Why Dogs Can Drink Goat Milk But Not Cow Milk

Milk, a common household staple, is a source of lactase for puppies, which they receive from their mother's milk. However, this enzyme diminishes over time as the puppies wean off their mother's milk.

This is why many dogs suffer from 'lactose intolerance' symptoms. When dogs consume milk, they may experience a range of unpleasant symptoms, including:

Loose stools

Abdominal bloating

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Abdominal pain

This is due to the lack of lactase in a dog's system. The higher the fat content in the milk, the more dangerous it can be for dogs. For instance, a cup of whole milk can lead directly to diarrhea and vomiting in dogs, whereas skim milk might only cause milder symptoms.

But why is goat milk considered superior to cow milk?

Firstly, goat milk has smaller fat particles, making it easier for a dog's digestive system to absorb. Studies have shown that dogs can absorb a cup of goat milk in just 20 minutes, whereas it takes much longer for them to digest cow milk.

Secondly, goat milk is naturally rich in probiotics and enzymes, which aid in better absorption of the milk. This means that if your dog has a sensitive stomach, occasional goat milk consumption can be a great choice.

Similarly, if your furry friend has just recovered from an illness, goat milk can aid in its healing process.

Incidentally, both goat milk and cow milk contain a protein called αS1 casein that can cause allergies in some dogs. However, goat milk has significantly lower levels of αS1 casein, making it less likely to cause an allergic reaction in dogs compared to cow milk.

Moreover, goat milk is abundant in shortchain and mediumchain fatty acids, which provide essential energy for dogs without leading to excessive fat accumulation in their bodies. The calorie and fat content in cow milk is much higher than that in goat milk.

Additionally, the enzymes in goat milk can reduce bacteria in a dog's digestive system, alleviate inflammation, and even repair gaps between cells caused by inflammation, which is crucial in preventing leaky gut syndrome.

Lastly, potassium in goat milk is a real gamechanger. It acts as a great antacid, helping to adjust the pH level of a dog's digestive system, thereby alleviating stomach discomfort and ensuring a more comfortable gut.

And let's not forget the wealth of nutrients in goat milk: calcium (for bone health), riboflavin (for metabolizing fats and carbohydrates), phosphorus (for strong teeth), vitamin B12 (for protecting the pancreas), magnesium (for overall health and mood), iron (for red blood cell production), selenium (for thyroid protection), zinc (for boosting immunity), and more.

Therefore, it's clear that goat milk is a more suitable choice for our canine companions.