Shiitake

Cats need no mushrooms, so cooked chopped shiitake is at most a tiny taste experience and adds almost nothing they require.

Only a very small piece now and then, never in place of the main diet, and still within about 10% of daily energy intake.

Trim, rinse, chop very small and cook thoroughly, with no salt, oil, garlic, onion or sauce.

**Do not give cats raw shiitake**, since irritant compounds can cause drooling and vomiting; many cats show no interest in mushrooms at all, so never push it, and a complete cat food already meets every nutritional need.

Shiitake is low in fat with dietary fibre and B vitamins, and once cooked and sliced it works as an occasional treat that adds texture and aroma.

Feed as a treat in small amounts only, within about 10% of daily energy intake, with complete dog food as the main diet.

Trim the stems, rinse, slice small and cook through - boiled soft or steamed; dried shiitake needs a long soak and full cooking, and the soaking water should be discarded.

**Never feed raw shiitake**: raw or partly cooked mushrooms have caused 'shiitake dermatitis' in people, so pets should get thoroughly cooked pieces only; anything oily, salted or cooked with garlic, onion or soy sauce is off limits.