Health problems and dairy

What health problems could arise by the inclusion of cow’s milk in the diet?

The most prevalent health problems we tend to hear in connection to pasteurised cow’s milk are:

1. Lactose intolerance

2. Allergies

3. Problems connected with excess sugar in the diet

The milk sugar found in cow’s milk is lactose.  Many humans, cats and dogs unfortunately do not have the digestive enzyme ‘lactase’ to break the lactose down for absorption into the blood.  Consuming cow’s milk without this enzyme, causes the undigested milk sugar to be attacked by bacteria in the gut.  The bacteria then convert it into volatile fatty acids, which cause hydrogen and carbon dioxide gases to be produced.  This leads to the bowel becomes very acidic and irritated.  The bowel can no longer reabsorb water back into the body.  The end result is a loss of nutrients, diarrhoea, dehydration and no doubt abdominal pain.  (Billinghurst 1993)  

Most authors of pet nutritional texts advice against feeding pasteurised milk as many cats and dogs are lactose intolerant.  Interestingly, kittens are born with the enzyme lactase, (to breakdown lactose) which tends to reduce as they age.  (Arora2006)

Interestingly, raw milk, unlike pasteurised milk, does not appear to cause the same digestion problems.  A famous study carried out in 1939 entitled ‘Pottenger’s Cats,’ showed that when a group of cats were given raw milk, raw bones and cod liver oil, their health thrived and fertility increased.  In the same study another group of cats were given processed milk, cooked food and cod liver oil, which resulted in diminished  health and fertility.  (Coscia 2005)

Whilst this study has more than one variable being tested (milk and cooked or raw foods) it is not completely valid.  However, it certainly demonstrates the health values associated with raw foods which include the benefits of raw milk.  Tried and tested by veterinarian Dr Billinghurst, feeding raw milk to our cats and dogs is not only healthy, but it also treats degenerative diseases including arthritis, heart disease and kidney disease.

Unfortunately, it is not easy to obtain raw milk.  In my own experience, a friend of my father’s runs several dairy farms in the Gippsland area, Victoria.  He told me that his family have always consumed raw cow’s milk.  He would never buy or consume pasteurised milk.  However, he is prevented by law, from selling the milk raw to the general public.  “On a hygiene controlled farm, pasteurisation is not necessary.” (Billinghurst 1993)

Most veterinarians and animal nutritionists advice against milk for cats and dogs.  According to author of ‘Natural Remedies for Cats and Dogs,’ by eliminating dairy produce we may find that common allergies such as ear infections and skin problems clear up without the use of drugs from the veterinarian.  However dairy produce such as yogurt containing friendly bacteria can assist in digestion and absorption of all nutrients.  If all dairy including live yoghurt is eliminated from a pets diet, probiotic capsules from the health store can be supplemented in the food.  (Puotein 1999)  I wonder what veterinarians such as Dr Puotein would be advising pet owners if cows milk was not pasteurised or homogenised?

As milk is high in sugar (raw or pasteurised), it can be a problem to health.  For example, to avoid cancer in our cats and dogs, it is recommended that all sugars should be left out of the diet.  This includes carbohydrates such as grains, lactose (milk sugar), and other dairy produce not including eggs. (Shultze 1999)

Cows milk is not only pasteurised but it is also ‘homogenised.’  This process involves running the milk through very thin tubes, which breaks up the fat into even smaller molecules.  This process ensures the milk components are thoroughly mixed, preventing them from separating in the milk carton.  However, the process of homogenisation releases a chemical, which can damage blood vessels. (Billinghurst 1993)  Homogenising appears to be an unnecessary process, especially when all a consumer would have to do to remix the milk components is shake the milk carton.