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Milk is the primary source of nutrition for kittens, but its benefits for adult cats are limited—especially when the milk comes from another species.
Cow’s milk, for example, is high in lactose which can cause digestive upset in cats. It’s less of an issue for kittens whose bodies produce more lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose. But lactase production slows dramatically after kittens are weaned.
Lower-lactose options like goat’s milk may be more appropriate for cats. In this guide, we’ll explore the nutritional benefits of goat’s milk and discuss how to safely include it in your cat’s diet. We’ll also introduce some of our favorite goat milk products.
At a Glance: Best Goat’s Milk for Cats To Buy
#4
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Picked by 21 people today!
Primal Pet Foods Raw Goat Milk
Enriched with three strains of probiotics
Comes in resealable bottles
Can be purchased in pet stores
Benefits of Goat Milk for Cats
Milk is high in protein, vitamins and minerals. idikomne / Shutterstock
Goat milk is the milk produced by domestic goats—often goats that are specifically bred for milk production. Compared to cow’s milk, it’s higher in protein, lower in lactose, and more nutrient-dense. Goat milk may also be more easily digestible for cats than cow milk, though some cats may still have trouble tolerating any type of dairy.
If you’re looking for a healthy food topper or a simple way to support your cat’s health, goat’s milk may be worth considering. Let’s explore the potential benefits.
High in Protein
An 8-ounce serving of goat’s milk contains about 9 grams of protein. Your cat is unlikely to be consuming it in such large quantities, but it’s worth noting. If you’re trying to supplement your cat’s protein intake, goat’s milk could be more valuable as a food topper than plain water or broth.
Rich in Essential Nutrients
The mineral content of goat’s milk may help support healthy muscles and strong bones and teeth—particularly calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Goat milk is also rich in vitamin A which plays an important role in eye health as well as nervous system and immune system function. It’s a good source of B vitamins that support metabolism and skin health.
Boosts Hydration
Goat milk contains about 87% water, so it’s a hydrating choice as a meal topper or mixer. It can also be used as a nutrient-dense alternative to water for rehydrating freeze-dried or dehydrated cat food.
Supports Digestive Health
Because it’s lower in lactose than cow’s milk, goat’s milk is generally easier to digest. It also contains prebiotic carbohydrates and natural probiotics to help support healthy microbial balance in your cat’s digestive tract.
If you’re ready to give goat’s milk a try, take a pause before heading to the grocery store to pick up a pint—not all types of goat milk will benefit your cat equally. Keep reading to learn more.
Raw vs. Pasteurized Goat’s Milk
When you pick up a carton of milk at the store, you’re probably buying pasteurized milk. The pasteurization process involves heating the milk—usually to temperatures under 100℃ (212℉)—in order to kill pathogens and extend the product’s shelf life.
Pasteurized goat milk is generally considered safer for human consumption but it may not offer the same benefits as raw goat milk. After all, some of those bacteria and enzymes destroyed by pasteurization are what make goat’s milk good for your cat.
Though unpasteurized goat’s milk may retain more of its nutritional value, there are risks associated with offering your cat raw food products. It’s important to select a brand that follows strict safety standards and introduce the product into your cat’s diet slowly to minimize the risk of digestive upset.
Start with a serving no larger than a teaspoon and wait at least 12 hours to see how well your cat tolerates it. If your cat develops loose stools or diarrhea, it may be a sign of lactose intolerance—you should avoid feeding your cat goat’s milk. In the absence of any adverse reaction, you can slowly increase your cat’s daily intake up to a tablespoon or two per day.
5 Goat Milk Products We Recommend
kittens can digest milk better than adult cats due to a higher level of the lactase enzyme. BeautifulPicture / Shutterstock
Before introducing goat’s milk into your cat’s diet, get your veterinarian’s approval. Your vet can assess whether your cat might benefit from a goat milk product and, if so, offer daily serving suggestions. They can also tell you what to look for once you introduce the product as signs that your cat may not be tolerating it well.
If you’re ready to give goat milk a try for your cat, here are a few products we recommend:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is goat milk good for my cat?
If your cat can tolerate goat’s milk with no adverse reaction, it could be a beneficial addition to their diet. Goat’s milk is rich in essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus as well as key vitamins, protein, and digestion-boosting probiotics. However, introduce it carefully as many cats struggle to digest dairy products.
How much goat milk can a cat have per day?
When first introducing your cat to goat’s milk, start with a serving no larger than a teaspoon. If your cat doesn’t display an adverse reaction after 12 hours, you can slowly increase their daily portion up to a maximum of two tablespoons per day.
Can goat milk replace cat milk?
Goat milk isn’t an appropriate alternative to cat milk or feline milk replacer to feed newborn kittens. It doesn’t contain the necessary balance of essential nutrients found in a mother cat’s milk, so feeding a diet consisting only of goat milk could lead to nutritional deficiencies and developmental problems.
