Benefits of Goat Milk for Dogs
It seems like everyone is talking about the potential health benefits of goat milk. For us humans,
It’s touted as being easier to digest than cow’s milk and could be a less risky dairy option for people with allergies.
But did you know that goat milk – specifically raw goat milk – could also
be good for your dog?
Cow milk vs. Goat milk for dogs
You may already know that cow’s milk is not typically recommended for dogs, except, perhaps in very small quantities as a treat. Most cow milk types contain A1 casein, which can be difficult to digest and may cause adverse reactions such as diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, or loose stools.
Some canines are lactose intolerant which means they have trouble breaking down the lactose – the sugar in cow’s milk – which can lead to similar digestive issues.
Raw goat milk, on the other hand, is not only a tasty alternative to pasteurized cow’s milk but also nutritious.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why goat milk could be one of the best dairy choices for your best friend.
7 benefits of goat milk for dogs
1) Easier to digest
Most dogs tolerate raw goat milk better than cow’s milk. In fact, goat milk is often called the "universal milk" because it can be digested easily by any species. Why? One reason is that goat milk has smaller fat particles that turn into a soft curd enabling dogs to digest the milk in only 20 minutes. Plus, goat milk has A2 beta-casein which is generally more tolerable than the casein in
most cow’s milk.
2) Probiotics give beneficial bacteria a boost
Does raw goat milk have probiotics? Yes! And those probiotics can help support your dog’s health by boosting the number of good bacteria in their gut. Good bacteria play a role in many aspects of your pup’s health, including their immune system.
3) Good source of nutrients
Goat milk has important nutrients, including:
Calcium - For bone, teeth, and muscle health
Riboflavin (B2) - Helps metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
Vitamin A - Supports eye health
Protein - Promotes muscle development and tissue repair
Plus, goat milk’s highly digestive properties help facilitate the absorption of all that good stuff.
4) Suitable for dogs with lactose sensitivity
Lactose intolerant dogs are deficient in lactase, the enzyme that helps digest the sugars in milk. The cow milk pasteurization process removes lactase from the milk, which is why dogs that are sensitive to lactose may have trouble digesting it. Raw goat milk, however, has lactase, which can help lactose-sensitive dogs avoid the GI issues they may experience when consuming
cow’s milk.
5) It can help reduce inflammation
Goat milk has enzymes and fatty acids that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for dogs with arthritis and joint pain.
6) Hydrates
Goat milk is a great complement to water for hydration. Add it to raw food or as a tasty supplement to kibble.
7) Reduces risks for dogs with cow’s milk protein allergy
The proteins in cow’s milk that could trigger an allergic reaction in some dogs are not present in goat milk.
How much goat milk should you give your dog?
While raw goat milk is packed with nutrients, it’s meant to supplement your dog’s diet, not replace complete meals. When it comes to figuring out how much you should give your dog, use their weight as a guideline – avoid giving your dog more than 2 oz of goat milk a day per every 20 pounds.
How to add goat milk into your dog’s diet
There are several creative ways to give your dog the goodness of goat milk.
Ice cube treats: Treat your pup to a delicious, nutritious frozen snack. Mix goat milk with your dog’s favorite fruit puree or bone broth and freeze in an ice cube tray. For some extra fun, hide the doggie dessert
in a hollow toy, such as a Kong toy.
Food topper: Add raw goat milk to raw food, canned food, or kibble to give your dog a boost of moisture, vitamins, probiotics, and protein.
Use with freeze-dried food: Give freeze-dried food some extra flavor by substituting goat’s milk for water when rehydrating.
Add to treat recipes: Use goat milk in your homemade baked treat recipes for tasty, stomach-friendly snacks.
Give your dog the benefits of goat milk
Ready to explore the health benefits of goat milk for your dog? It is important to look for a reputable raw goat milk source to ensure that your pet is getting a safe, nutritious, and high-quality product. Consider Primal Pet Foods Inc.: Raw Goat Milk at Anita’s Pure Nutrition for Dogs for your pet. This nutrition-rich hydration option is sourced from certified humanely raised goats and is packed with vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and more.
The Anita’s Pure Nutrition for Dogs team has a lifetime of experience improving the lives of dogs. Introduce your dog to our raw goat milk and discover how this nutritional supplement can help your pet thrive.
Have questions about optimizing your pet’s diet? Reach out to our canine nutrition specialist!
The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice from a qualified veterinary nutritionist. Always seek the advice of your pet's vet or a qualified veterinary nutritionist with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diet, or treatment and before
undertaking a new dietary or health care regimen for your pet, and never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.