Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 25 kg Labrador snatched a wild mushroom from the ground at a backyard BBQ — is this an emergency?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, treat this as an emergency. Wild mushrooms can be highly toxic, with some species causing liver failure or death, and identification is nearly impossible on sight. Even if your dog seems fine now, symptoms can be delayed. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or your emergency vet immediately — do not wait for signs to appear.

Wild mushrooms — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Never feed wild mushrooms — several species cause liver failure or death. Even store mushrooms are best cooked.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Wild mushrooms should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Wild mushrooms has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Wild mushrooms food facts page.

Open the full food page: Wild mushrooms food facts →