King oyster mushroom

What is the king oyster mushroom?

The king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) is an edible mushroom that is also known as the king oyster mushroom. It has a light brown cap and a thick, white stalk. Its flesh is firm and firm to the bite and has a strong and hearty aroma reminiscent of porcini mushrooms. The king oyster mushroom has been cultivated in Germany for years with growing success and is readily available in stores all year round.

What are the benefits of king oyster mushrooms for dogs?

King oyster mushrooms are a valuable part of a nutritionally conscious diet for dogs. It has the following advantages:

• It is low in calories and contains neither fat nor cholesterol.
• It is rich in protein, which is important for muscle building and cell regeneration.
• It contains many minerals such as potassium, zinc and iron, which are important for blood formation, the immune system and nerve function.
• It contains many vitamins, especially the B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), which are important for the metabolism, nerves and skin.
• It is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthen the immune system.

What are the disadvantages of king oyster mushrooms for dogs?

King oyster mushrooms also have some disadvantages that you should be aware of:

• It contains a lot of phosphorus and little calcium. This can lead to an imbalance in bone metabolism if you feed your dog too much of it. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be balanced in dogs.
• It is difficult to digest, especially when raw. It contains a lot of chitin, which is difficult for humans and dogs to break down. This can lead to stomach problems or diarrhea. You should therefore always cook the mushroom before giving it to your dog.
• They can contain harmful substances and parasites if they come from the forest. Wild mushrooms can store heavy metals such as cadmium and lead or radioactive radiation. They can also harbor worms or bacteria. You should therefore only use mushrooms from controlled cultivation or wash and cook them thoroughly.

How do I prepare king oyster mushrooms for my dog?

King oyster mushrooms are very versatile in the kitchen. You can use them as a soup, starter or side dish with meat or vegetable dishes. You can also grill or fry them. It is important that you always cook the mushroom well so that it is easier to digest. You can use the mushroom whole, both the cap and the stem.

However, you should make sure that you do not prepare the mushroom with salt, spices or fat, which can be harmful to your dog. Instead, use fresh herbs or a little broth for seasoning. Also, only give your dog small amounts of the mushroom to avoid an overdose of phosphorus.

Here is a simple recipe for a delicious mushroom soup with king oyster mushrooms (without onion and without garlic!):

Ingredients

• 500 g king oyster mushrooms
• 1 liter vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp oil
• Fresh herbs to taste (e.g. parsley, thyme, rosemary)

Preparation

• Clean and slice the mushrooms.
• Heat the oil in a large pan.
• Add the mushrooms and fry, stirring, until they lose a little water.
• Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to the boil.
• Simmer the soup over a medium heat for about 15 minutes until the mushrooms are soft.
• Puree the soup with a hand blender or blender until it is creamy.
• Sprinkle the soup with fresh herbs and serve lukewarm to your dog.