Dairy products are often discouraged for dogs because they can cause health issues. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, lacking the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose in dairy. This can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea and stomach upset. 

Additionally, some dogs can develop allergic reactions to the proteins in dairy products, like casein and whey, resulting in itching, hives, and gastrointestinal disturbances. While some fermented dairy products, like kefir, can be beneficial, most pasteurized dairy products, especially those from cows, may not be suitable for dogs.

The Differences Between Raw and Pasteurized Milk

Raw and pasteurized dairy products differ significantly in their processing methods, safety, nutritional content, and potential health benefits. Raw milk has not undergone any heat treatment to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, whereas pasteurized milk has been heated to a specific temperature to eliminate these microorganisms. 

Raw milk retains more natural enzymes, vitamins, and beneficial bacteria, which are partially destroyed during pasteurization. Although pasteurized milk has reduced levels of some vitamins, like vitamin C and B2, it remains a good source of essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamin D. 

Raw milk often has a richer flavor and creamier texture due to its natural fats and enzymes, but it has a shorter shelf life and requires careful handling. Pasteurized milk generally has a more consistent flavor and longer shelf life due to the elimination of spoilage bacteria, with ultra-pasteurization extending shelf life even further at the cost of flavor.

The sale of raw milk is a contentious issue due to its potential health risks and benefits. Regulations regarding its commercial sale vary significantly by country and state in the United States.

In the United States, federal regulations under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibit the sale of raw milk for human consumption across state lines. However, individual states have the authority to regulate the sale of raw milk within their borders. State regulations vary widely. Some states, such as California, Pennsylvania, and Washington, allow the sale of raw milk directly from farms, in retail stores, or through herd-share programs. Other states, like Maine and New Hampshire, permit the sale of raw milk only under specific conditions, such as direct farm sales with strict labeling requirements. In contrast, some states, including Alabama, Michigan, and Maryland, completely ban the sale of raw milk for human consumption, but raw milk labeled for "Animal Use Only" is allowed.

Internationally, regulations also differ. In the European Union, the sale of raw milk is allowed in many countries but is subject to strict hygiene and safety standards. For instance, in the U.K., raw milk can be sold directly from farms and at farmers' markets, but it must carry a warning label indicating it has not been pasteurized. Raw milk is generally prohibited for human consumption in Canada, though some exceptions exist for on-farm sales in certain provinces.

Nutrient Profile of Goat Milk Versus Cow Milk 

Goat milk is easier for dogs to digest due to its smaller fat globules and different protein structure than cow milk, making it particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. The proteins in goat milk form a softer curd in the stomach, which is easier to digest than the harder curd formed by cow milk proteins. Additionally, goat milk consumption has less potential to cause an allergic response than cow milk because of its lower concentration of alpha-S1-casein. This protein can cause allergies in dogs.

Nutritionally, goat milk is richer in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus than cow milk, which is vital for bone health and overall well-being. The minerals in goat milk are also more bioavailable, meaning they are more easily absorbed and utilized by your dog's body. 

Other benefits of goat milk include anti-inflammatory properties and the presence of oligosaccharides that act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and improving gut health. Furthermore, goat milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which provide a quick energy source and can aid in the growth and development of dogs, especially puppies.

Goat kefir and yogurt are fermented dairy products that can benefit dogs, especially those with sensitivities or allergies to cow milk. These products contain probiotics, which support your dog's digestive health and overall well-being. 

Kefir is packed with beneficial microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria and yeast, which help improve your dog's gut health. Research has shown that kefir consumption increases the beneficial bacteria in dogs' intestines and improves the balance of their gut microbiota without causing any adverse effects. Goat milk kefir also has strong antibacterial properties, making it effective against harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli and Salmonella, thus maintaining a healthy gut environment for your dog.

Goat yogurt, like kefir, is also rich in probiotics that support digestive health. Fermentation makes goat milk easier for dogs to digest, helping them absorb nutrients better and reducing digestive discomfort. Studies have shown that goat milk yogurt has higher levels of lactic acid and better survival rates of beneficial bacteria than cow milk yogurt. 

