Are you one of those dog owners who are always on the lookout for healthy and nutritious food options for your furry friend?
If so, you may have heard that goat milk is a great option to consider. This milk has gained popularity among pet owners in recent years due to its numerous health benefits and nowadays you can even find it in some commercial dog treats.
But can dogs drink goat milk fresh off the shelf? We had the same question, so we did some research to find out.
Benefits of goat milk for dogs
Easy digestibility
One of the main advantages of goat milk is its easy digestibility.
Compared to cow’s milk, goat milk has lower lactose and casein levels, making it more suitable for dogs who may be lactose intolerant or have sensitive stomachs.
High nutritional value
Another advantage of goat milk is its high nutritional value. It contains protein, good fats, probiotics and prebiotics, digestive enzymes, electrolytes, and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, selenium, copper, and iron.
These nutrients are crucial for maintaining strong bones, healthy teeth, proper muscle and metabolism function, and overall immune system support.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Goat milk also contains various bioactive compounds like oligosaccharides, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and caprylic acid which have been all found to possess anti-inflammatory effects.
This can help alleviate inflammation in the body, which can be especially beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis or allergies.
Furthermore, these anti-inflammatory properties may also contribute to improved skin health by reducing itching and irritation caused by certain infections.
However, in order to get these benefits, it’s essential that you feed your dog raw, unpasteurized goat milk from a high-quality source that’s free from antibiotics and hormones.
How much goat milk can I give my dog?
As you can see, goat milk can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, but knowing how much to give them is crucial.
The dosage depends on your dog’s size and overall health, but in general, it’s recommended to start with small amounts and gradually increase the serving size to allow their body to adjust and reduce the likelihood of any adverse reactions.
For small dogs, a 1/4 cup serving size is usually sufficient. Medium-sized dogs, on the other hand, can typically handle around 1/2 cup daily, while larger breeds may need to have up to 3/4 cup per day.
If your dog shows symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, or excessive gas after consuming goat milk, stop feeding it to them and consult with your veterinarian.
Can dogs drink goat milk every day?
Although it’s generally safe for dogs to consume goat milk, remember that moderation is key. While some dogs may be able to tolerate goat milk on a daily basis, others may need to have it less frequently.
Again, it’s a good idea to talk with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
It’s also important to highlight that goat milk shouldn’t be the sole source of nutrition for your dog. Instead, it should be offered as a supplement or snack alongside their regular balanced diet.
Homemade goat milk treats recipe
Goat milk is ideal for making homemade treats for your pup. Instead of just using it as a tasty topper, you can freeze it in ice cube trays or use it as an ingredient in dog biscuits.
Here's an easy recipe you can follow:
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (without xylitol)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup goat milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and rolled oats. Mix them together until well blended.
- Next, add the peanut butter and unsweetened applesauce to the dry ingredients. These ingredients not only provide flavor but also act as binding agents for the treats.
- Pour in half a cup of goat milk into the mixture and stir everything together until it forms a dough-like consistency.
- If needed, you can adjust the amount of goat milk depending on how dry or moist your dough is.
- Once the dough is formed, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Now it's time to shape your treats. You can use cookie cutters in any desired shape or simply cut them into small squares using a sharp knife.
- Place the shaped treats onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Once baked, remove the treats from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will become crispier as they cool down.
- Resist the temptation to try one right away!
In summary
Most dogs can drink goat milk in moderation and enjoy it as a healthy treat, but it’s probably best to start with small amounts and work your way up to avoid any stomach upset.
Just like any other food, some dogs may not react well to goat milk at all, so make sure to watch for any signs of discomfort or digestive issues, especially diarrhea.
Of course, goat milk shouldn’t replace your dog’s regular diet and you may want to seek veterinary advice before incorporating it into their daily routine.
