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This post was originally published in October 2016. It has been updated with new information.
I was introduced to kefir and raw goat's milk when I first started feeding raw. People in raw feeding groups kept talking about kefir; I didn't know what it was, but everyone in the UK and Canada was feeding it to their dogs. Shortly after, I learned about raw goat's milk – Answers Pet Food sells it – and how beneficial it is for dogs.
I could have Googled both kefir and raw goat's milk, but I was so overwhelmed with this information that I made some assumptions, and they stuck with me for a while before I learned what kefir and goat's milk were and the role they played in dog nutrition.
What I Thought Kefir Was…
At first, I thought kefir was what folks in the UK and Canada called milk and yogurt. Then I thought it was homemade yogurt. Then I thought it was similar to Greek yogurt.
What is Kefir?
Kefir looks like milk (some call it kefir milk or milk kefir), but it's made from kefir grains and whole milk; mixed together, these ingredients ferment at room temperature. Kefir is great for digestive health and gives the immune system a big kick in the butt. Over the years, I've used it to soothe upset tummies, improve nutrient absorption, clear yeast build-up, and more.
I've tried several times to make kefir at home because it's the most cost-effective way to keep stocked up, but I failed every single time and I still don't know what I did wrong (or if I did do anything wrong). I don't drink milk so I can't taste it to make sure it's right because I don't know what it should taste like.
Where to Buy Milk Kefir Grains
I've been feeding kefir to my dogs for several years now. At first, the only people who talked about kefir were other raw feeders; today, I see kefir being sold in my local grocery store (along with fermented vegetables, dandelion greens, and other cool finds). The more resources I find for feeding my dogs, the less inclined I am to learn how to make kefir at home. However, it's possible and one day I'll give it a try again.
Over the years, people have recommended Cultures for Health for kefir grains (the video above); their grains are sold on Amazon or directly from their website.
- Milk Kefir Grains from Cultures for Health
- Water Kefir Grains from Cultures for Health (using water instead of milk)
- Glass jars
- Nylon Mesh Strainer
If you don't want to work with the grains, you can buy kefir (Answers Pet Food) at your local pet store. Or you can purchase plain kefir at some local and natural grocery stores.
Benefits of Milk Kefir for Dogs
I add kefir to my dogs' diet because kefir…
- kills yeast quickly
- relieves gas
- promotes healing in the body
- is a natural probiotic and supports gut health and nutrient absorption
- alleviates allergy symptoms
- is a natural antibiotic and antifungal
I know plenty of people who make kefir successfully. I get hung up at the step where the kefir is supposed to have the consistency of buttermilk – it's still very runny and I'm not sure how much longer I'm supposed to allow it to sit until it begins to thicken. So, after several failed attempts, I now buy the Answers Pet Food kefir through my local raw food co-op.
Benefits of Raw Goat's Milk for Dogs
Kefir can be made from raw goat's milk, but it's not the same as raw goat's milk. Both kefir and raw goat's milk promote healthier digestion, beyond that, they're very different foods. I like to think that kefir is kind of like raw goat's milk on steroids because it's fermented.
Raw goat's milk is unpasteurized milk from – can you guess? – goats. When people learn that I give my dogs goat's milk, they often reply, “my dog is lactose intolerant and can't have goat's milk.” My response is, “are you sure?”
Goat's milk has lower lactose than raw cow milk, making it easier for dogs to digest and it is so good for dogs that I always keep it on hand because not only does it support good health, it's great for several chronic illnesses.
Raw goat's milk…
- supports gut health, improves digestion, and promotes healthy gut flora
- reduces inflammation
- prevents diabetes or helps pet parents better manage diabetes in their dog
- brings a lot of nutrients to the bowl, helping pet parents feed a more nutritious diet
- alleviates allergy symptoms
- brings more beneficial fatty acids to the bowl
- alleviates symptoms of serious illnesses like…
- liver disease
- malnutrition
- kidney disease/kidney stones
- gastrointestinal (GI) diseases
- heavy metal poisoning
- urinary tract problems
- diarrhea
- is great for picky eaters
- a great “food” for modified fasting days
Where to Buy Raw Goat's Milk
I buy my dogs' goat milk through our local raw food co-op; it comes from a local farm in Lake Stevens, Washington. You can buy raw goat's milk from your local pet store; look for the following brands:
- Answers Pet Food (recommended)
- Steve's Real Food
- OC Raw
- Primal Pet Foods
Should We Feed Kefir or Raw Goat's Milk to Dogs?
Personally, I believe both are beneficial for dogs, however, if I have to choose between raw goat's milk and kefir – I'd chose goat's milk because I can always buy grains and make kefir (eventually I'll figure it out).
