Benefits of Raw Dairy for Our Pets

“Goat’s milk is the most complete food known”…”It is [so] highly nutritious that it can actually serve as a substitute for a meal” (Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences) (1).

Whether you are looking to add some live enzymes & beneficial probiotics to your pet’s dry food diet, you’re dealing with any of a variety of chronic illnesses with your beloved pet or just looking to add even more of the good stuff to their raw diet – raw dairy is a whole food that can replace a portion of your pet’s current daily meal. Raw dairy has been used to great effect in the treatment of many conditions – and is even better at preventing many of them.

Why add raw dairy to my pet’s diet?

It’s a great source of moisture, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, digestive enzymes, protein, fatty acids & probiotics (2).
It has anti-inflammatory properties & boosts the immune system (4).
It is also great for any of the following chronic conditions (plus many more): liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, poor digestion, diarrhea, pancreatitis, allergies, arthritis & yeast (2).
It is an excellent source of the amino acid taurine (5).

Why Raw?

Processed and cooked pet foods not only lose some of their nutrition – they also lose all the live enzymes & beneficial bacteria needed to maintain health in all systems of our pets’ bodies. Raw milk is a great way to add these back into the diet.
All forms of pasteurization kill bacteria, enzymes and can even destroy protein (3).
Lactase (the enzyme needed to digest the sugar in milk, lactose) is found in abundance in raw milk. Pasteurization leaves milk without this important enzyme – explaining why lactose intolerance has been linked to a rise in pasteurization (3).
Pets need live enzymes in their food in order to digest and receive nutrition from their food, reduce inflammation, remove toxins and waste, regulate hormones and slow the rate of aging. At some point, our pets’ bodies will stop making these enzymes and will run out if they are not provided by the diet (7).
Dogs and cats need beneficial bacteria to keep healthy. An imbalance can create an atmosphere for pathogenic, or harmful, bacteria to thrive in their gut – which can affect their immune function, as well as many organs and systems in their body.

Steve’s Raw Goat’s Milk Yogurt

Lasts about 3 weeks in the refrigerator. Place in refrigerator from freezer, allow to thaw & serve.

boosts the immune system and supports healthy digestion with Chia (super food, protein, Omega 3s, cleanses colon) and Coconut Flour (antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial, & anti-parasitic)

Primal Raw Goat’s Milk

Lasts at least 10 days in the refrigerator once thawed. Place in refrigerator from freezer, allow to thaw & serve.

a great raw goat’s milk + turmeric (anti-inflammatory), ginger (digestive aid & antioxidant) & cinnamon (anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and assists with arthritis & inflammation) (6)
a great choice for a gentle introduction into probiotics

Answer’s Fermented Raw Goat’s Milk

Thaw in refrigerator or at room temperature in protective bowl or on a plate. Portion and refreeze if needed. Good for 14 days refrigerated. (8)

is fermented – which inoculates the milk with large quantities of good bacteria & inhibits the growth of pathogenic, or harmful, bacteria.
continues to ferment (growing more curds & sour) in the fridge – it grows healthier & safer.
carries over 200 different strains of beneficial bacteria (4)
contains every known digestive enzyme (4)

Answer’s Fermented Raw Cow’s Milk Kefir

Thaw in refrigerator or at room temperature in protective bowl or on a plate. Portion and refreeze if needed. Good for 14 days refrigerated. (8)

Answer’s has found this product to typically clear up yeast faster than their raw goat’s milk (4).
They also recommend alternating their goat’s milk and cow’s milk kefir when regularly giving raw dairy to your pets

As with the introduction of any new food, it is always a safe practice to start small & work your way up to the recommended amount. (Please see our handout on Transitions for more information).