Goat Milk

Seventy-two percent of the milk used throughout the world is from goats. According to the Journal of American Medicine, goat milk is the “most complete food known.” Milk is raw food designed by nature. When pets are fed raw milk with all its nutrients, it is equivalent to giving them raw organ meat, raw fat and raw bones.

Although the mineral content of both cow and goat milk is similar, goat’s milk contains:

13% more calcium…

25% more Vitamin B-6…

47% more Vitamin A…

134% more potassium…

27% more of the antioxidant selenium…

3x more niacin.

Goat’s milk helps to increase the pH of the blood stream because it is the dairy product highest in the amino acid L-glutamine.

Benefits

So what is the biggest difference between cow and goat milk? Goat milk is alkaline and cow milk is acid. Because the protein in goat milk forms a softer curd, the body can digest it in just 20 minutes. Having fat molecules one-fifth the size of those in cow’s milk makes it easily digestible and tolerable to those with compromised digestive systems. USDA and A&M University, Texas studies have confirmed that goat’s milk has more acid-buffering capacity than over the counter antacids.

Brands

There are several brands on the market from dry to wet – pasteurized and unpasteurized. I bought unpasteurized flavored with cinnamon and honey. I was concerned about the honey because of Tuxedo’s diabetes so I called the company. They said the honey feeds the Probiotics (good bacteria) which convert the sugar to lactic acid. Essentially there is no sugar left and the lactic acid aids in digestion which is good for the IBS. I hope that his next exam proves that to be true.

Safety Standards

Raw food does have a risk factor. However, raw milk has stricter standards than pasteurized. The bacteria count for pasteurized milk is 15,000 per ml while certified raw milk is 10,000 ml.

With any type of raw food, however, proper handling is a must to ensure there’s no contamination. It’s a good idea to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds if contact is made and best not to kiss your pet. Bacterial transmission is a real threat.

Testing

My mom was nervous giving it to Tuxedo the first time. But, he loved the goat’s milk at first lick. He asked for it at every meal… or something like that. Miraculously, within a few days she said he seemed more alert, more social and more content. Those bacteria were doing their job and she felt better knowing he was feeling better.

That’s when I decided to give some to my dog Maru. While she doesn’t have any known health issues, the goat milk could be considered as preventative care. She absolutely loves it. I have even developed a new frozen treat using it.

To Go or Not to Go Goat

The raw food controversy is heating up on all fronts. Convincing arguments can be made both pro and con. So, how does a pet parent make a decision? By doing research and talking to medical professionals and knowledgeable pet store owners. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice.

What I didn't expect was the guilt of going goat. By that I mean doing something that you know your vet might not support. That’s a real dilemma. For right now, goat’s milk may NOT be what the doctor ordered, but it IS food for thought! And, if this new treatment regimen doesn't work out, I’m going to grab my new bar of goat soap and indulge in a nice luxurious bath.

GOAT FACTS

Goats get a bad rap in fairy tales and the barnyard. They are seen as ugly bearded animals that eat tin cans and butt kick everything. Here are some facts that might make them a little more love-able and appreciated.

They were the first animal to be domesticated over 10,000 years ago in Iran.

Before coins were used as money, goats were traded for silver because they were so valuable.

Some goats can climb trees & jump as high as 5 feet or more.

There are about 300 varieties and each breed gives different tasting milk.

Sometimes goats are kept with racehorses as companions because of their calming effect on them. The term “get your goat” is rumored to have originated from the practice of stealing the companion goat so the racehorse would do poorly.

Goats have rectangular pupils which gives them 320-340 degree vision so they virtually see all around them without moving.

One Egyptian pharaoh was buried with more than 2,000 goats.

Sources