The truffle is one of the most appreciated delicacies in gastronomy worldwide, as it is a fungus that, even applied in small quantities,can enhance the flavour and aroma of all kinds of recipes. Therefore, it is often used to add a gourmet touch to pasta dishes, fried eggs, pizzas, canapés, cheeses, etc. In fact, it is an essential ingredient often used by the most renowned chefs in the world of gourmet haute cuisine.
However, Tuber melanosporum VItt, being a fungus that grows underground, several centimetres deep, in symbiosis with the roots of certain species of trees, such as oak, holm oak, hazel or kermes oak, requires animals with a highly developed sense of smell that can detect when the truffles have reached full maturity to be harvested.
Originally, trained pigs were used to dig up black truffles, but this could be counterproductive, as these animals love the taste of these mushrooms and in many cases, they would eat them before they could be harvested.
For this reason, nowadays, certain species of truffle dogs are trained to find them, as these animals are not very fond of their taste. However, one doubt that arises in this regard is whether dogs can eat truffles. What happens if they consume large quantities of this fungus? Can it be harmful or not? Is there any risk? Read our article to find the answer to these questions and find out the answer to your doubts!
Can dogs eat truffles?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat truffles, because if it is not a toxic species, there should not be any danger in principle. However, it is important that you consider a few things before feeding them this gourmet food. As mentioned above, truffles are underground fungi that grow in symbiosis with certain trees, and truffle dogs, such as the Lagotto romagnolo, Labrador retriever or Gordon setter, are often trained to find them.
Although some dogs may enjoy the taste of truffles, not all dogs do, as their taste for truffles can vary according to breed and individual preferences. However, even if your dog likes the taste of Tuber Melanosporum Vitt, you should not feed him large quantities of this fungus, as his stomach may have difficulty digesting it.
Therefore, in order for them to recognise their scent and be able to find them in the field, certain species of dogs are usually trained by feeding them small quantities of truffles. In this way, they can become familiar with their smell and taste and will find them much easier to locate.
However, it is not advisable to feed them truffles on a regular basis, as they may be too nutritious for them. The ideal way for our furry companions to enjoy its properties (vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and fibre) is not to give them excessive amounts and to introduce this fungus into their diet very gradually.
Is there a risk if my dog eats truffle?
If your dog eats truffles occasionally in small quantities, there are probably no serious health risks. However, you should be aware that truffles can be difficult for him to digest, especially if he eats them in large quantities, so over-consumption could lead to serious digestive problems such as diarrhoea or stomach upset.
In addition, some truffle varieties may contain compounds that could be quite toxic for dogs, especially if consumed in large quantities. For this reason, it is very important to limit consumption and keep a close eye on your pet’s health after it has eaten these types of mushrooms. If you detect any unusual symptoms, we advise you to visit a veterinarian.
What to do if my dog eats truffles?
As we have already mentioned, although truffles are not toxic for dogs, they can be difficult for them to digest. Therefore, they can developgastrointestinal problems, especially when ingested in large quantities. Similarly, there have also been cases of dogs allergic to these mushrooms, which can cause severe allergic reactions after consumption.
For this reason, if your dog has eaten truffles and you detect that it is starting to show signs of discomfort, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or lack of appetite, as mentioned above, it is vital that you contact your vet immediately. These professionals will be able to assess the situation and provide your pet with the appropriate treatment depending on its condition. In addition, if your dog has suffered from poisoning due to accidental ingestion of large quantities of truffles, we recommend that you keep your dog hydrated and offer it a soft, easy-to-digest diet while it recovers.
In summary, we can say that, although dogs can eat truffles in small quantities, it is important to offer this delicacy in moderation and to keep an eye on how your pet’s body reacts to this food, in case it starts to have difficulty digesting it or even allergic reactions. If you decide to let your dog try truffles, make sure it is in small portions and of varieties that are not toxic for them. At any sign of discomfort, it is essential that you seek immediate veterinary attention to ensure the health and well-being of your faithful furry friend.
