Goats Milk for Dogs: 8 Benefits, How to Feed & Homemade Treats

One of the worries of fur parents is whether it’s okay to include milk in the diet of their pets. Some say that once the puppy is weaned, no milk substitute should be given, while others argue that it’s fine to give milk to adult dogs.

Perhaps the reason why some fur parents are a little wary of including milk in their dog’s diet is because of the problem of lactose intolerance. Like humans, some dogs are unable to absorb lactose, and as a consequence, they suffer from diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. But not all dogs are lactose-intolerant.

What is Lactose, anyway?

In Layman’s term, lactose is the sugar discovered in milk. And lactose is made up of two types of sugar or molecules which are linked together. And those dogs that suffer from lactose intolerance do not have the capacity to generate the enzyme known as lactase. The role of lactase is to break down sugars found in milk to make them digestible. Although not all dogs are lactose-intolerant, most of them are.

But I know you’re always looking for the best for your fido. You want to give it milk. The issue, however, is that it may suffer from the failure to digest the sugar present in milk. But the great news is that there is an option to cow’s milk, which is goat’s milk for dogs.

Is Goats Milk for Dogs Devoid of Lactose?

Not really. Although goat’s milk is not completely devoid of lactose, many dogs (and their fur parents too) can easily digest goat’s milk. This is because the curd found in goat milk is softer and smaller than cow’s milk. As a result, this type of milk can be absorbed by individuals and dogs that are lactose-intolerant. Although it contains lactose, it is gentler to the tummy, making goat’s milk ideal for dogs that are susceptible to cow’s milk. The curd present in goat’s milk is referred to as casein curd.

Another reason why animals that are lactose-intolerant can take goat milk is because of the fat that is present in goat milk for dogs. The fat structure in goat’s milk is smaller than cow’s milk, which makes it easier for the tummy to break down and absorb.

So for fur parents out there who are looking for a better option to cow’s milk, you can attempt giving your fur baby goats milk for dogs. The lactose found in goat milk is much gentler to the stomach, preventing problems such as vomiting and gas.

What are the Benefits of Goats Milk for Dogs?

1. It Cures Inflammation:  Goat’s milk contains a special enzyme called oligosaccharides, which is beneficial for the tummy. This enzyme, which is only present in goat’s milk acts like a prebiotic which increases the good bacteria in the stomach. And if your dog has a good number of good bacteria in the stomach, the result is that it prohibits the multiplication of bacteria that cause inflammation. The said enzyme also repairs damaged cells, thereby promoting good health in dogs.
2. It Has Good Amounts of Short to Medium-sized Fatty Acids: These types of fatty acids are responsible for the increase of good cholesterol in your dog’s bloodstream. As a result, it can aid in the prevention of canine heart disease. What’s good about goats milk for dogs is that it has a lesser number of calories but provides the same amount of energy as cow’s milk. Thus, adding goats milk to your dog’s diet will make it more energetic.
3. It is Easy to Digest: The problem with cow’s milk is that some dogs find it very hard to digest. But such is not the same for goats milk for dogs. Its digestibility allows your dog to enjoy the benefits of milk without the side-effects like gas and stomach pain. Calcium is needed for healthy teeth and bones. Calcium deficiency is detrimental to your furry companion. Lack of calcium can lead to kidney failure and blood coagulation disease, to name a few. Goats milk for dogs is rich in calcium.
4. It Acts as an Antacid and Increases Metabolism: Goats milk for dogs has more alkaline compared to cow’s milk. Alkaline is good in curing stomach ailments and in maintaining the ph balance. Moreover, goats milk for dogs is good in diabetes management in dogs. Why? Because of its low sugar content.
5. Good in Curing Arthritis and Joint Pains:  Goats milk for dogs contains an enzyme which is useful in alleviating pains and aches. By adding goats milk to your to fido’s diet, the pain will slowly diminish, and in time, your dog will be able to move without much difficulty.
6. For Allergies and Itchy Skin:  Since goats milk has probiotic properties, it can help in the relief of itchy skin and skin allergies. This is because probiotics are known to ward-off yeast, which is the one that causes itching. Goats milk for dogs has caprylic acid, which kills yeast, thus, lessening itchiness and skin irritations. 
7. To Prevent Cancer:  There is fat in it called conjugated linoleic acid or CLA, which is known to shrink cancer cells in some dogs.
8. Good for the Environment: Wonder why it is also beneficial to mother earth? It’s because caring for goats is less space-consuming. Three goats can live in one space allotted for a single cow. Goats also eat lesser food than cows and produce less unhealthy gas like methane.

