How can goats milk benefit your dog?
Posted by Mandy on 26th Apr 2024
How can goats milk benefit your dog? Goats milk is a healthy and enjoyable protein that suits most dogs. It is said to have a different taste to cows milk, some humans describe it as sweeter or having a more tangy flavour, our dogs love it! It is a favourable alternative to cows milk for your canine companion, this is because not every dog can tolerate lactose. Why can't every dog tolerate lactose? Because not all dogs produce the digestive enzyme lactase. If your dog is intolerant to dairy then digestive symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, excessive wind and bloating may occur, often giving your dog discomfort. Goats milk has less lactose, it also appears that the protein in the milk is more digestible, which means your dog can digest and utilise it.
As well as increased digestibility, this super food provides various vitamins that are beneficial to dogs such as vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C and vitamin D, These vitamins play an important role in maintaining a dogs overall health, supporting a good immune system, promoting and maintaining good vision. It also contains a variety of important minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and zinc. These minerals are essential for various functions, such as bone health, nerve function and overall general wellbeing. it also contains various enzymes and fatty acids. When compared to cows milk, goats milk is better source of protein, fat, phosphate, calcium, potassium and vitamin C.
I give it to young puppies from around the age of fours weeks, I normally mix it 50/50 with water for them, you should see them lap it up! My adult dogs enjoy it several times a week. They have it as it comes or in the summer frozen as treats, to which you can add fruits or vegetables for extra crunch and nutrition (a favourite for my dogs are blueberries and carrots). I find the palatability of this milk particularly useful if I have a convalescing or fussy dog, especially if they are reluctant to drink water. It can also be slightly warmed and added to any kibble based diet. Adult dogs and puppies also enjoy scrambled egg made with a splash of milk, gently cooked and served. I like to add a few herbs to this for added nutritional benefits.
Our goats milk is suitable for dogs over the age of four weeks, and apparently cats like it too!