Both goat yogurt and kefir have antioxidant properties, which support overall health and boost the immune system. A study comparing different types of kefir and yogurt found that goat milk versions had significant antioxidant potential, making them excellent for your dog's health.

By understanding these differences and benefits, you can make more informed choices about incorporating dairy into your dog's diet.

Making kefir from raw goat milk at home is a simple process that involves fermenting the milk with kefir grains. Just two ingredients are required for kefir: one quart of raw goat milk and one to two tablespoons of kefir grains. Kefir grains are a combination of bacteria and yeast that look like small cauliflower florets.

The equipment needed is also minimal. You need a one-quart glass jar, a plastic or wooden spoon, a strainer, a clean cloth or coffee filter, and a rubber band.

To create a successful batch of kefir, avoid using metal utensils and containers (other than stainless steel) when handling kefir grains, as metals can react and harm the grains. 

Prepare the Milk: Pour the raw goat milk into a clean glass jar.

Add the Kefir Grains: Add 1-2 tablespoons of kefir grains to the milk. 

Cover the Jar: Cover the jar with a clean cloth or coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band to allow the mixture to breathe while keeping out dust and insects.

Ferment the Milk: Place the jar in a warm, dark place (around 68-77°F or 20-25°C) and let it ferment for 24-48 hours. The fermentation time can vary depending on the temperature and your taste preference. The longer it ferments, the tangier it will become.

Check the Kefir: After 24 hours, check the kefir. It should have thickened and had a slightly tangy smell. If it hasn't thickened enough, let it ferment for another 12-24 hours.

Strain the Kefir: Once the kefir has reached your desired consistency and taste, use a plastic or stainless-steel strainer to separate the kefir grains from the liquid kefir. Gently stir with a plastic or wooden spoon to help the liquid pass through the strainer.

Store the Kefir: Transfer the strained kefir to a clean glass jar. You can drink it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Chilling the kefir will also slow the fermentation process and improve the taste.

Reuse the Kefir Grains: The kefir grains can be reused indefinitely. Rinse them gently with filtered water and restart the process with a new batch of raw goat milk.

Fermented dairy products like kefir and yogurt contain probiotics that support your dog's digestive health, improve gut microbiota balance, and reduce digestive discomfort.

Goat milk is easier for dogs to digest and less likely to cause allergic reactions than cow milk. It is also richer in essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are crucial for bone health and overall well-being. 

Goat milk also contains anti-inflammatory properties and oligosaccharides that act as prebiotics.

Anti-diabetic effect of camel milk in alloxan-induced diabetic dogs: a dose-response experiment  

Comparison of Surti goat milk with cow and buffalo milk for gross composition, nitrogen distribution, and selected minerals content - PMC  

Keeping Quality and Flavor, and Microorganisms, Proteases and Lipases in Raw Cow and Goat Milk at Collection and After Storage - ScienceDirect  

Amino Acid Composition of Milk from Cow, Sheep and Goat Raised in Ailano and Valle Agricola, Two Localities of 'Alto Casertano' (Campania Region)  

Comparative Nutrient Profiling of Retail Goat and Cow Milk - PMC  

Compositional and functional characteristics of goat milk and relevance as a base for infant formula - Prosser - 2021).  

Composition and Characteristics of Goat Milk: Review 1968−19791 - Journal of Dairy Science  Goat milk in human nutrition - ScienceDirect 

Modulation of the intestinal microbiota of dogs by kefir as a functional dairy product  

Assessment of the antibacterial activity of goat milk kefir on Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Salmonella enteric subsp. enterica serovar typhimurium ATCC 14028 using a well diffusion method 

Characteristics of Cow Milk and Goat Milk Yogurts Fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus LFG Isolated from Kefir  

Are Dairy Products Safe for Dogs? A Comprehensive Guide for Dog Parents

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