But beyond all these beneficial health advantages that goat milk gives to dogs, it’s a yummy treat that your fur baby will enjoy.

The Healthy Contents of Goats Milk for Dogs:

By looking at the comparison with cow’s milk, you will see how good goats milk is for your fur baby:

• Goat’s milk has 13% more calcium than cow’s milk
• Goat’s milk has 134% more potassium content than cow’s milk
• Goat’s milk has 25% more Vitamin B6 than cow’s milk
• Goat’s milk has 47% more Vitamin A than cow’s milk
• Goat’s milk has three times more niacin

Powdered Goat Milk vs Raw Goat Milk for Dogs:

Since goat milk for dogs is an emerging market, powdered milk or frozen raw goat milk can be purchased in liquid form. If you’re wondering what’s best between the two, raw goat milk for dogs is the better choice. This is because stomach acid responds differently when raw goat milk is brought into the dog’s diet. Probiotics work better when using raw goat milk for dogs.

How to Feed Goats Milk for Dogs?

Goat’s milk is undoubtedly very beneficial for your dog’s overall health. However, this should only be a supplement. In short, you add it to your dog’s regular diet. You can give goat’s milk as a treat, too. The recommended dosage is 2 ounces for dogs weighing up to 20 pounds. 4 ounces if your dog weighs between 20 and 50 pounds. For large-breed dogs, 6 ounces is the recommended dosage for each day.

If it’s going to be your first time to feed your dog’s goat’s milk, it’s advisable to introduce the milk slowly. Start by offering only half of the recommended dosage and one that is used to it; then you can begin feeding the recommended serving size.

How is Goats Milk for Dogs Sold?

• Goat Milk Replacement for Puppies
• Evaporated Goat Milk for Dogs
• Instant Goat Milk for Dogs
• Whole Milk Goat Powder for Dogs
• Goats Milk Ice-cream Mix for Dogs
• Goat Raw Milk

Dog Treat Recipe with Goats Milk for Dogs:

Your pooch will definitely enjoy these treats. Homemade treats are still the best because only the finest ingredients are used:

1. Homemade Cookies for Pooch:

• 180 ml broth or hot water (if less sodium is preferred)
• 80 grams of extra virgin olive oil or margarine
• 75 grams of Goat whole milk powder for dogs
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp of garlic powder
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1/4 cup wheat flour
• 1/4 cup of honey (optional)

Procedure:

Combine the olive oil or margarine with the broth. If you do not want to use broth, you can replace with hot water. Slowly add the goat’s whole milk powder for dogs, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix well and then add the flour and the honey.

Roll out on a wax paper and cut it according to your preference — Bake for 30 to 45 minutes at 150 centigrade.

2. Banana-Berry Bites for Pooch:

• Half slice of banana
• 1/4 cup of blueberries or raspberries
• 1/4 cup blackberries
• 1 cup evaporated goat’s milk or goat raw milk

Procedure:

Place in a blender all the ingredients and mix until a smooth consistency is reached. Then pour the combination into trays of an ice cube or any kind of fun molder. Freeze it. Once frozen, it’s ready to serve. The shelf life of this banana-berry bites is four months inside a freezer. 

These are super yummy treats but do not overindulge your pooch, or else it will gain too much weight. Always practice moderation.

Conclusion:

Goats ‘ dog’s milk is definitely very beneficial to your baby’s fur. Between the milk of cow and the milk of goat, the latter is the best option. It is easily digested by your dog because of its fat and protein structures. As a result, there will be no issues with your dog like vomiting and gas pain.

Your dog will stay in good tip-top healthy condition by giving it in conjunction with its regular diet. This is because goat’s milk has high nutritional values. But keep in mind that moderation is the key to giving dogs goats milk.