Raw goat milk is a digestive aid filled with probiotics that can help with:
- Malnourished dogs - Puppies and kittens that have weaned from their mothers and are transitioning to a new food
- Pets on antibiotics
- Transitioning from kibble to raw
- Improved digestion (Irritable Bowel Disease, diarrhea, and in some cases Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)*
- Allergies in some dogs
Personal and Professional First-Hand Experience
I have been feeding the Primal brand of raw goat milk since 2015 when I sold this product during the time I co-owned a pet food company. I fed it to my foster dog during this time and that is when I realized how amazing raw goat milk is. My foster dog was having constant diarrhea for almost a week after I brought her home from the shelter. I tried a few different methods to help her digestive upset, but nothing worked. I gave her some Primal raw goat milk at night and the next morning her stool was firm! Since then, I have always kept raw goat milk cubes in my freezer in case a dog in my care has diarrhea.
I became a huge advocate for raw goat milk once I saw it help with digestive upset so quickly, and allergies with a few other dogs. The Primal raw goat milk would "fly off the shelves". So many people loved it because it actually works and it's healthy! Four years later, I still see the benefits whether it's with client dogs, my dogs, or other pets on social media that have also discovered raw goat milk.
Brands
Brands that sell raw goat milk are Primal Pet Foods, Answer's, Big Country Raw, and other online retailers such as Raw Feeding Miami (they also sell bovine colostrum). Each company has a store locator on their website.
Primal and Answer's add other ingredients that help improve digestion even more. That is why I recommend those two first. You can contact these brands directly and they will provide you with their own full nutrient list. I recommend buying from these brands or finding a local goat farm. This way, you can make your own blend at home by using raw or low temperature (also known as "vat") pasteurized goat milk.
"In vat pasteurization, milk is heated in small batches to a lower temperature for a longer time (145°F for 30 minutes) and then rapidly cooled" (University of Berkeley).
Not the Same as Cow Milk
Raw goat milk is not the same as cow milk. Goat milk is "reported to have higher content of Potassium, Calcium, chloride, and Phosphorus than cow milk" (Wollega University, School of Veterinary Medicine). Pets that have lactose intolerance's don't do well on cow milk, but they do well on raw goat milk. Cow milk is higher in lactose than goat milk. I have reviewed many professional allergy tests that my clients provide and this proves to be the case on the test results as well as on-hand experiences.
Feeding Directions
The brands mentioned above have recommended feeding guidelines on the packaging. One brand, for example, says to feed 2 ounces per 20 pounds or less and 8 ounces per 60-80 pound dogs. However, I have found that a little goes a long way. I don't recommend feeding 8 ounces to a 60 pound dog unless you're trying to meet certain nutrient requirements. Otherwise, you'll run out of goat milk fast. Start with 2-4 ounces in a meal for medium to large dogs. If you need more, you can add more.
Raw goat milk can be fed to pets that eat kibble, canned, or raw food.
Added Bonus:
This may not be the case for some dogs, but the majority seem to go crazy with excitement over raw goat milk.
*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post and I do not profit from mentioning these brands. I am not a veterinarian. I have discussed raw goat milk and other probiotic benefits in depth with veterinarians, vet technicians, and pet owners regarding the health issues mentioned above. Goat milk is not a "cure-all" for every health condition. Do not replace medication with raw goat milk. However, the two can be fed at the same time. Consult a veterinarian in case of emergency.