Is Cow’s milk good (or bad) for dogs or cats?

The question “is cow’s milk good (or bad) for dogs or cats” takes a little bit of explaining. Cow’s milk, depending on what type and kind, may be good for your furry friend in appropriate quantities. Milk is rich in fats, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit your pet’s coat and overall wellbeing. Raw milk from Jersey Cattle or other A2 breeds is the best source.

Keep in mind that there are many factors that play into whether your furry friend will be ok with milk. Please note that any information presented here should first be passed through your veterinarian.

Some Dogs and Cats are lactose intolerant

Now, what i’m about to say may seem counterintuitive to the above statement, but stay with me to the end. Dairy is one of the leading causes of food intolerance in dogs and cats. Some of the symptoms of your animal being lactose intolerant are:

• Loose stools
• Gas
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea

So why then would you consider giving milk to your dog or cat?

Then is cow’s milk good or bad for dogs or cats? Spill the beans!

Just like humans, dogs and cats need the right enzymes to break down food and lactose. The milk at the grocery store is pasteurized, homogenized and void of any natural probiotics and enzymes necessary for proper digestion. It also, more than likely, comes from milk cows that produce only A1 milk; cows like the Holstein cow. A1 milk contains the β-casine protein that is the main culprit for dairy allergies in humans.

Your pet may be identifying as lactose intolerant only because of the type of milk it is getting. Just like their owners who can suffer from lactose intolerance, dogs and cats can fair much better when given raw A2 milk from Jersey cattle. Cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese made from raw cow’s milk, is also an excellent alternative for your pet.

The nutrients your pet needs

Raw cows milk is rich with vitamins, minerals, and high in saturated fat. In the proper quantities, raw milk can be a benefit to your pet’s coat, teeth, energy and overall health.

After milking, I always have a little bit of milk left over. I pour that milk into a small bowl in our milking stall and our dog Stormy, laps it up faster than I can pour it out. After a month of giving her the leftover milk, I noticed that her coat was super shiny and thick.

Give your pets the nutrition they deserve. Raw milk for the win.