterinarian. Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not been proven.

For use in dogs & cats only. Recommended to help
support everyday immune health.

Directions for Use: Administer orally, once per day.

Animal Type ..............Amount........Scoop(s)
Cats (2+ lbs.)............. 0.5 g...... ½ scoop
Toy Breed Dogs (up to 14 lbs.).......0.5 g........ ½ scoop
Small Breed Dogs (15-29 lbs.)........0.75 g........ ¾ scoop
Medium Breed Dogs (30-49 lbs.).......1 g....... 1 scoop
Large Breed Dogs (50-79 lbs.)........2 g........2 scoops
Giant Breed Dogs (80+ lbs.)........2.5 g.....2
½ scoops

Warnings: Not for human consumption. Keep out of the
reach of children and animals. In case of accidental
overdose, contact a health professional immediately.

Dr. Joseph Mercola founded Mercola.com in 1997 as a portal for natural health information and resources. It is one of the first health websites established to cater to readers who are interested in holistic medicine.

Around 2007, Dr Mercola wanted to develop and produce a comprehensive natural health product line for pets. For a little over two years, he searched to bring on a holistic veterinarian who shared the same principles and philosophies on natural health that he has. In November of 2009, he reached out to Dr. Karen Becker. Dr Mercola was impressed with Dr Karen’s 20 years of veterinary experience, plus the research of creating protocols for pet products that integrated human-grade ingredients. So with like-minded mission and purpose, Dr. Mercola Healthy Pets was born. Our canine, feline, and even some other of our pet companions can be treated with some of the same heath regimens as humans, with supplements like probiotics and vitamin B just to name a couple, to take control of their health.