Can dogs drink goats milk? The answer is yes! Not only is goats milk delicious, but it has a ton of great benefits to feed it to your dogs, too!
While milk from cows is often considered to be bad for dogs due to its low digestibility, milk from goats can be a healthier alternative. Goat’s milk is loaded with nutrients that support digestion, making it a great supplement to a dog’s diet.
Unlike cow’s milk, goat’s milk is safe and easily digestible for dogs. Raw or fermented goat’s milk is especially beneficial because it contains lactase enzymes that make milk sugars easier to digest, as well as A2 beta-casein, which is easier to digest than casein found in cow’s milk.
Goat’s milk is also rich in probiotics, which help support digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and boost the immune system. Fera Pet has created their Multivitamin and Hip + Joint Goat Milk Toppers as a way to easily and deliciously add the benefits of goat’s milk to your pet’s diet.
Can Dogs Drink Goats Milk?
Goat milk can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet when given in moderation and under the guidance of a veterinarian. It is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals that are important for a dog’s overall health and wellbeing.
Additionally, goat milk contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes that can support digestive health, as well as immunoglobulins that can help support the immune system. Let’s dive in to 5 benefits of goats milk in a dog’s diet.
The Problems with Cow’s Milk for Dogs: Lactose and Casein
While milk is a staple in many households, it has become a controversial topic because of its digestibility and farming practices. Fresh cow’s milk is loaded with gut bacteria that our human bodies cannot handle, making pasteurization a necessary step to kill off any harmful bacteria.
However, this process also eliminates good bacteria and enzymes, leaving lactose that is difficult for dogs to digest.
Dogs need the milk enzyme called lactase to break down lactose, but when the milk is cooked for pasteurization, lactase is eliminated, leading to lactose intolerant-like symptoms in adult dogs.
Cow’s milk also contains as much as 80% A1 beta-casein, which is hard to digest and can be linked to allergies and digestive issues. A2 beta-casein, found in goat’s milk, is considered easier to break down and, therefore, a better alternative for dogs and cats.
The Difference in Raw Goats Milk for Dogs
Raw goat milk for dogs is a nutritious and safe option for dogs of any age or breed. Unlike cow’s milk, goat’s milk is universally tolerated by mammals, making it a great alternative for dogs that have trouble digesting cow’s milk.
Raw or unpasteurized goat’s milk is loaded with lactase enzymes, which help to break down milk sugars and aid in digestion.
Additionally, goat’s milk contains A2 beta-casein, which is much easier to digest and is not linked to the same issues as A1 beta-casein found in cow’s milk. Fermented goat’s milk is also available, and is a great source of beneficial gut bacteria that can reduce symptoms of allergies and inflammation. Goat’s milk for dogs is widely available in frozen liquid formats, and powdered forms are also available for convenience.
Nutritional Benefits of Raw Goat Milk for Dogs
Nutritional benefits: Goat milk is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins. It can help support healthy bones, muscles, and overall growth and development.’
Digestive Benefits of Goats Milk
Digestive benefits: Some dogs may have an easier time digesting goat milk than cow’s milk, as it is lower in lactose. Goat milk also contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes that can promote a healthy gut microbiome and aid in digestion.
The Immune System Support From Goats Milk
Immune system support: Goat milk contains immunoglobulins, which are antibodies that can help support a dog’s immune system and protect against illness.
Joint Support
Joint Support: Goat milk can help keep dogs joints healthy and happy, especially large breed dogs who may need additional joint support.
Did You Know? Green lipped mussels are a wonder from Down Under! This natural edible shellfish is found on the shores of New Zealand, and it contains glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids—both known to promote healthy joints.
Skin / Allergy Benefits
Skin / Allergy Benefits: One more benefit of goat milk for dogs is that it can potentially help dogs with allergies or skin issues. Goat milk contains high levels of caprylic acid, which is a natural anti-fungal and can help fight off yeast infections that can cause skin problems.
Additionally, goat milk contains fatty acids that can help nourish and moisturize the skin and coat, potentially leading to a healthier and shinier coat for your dog.
However, it’s important to note that while goat milk may be helpful for some dogs with allergies or skin issues, it is not a substitute for veterinary care and should not be relied upon as a sole treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or treatment plan.
5 Creative Ways to Incorporate Raw Goat Milk into Your Dog’s Diet
- Meal Topper: Use raw goat milk as a meal topper to add moisture, probiotics, and flavor to your dog’s regular food. It’s a great option for picky eaters who need a little extra encouragement to eat a balanced diet.
- Freeze-Dried Rehydration: Instead of rehydrating your dog’s freeze-dried food with water, use raw goat milk for an extra nutritional boost. This is a great option for dogs who need help with digestion or who need a little extra incentive to eat their meals.
- Frozen Treats: Use raw goat milk in your favorite frozen dog treat recipe. Replace the more common base in frozen dog treats, such as yogurt, with raw goat milk. Mix it with pureed fruit or bone broth for a tasty and nutritious snack.
