Raw Goat Milk For Dogs: Benefits & Recipes!

Goat milk is a great alternative to cow’s milk for dogs! It is tastier and easier for dogs to tolerate. Here’s everything you need to know about goat milk for dogs!

What Is Goat’s Milk?

Goat milk is exactly what it sounds like – the milk from a goat. Raw or fermented goat milk is packed with the enzyme lactase and the protein A2 beta-casein (if you have ever seen the A2 Milk in the dairy aisle, this is the same casein). This lactase and casein help dogs and other mammals break down the sugars in milk much easier.

How Is Goat’s Milk Different From Cow’s Milk?

The Lactose

Cow’s milk that is sold in stores is pasteurized to kill off any bacteria. This includes good and bad bacteria. Milk, in general, contains both lactose and lactase. Lactose is hard to digest and lactase aids digestion. In the pasteurization process, the milk is heated and this heat kills the enzyme lactase, while lactose survives. Hence, making it hard to digest.

Because goat’s milk does not contain the level of bad bacteria that cow’s milk does in the raw state, it can be given raw while the lactase is still there and able to help digest.

The Protein

The second issue with cow’s milk is that it contains mostly A1 casein protein which is also hard to digest, while the A2 casein is easier to break down. Goat’s milk, on the other hand, has mostly A2 casein, therefore making it easier to digest.

What Is Raw Milk?

I’ve been talking a lot about raw milk, so what exactly is raw milk? Raw milk is milk straight from the animal, prior to any pasteurization. This can pose serious risks because raw milk, in particular cow’s milk, can carry dangerous bacteria like salmonella and E. Colli.

However, many people swear by raw milk, and prior to the mid-1900s all milk was consumed in the raw state. Pasteurization was introduced in response to a cow epidemic of tuberculosis. Today, it is estimated that 1% of the population consumes raw milk and argues it is complete nutrition and a better option for lactose intolerant folks.

So Is Raw Milk Safe?

This depends. The safest way to consume raw milk is to trust your source. With the rise of local farms and getting to know your farmer, there is a higher likelihood that you can find raw milk you trust. This involves making sure the farm is clean and organized – that they sterilize equipment and do anything else that you would want to see happen in your own kitchen.

Enjoying raw goat milk is another way to be a little safer with drinking raw milk, since it is less likely to contain bad bacteria from the get-go.

Can puppies drink goat milk?

Goat’s milk is safe for puppies, provided it is treated as a supplement to their diet and isn’t a main source of calories.

Benefits of Raw Goats Milk For Dogs

Raw goat’s milk offers many benefits to dogs and is a great meal addition. It is loaded with probiotics (similar to dog-friendly kefir) that help increase the good bacteria in a dog’s stomach. By increasing good bacteria, your pup will have a better immune system, be able to absorb nutrients more efficiently, and just be a happier pup.

Hydrating: Raw goat’s milk is about 80% water which provides good hydration for your dog.

Calcium: As with cow’s milk, goat’s milk has a good amount of calcium which is necessary for bone and muscle strength

Vitamins: Raw goat’s milk contains B vitamins and vitamin A. These help with digestion and cell function.

Protein: We have all seen the “Got Milk?” commercials advertising the protein in milk. Goat’s milk is slightly higher in protein than cow’s milk and contains mostly A2 protein for easier digestion.

Tasty: If you have a picky eater, adding a little goat’s milk can be a great way to entice them to eat while also getting all these great nutrients.

How To Serve Goat’s Milk to Dogs

Goat’s milk can be found in liquid form or as a powder and can be served in a variety of ways. Just be sure to serve the correct amount based on your dog’s weight and the calories your dog needs each day. Dogs can consume 1 to 2 teaspoons of goat’s milk per 15 lbs of body weight. So a 15 lb dog can have 1 to 2 teaspoons per day, a 30 kb dog can have 2 to 4 teaspoons, etc.

• In a bowl: Pour an appropriate amount of raw goat’s milk into a bowl for them to enjoy.
• Stuffed: You can mix goat’s milk with food, peanut butter, or pumpkin and then stuff it inside of a KONG or Wes Paw Toppl. Just be sure to freeze them to avoid too much of a mess.
• In a Pupsicle: Mix the milk together with banana, pumpkin, yogurt (or any other dog-safe ingredient) and freeze into dog popsicles.
• In Frozen Dog Treats: Blend raw goat milk with fruits or veggies and pour it into silicone paw print molds (like we do in these frozen dog treats). They’re snackable and delicious for pups!
• With Food: You can sprinkle the dried version or liquid form of goat milk onto your dog’s food for an extra great start to the day!