Goat milk has gained popularity among dog owners as a superfood that is a natural source of nutrients and digestive support. It’s true that goat milk contains vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, but is it really a good choice for adult dogs?
To answer that, look at the composition of goat milk, particularly its lactose (natural sugar) content, and how it aligns with a dog’s digestive capabilities, especially considering that dogs, like all adult mammals besides humans, lose the ability to fully digest milk after puppyhood.
To properly digest lactose, the body needs an enzyme called lactase, which breaks it down into useable forms. Puppies produce lactase while nursing, allowing them to digest their mother’s milk efficiently. However, as dogs grow and are weaned off milk, their production of lactase decreases, and they eventually lose the ability to produce it. This means that adult dogs are lactose-intolerant and giving them dairy products can lead to digestive upset, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Goat Milk Can Cause Problems in Dogs
Goat milk is touted as being lower in lactose and more easily digested when compared to cow’s milk. Compared to cow’s milk, goat milk does contain less lactose—on average 4.2% for goat milk compared to 4.8% for cow’s milk. While this is a small difference, it can make goat milk somewhat easier to digest for dogs. Additionally, the fat globules in goat milk are smaller and generally more easily digested during digestion, which may improve tolerance in some dogs.
However, the fact remains that goat milk still contains a significant amount of lactose, especially when compared to dog’s milk, which has only about 2.7% to 3.9% lactose, depending on the breed. This is important because even goat milk, while slightly gentler, is still likely to cause problems in dogs, especially when fed in large amounts or frequently. For adult dogs, whose bodies no longer produce the enzyme necessary to digest milk sugars, lactose-containing milk products can be problematic, regardless of the species they are sourced from.
Reduced Lactose Goat Milk for Dogs
If you are considering adding goat milk to your dog’s diet, do it in moderation and ideally with guidance from a veterinarian. Some owners opt for fermented goat milk, such as kefir, which has reduced lactose content due to the fermentation process and may be better tolerated. Other people look for lactose-free or enzyme-treated milk products specifically designed for canine digestion. These products provide all the benefits owners seek from goat milk without the negative effects of lactose.
While goat milk is sometimes better tolerated by dogs compared to cow’s milk, it is not lactose-free and may cause digestive upset in adult dogs. If you’re looking to support your dog’s gut health or provide extra nutrients, opt for lactose-free goat milk or alternative dietary supplements.
