A dairy recipe kind to the digestive system

What form of dairy product is acceptable in moderation, if tolerated by the pet?

There are situations where dairy produce in moderation can be modified such as when puppies and kittens are not being fed by their mother.  The author of ‘Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs,’ recommends a diet for puppies 1-4 weeks consisting of:

1 pint goats milk

2 egg yolks

2,000mg EPA fish oil

½ tsp probiotic powder

4-6 tbsp whole milk yoghurt

After 4 weeks the puppies can be given raw meaty bones, raw goats milk, yoghurt, eggs and cottage cheese.  The author also recommends feeding adult dogs with yoghurt, cottage cheese and eggs. (Olsen 2010)  Another suggestion for any abandoned, motherless kittens is raw goats milk to supplement any veterinarian kitten formula. (Coscia 2005) 

Author of, ‘The Whole Pet Diet,’ recommends and promotes raw, unsweetened, plain, unpasteurised yoghurt for cats and dogs.  With its live culture, yoghurt brings balance to the gut flora.  The ‘culture,’ which is made up of millions of live friendly bacteria, produces lactic acid, manufactures B vitamins and aid digestion.  Yoghurt, when given in small regular quantities is a powerful cleansing tool to rid the intestinal tract of accumulated toxins and is highly beneficial to health.  Whilst yoghurt can and should be given on a regular basis, cottage cheese and other dairy produce should be given less frequently.   Due to dairy produce having a ‘mucous forming’ property, moderation is advised.  (Brown 2006)

Based on this author’s advice, my Golden Retriever, before his morning walk,  enjoys a light breakfast of organic yoghurt and a handful of berries, which are high in vitamin C and loaded with antioxidants.  I do believe my dog is healthier than me as I normally have a piece of toast with butter and jam!

As raw cow’s milk is not readily available, goats milk is an excellent substitute.  It is usually available raw which means its enzymes are still active.  It is similar in composition to cow’s milk with more sodium and potassium, less calcium, less protein, less fat but also less likely to cause allergies.  In the words of Dr Billinghurst, ‘goats milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk and less likely to cause allergies.’  Naturally homogenised, the fat in goats milk is more digestible than cows milk and produces a more alkaline environment in the stomach.  In support of giving raw goats milk to our cats and dogs, Dr Billinghurst suggests giving this natural product with raw egg yolk, canola oil and some B vitamins.  (Billinghurst 1993)

In summary, raw goats milk should certainly be on the shopping list for our pets.  Given in moderation, raw goats milk would certainly boost both health and vitality due to its live, natural ingredients.