- Whipped “Not-Cream” Puppuccino: Create a dog-friendly alternative to the infamous “secret-menu Puppucino” by whipping up egg whites and goat’s milk. This recipe is a great option for special occasions like birthdays and puppy play dates.
- Stand-Alone Snack: Give your dog a small serving of raw goat milk as a stand-alone snack. Raw goat milk is a nutritious aid that supports digestion and reduces symptoms of allergies and inflammation.
Guidelines for Feeding Goat’s Milk to Dogs
Understanding Moderation
It’s essential to understand moderation when it comes to incorporating goat’s milk into your dog’s diet. While goat’s milk is a nutritious supplement for dogs, overfeeding can lead to potential health problems. You should provide goat’s milk to your dog in moderation, so it doesn’t interfere with their balanced diet.
Benefits of Goat’s Milk as a Supplement
Goat’s milk offers several benefits as a supplement for dogs. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, which help in supporting your dog’s digestive health. Additionally, goat’s milk helps improve nutrient absorption, strengthens muscles and bones, supports blood clotting, and aids in maintaining eye health and cell function.
Importance of a Balanced Diet
It’s vital to maintain a balanced diet for your dog to ensure they’re getting all the essential nutrients they need. While goat’s milk is a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, it shouldn’t replace their regular meals. A balanced diet comprising high-quality, veterinarian-approved formula is crucial to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Daily Serving Recommendations
When it comes to serving goat’s milk to your dog, the quantity should be proportionate to your dog’s weight. You can typically give your dog about 2 oz or less per 20 lbs of body weight per day. However, always consult with your veterinarian to determine the correct serving size for your dog based on their individual needs.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Reaction to Goat’s Milk
It’s crucial to monitor your dog’s reaction to goat’s milk to ensure they’re not experiencing any adverse side effects. While goat’s milk is generally safe for dogs, some may have lactose intolerance or other digestive issues that can cause discomfort. Look out for any signs of upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting after feeding goat’s milk to your dog. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop feeding goat’s milk and consult with your veterinarian.
Multivitamin Goat Milk Topper by Fera Pet
Fera Pet has introduced their Goat Milk Toppers, which are a tasty and nutritious addition to your pet’s meal. The Fera Pet Multivitamin Goat Milk Topper features whole cream goat’s milk as the primary ingredient, which provides a rich and delicious taste that pets love.
The supplement is designed with essential vitamins and minerals, including probiotics, that meet your pet’s nutritional needs. This topper is perfect for picky eaters who need extra encouragement to eat their meals, and it’s a great way to give your pet a daily dose of vitamins and minerals without the hassle of pills or powders.
The Fera Pet Multivitamin Goat Milk Topper is an excellent choice for pet owners who want to ensure their pets are receiving all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. It is an easy and yummy way to give your pets the nutrition they need and deserves.
Hip + Joint Goat Milk Topper by Fera Pet
The Fera Pet Hip + Joint Goat Milk Topper is formulated with whole cream goat’s milk as the primary ingredient, which is not only irresistible in taste but also provides essential nutrients.
The supplement also contains glucosamine, MSM, and green-lipped mussel, which are natural ingredients that promote healthy joints in pets. The topper is perfect for picky eaters who need extra encouragement to eat their meals, and the cheesy aroma will undoubtedly have them licking their bowls clean. The Fera Pet Hip + Joint Goat Milk Topper has been vet created, 3rd party tested, and is made with both Eastern and Western ingredients.
Additionally, it is sustainably sourced, making it a perfect choice for environmentally conscious pet owners. Overall, Fera Pet’s Goat Milk Topper is an excellent way to add extra nutrition and flavor to your pet’s diet while supporting their joint health.
Goats Milk is a Healthy Choice
Goat’s milk offers numerous health benefits for dogs. It can help prevent kidney problems, liver disease, cardiac issues, cancer, and cognitive and neurological disorders.
Goat’s milk is rich in fatty acids, vitamins A and B6, niacin, calcium, and the antioxidant selenium, which enhance the immune-boosting properties of goat’s milk for dogs. It is also beneficial for their digestive system, as it contains six times more natural prebiotics than cow’s milk, balances good and bad bacteria in the gut, and is easily digestible due to its small fat molecules.
Lactose Intolerant Issues
Additionally, goat’s milk is less likely to cause lactose intolerance or dairy allergies in dogs, and it is loaded with essential amino acids that their body needs.
Follow a Balanced Diet
However, excessive consumption of goat’s milk can cause weight gain and put dogs at risk of developing pancreatitis, so it should only serve as a supplement to their regular diet.
Introduce Slowly
When considering feeding your dog goat’s milk, slowly introduce it in small amounts to assess if they have any adverse reactions, and make sure to limit their intake according to their size.
Finally, raw goat’s milk is better for dogs than pasteurized milk because it contains more nutrients, but it’s important to find a trustworthy source to avoid bacterial contamination.
