There's a small operation in Squamish, British Columbia, doing something most of the pet industry hasn't even thought of yet.
Kingdom Fungi is crafting functional mushroom treats for dogs - small-batch, thoughtfully made, and rooted in the same philosophy that has driven the human wellness movement for years: that food can be medicine, and that what you feed your dog every day matters.
We found them the way we find all our artisans - by looking for people who add passion in what they make.
What Are Functional Mushrooms?
If you've spent any time in the wellness space, you've heard of functional mushrooms. Lion's mane for cognitive clarity. Reishi for stress and immune support. Chaga for antioxidants. Turkey tail for gut health.
These aren't trends. They're some of the most well-researched natural compounds in the world, used in traditional medicine for thousands of years across Asia and increasingly validated by modern science.
What Kingdom Fungi understood, before most of the pet industry caught on, is that dogs benefit from these compounds too. Dogs have an endocannabinoid system and an immune system that responds to the same bioactive compounds humans do. The beta-glucans found in functional mushrooms support immune function, gut health, and inflammation response in dogs just as they do in people.
The difference is that very few in the Canadian pet space that were doing this well. Kingdom Fungi changed that.
--- Small-Batch, Done Right
Walk into any big-box pet store and read the ingredient labels. You'll find long lists of preservatives, fillers, and flavour enhancers designed to make a product shelf-stable for years. It's honestly makes you shake your head. Kingdom Fungi works differently.
Every batch is made in small quantities, with intention. There are no shortcuts taken to extend shelf life at the cost of nutritional integrity. The mushrooms are sourced with care, processed thoughtfully, and turned into treats that dogs genuinely love.
Does your dog have one of the most common canine allergies (chicken, beef, pork)?These treats are great for allergy-prone and sensitive-tummy dogs by offering chicken-free, pork-free, and beef-free recipes.
This is the kind of product that doesn't survive in a mass-market environment — because it can't be scaled cheaply without compromising everything that makes it special.
Which is exactly why it belongs in The Fetching Box.
--- Why We Chose Kingdom Fungi
When we evaluate an artisan for The Fetching Box, we ask a simple set of questions:
- Do they know why every ingredient is in their product?
- Are they making something that truly serves the dog, or something that looks good on a shelf?
- Would we give this to our own dog without hesitation?
- Is their packaging eco-conscious?
Kingdom Fungi passed every one with flying colours.
What struck us most wasn't just the quality of the product — it was the depth of knowledge behind it. Coming from a chef's background, Josh and his family have deeply studied what they make. They can tell you why a specific mushroom species is in a specific formulation, what it does, and how much matters.
That expertise is rare. In a market full of brands that slap a trendy ingredient on a label without understanding it, these guys are the real deal.
--- Squamish: The Perfect Place to Make This
There's something fitting about a functional mushroom company rooted in Squamish, BC. Squamish sits between Vancouver and Whistler in one of the most ecologically rich corridors in Canada. It's a place where outdoor culture, environmental consciousness, and a deep respect for the natural world converge. It attracts people who think carefully about what they put in their bodies and increasingly, what they put in their dogs' bodies.
Kingdom Fungi is a product of that environment. You can feel it in the way they talk about their craft and the care they put into every batch.
For a dog owner in Vancouver, Toronto, or anywhere in Canada who has already made the shift toward conscious consumption for themselves, Kingdom Fungi is the natural next step for their dog.
--- What Your Dog Gets From Functional Mushrooms
Here's a straightforward breakdown of what the right functional mushroom blend can do for your dog:
Immune function: Beta-glucans found in mushrooms like turkey tail and reishi are among the most studied natural immune modulators available. Regular inclusion in your dog's diet can support a resilient, responsive immune system.
Gut health: A healthy gut is the foundation of a healthy dog. Functional mushrooms act as prebiotics, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your dog's digestive system and supporting a balanced microbiome.
Energy and vitality: Adaptogens like reishi help the body manage stress - physical and environmental - more efficiently. For active dogs, especially those spending time on trails and in the outdoors, this matters.
Cognitive support: Lion's mane has shown promising results in supporting neurological health. For senior dogs, this is particularly relevant.
None of this replaces veterinary care. But as part of a thoughtful, whole-food approach to your dog's nutrition, functional mushrooms are one of the most exciting and well-supported additions you can make.
--- Supporting Kingdom Fungi Means Supporting Squamish
When you subscribe to The Fetching Box and Kingdom Fungi treats land in your mailbox, something real happens on the other end of that transaction.
A small team in Squamish gets to keep doing what they love. A craft that took years to develop gets the audience it deserves. A corner of the Canadian artisan economy gets a little stronger.
This is why we built The Fetching Box the way we did. Not to compete with the Walmart of dog boxes, but to create something that means something. To the dogs, to the owners, and to the makers.
Kingdom Fungi is exactly the kind of partner that makes that possible.
--- Where to Find Kingdom Fungi
You can find Kingdom Fungi in The Fetching Box - included in our monthly boxes as part of our artisan treat lineup.
Want to make sure you don't miss them? Subscribe to The Fetching Box and we'll take care of the rest.
[Get Your First Fetching Box →]
If you'd like to meet the team at Kingdom Fungi, check out their website here.
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The Fetching Box partners exclusively with Canadian artisans and small businesses who share our values of quality, sustainability, and genuine care for dogs. Every product in your box is chosen because we'd give it to our own dog first.