At the moment, my dogs enjoy both kefir and raw goat's milk.
How I Feed Kefir to My Dogs
- I generally use kefir as a meal topper, pouring a line over my dogs' food before putting their dishes down.
- If one of my dogs is showing digestive issues (gas, diarrhea, loose stool) then I'll feed them kefir (or kefir mixed with raw goat's milk). I usually feed 1/4 to 1/2 cup.
How I Feed Raw Goat's Milk to My Dogs
- I prefer to feed raw goat's milk separately from my dogs' meals, so they mainly enjoy goat's milk once a week on their “fasting” day. If I have kefir too, I'll mix them together.
- If one of my dogs is showing digestive issues (gas, diarrhea, loose stool) then I'll feed them raw goat's milk (or raw goat's milk mixed with kefir). I usually feed 1/2 cup to 1 cup.
Modified Fasting Days
I fast my dogs every Thursday. Initially, I fed them raw goat's milk and/or kefir on these days because one of my dogs would get hunger pukes. However, now I usually do a gorge and fast (gorge these evening before, then fast the following day). If I forget to feed my dogs a larger meal Wednesday evening, then the dogs enjoy raw goat's milk on their fasting day.
On the modified fasting days, I'll feed my dogs kefir mixed with raw goat's milk (or just raw goat's milk). This gives their gut a break from digesting food while giving them a probiotic boost. On these days, I feed 3/4 cup to 1 cup to each dog per meal.
Read More About Raw Feeding
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- 3 Reasons Why I Feed Whole Prey Raw Foods to my Dogs
- My Easy Raw Feeding Meal Prep Routine (Only 5 Steps)
- How I Use CBD Oil Effectively with Each of My Dogs
- When Raw Dog Food Spoils After a Power Outage
My dog somehow cannot get used to unfamiliar foods. One time, we had to take him to the vet after eating seafood given by our neighbors. We have never tried animal milk other than the popular cow milk on the market.
Thanks, SonJa
Wow! Really!!! That’s good to know. I like it thicker.
Thanks, Sabrina
Love this blog so much. Thanks for all the info!
Oh, and for consistency, my goat kefir is MUCH thicker than the Answers goat kefir and even thicker than their cow kefir. The “doneness” is really preference. In the summer, a half gallon takes only 12-18 hours, but in the winter, each half gallon takes about three full days
You can also slow ferment by fermenting in the refrigerator for 7-10 days. The grains still activate, but they work much slower in the colder temps,
I always wonder why fermented cow milk is called kefir and fermented goat milk is called fermented goat milk. I have always called any fermented milk kefir.
I am lucky to be able to purchase both raw Jersey cow milk (A2) and raw goat milk from two local farms with good land stewardship. I ferment them myself with live grains.
Kimberly, please, DO try again! As for the consistency…do not shake or stir while fermenting. I allow my kefir to sit in the cabinet until it just barely shows lines of separation in the jar (whey/kefir lines). I ferment two gallons of goat and two gallons of cow every week.
My dogs get half their calories from kefir (24-34 oz each daily). On milk fast days, it is double that amount.
I am no expert, but as I have been lead to believe, pasteurized milk does not contain ANY enzymes. They are killed in the pasteurization process so I am not sure how many health/nutrient benefits there would be in pasteurized products.
I too would choose goat kefir over cow kefir mostly because goat milk is fully digested within 20 minutes of consumption (according to Billy) and it required ZERO work from the pancreas.
Raw fermented goat milk was key in reducing my dogs’ pancreatic values back into the normal range.
I do hope you try making kefir again, Kimberly. I really enjoy it and seeing the live grains grow and multiply is just oddly satisfying. And the dogs love a good spoonful of grains from the surplus!
On the other hand, I do not ferment my own vegetables because…I don’t like them and I have no idea how to tell if they are done or rotten or what. I was so excited for the Answers fermented veggies in October 2020…but they are still delayed. So for now, I just use my home grown raw kale chopped up teenie tiny to add to the Straight formula (I have ONE problem child with serious fish sensitivities so the Detailed is out fo him).
Maybe the planets will align properly and you will make good kefir and I will make good fermented veggies!
You are awesome!
Billy Hoekman of Answers Pet Food does too, daily.
I myself drink raw goats milk, I by this at a health store, I have also bought kefir and shared with my dog
I belong to Raw Feeding 101 and Raw Feeding University. I find that these are the most informational groups with the least amount of drama. I have a page that lists all of my favorite groups, etc, here: https://www.keepthetailwagging.com/resources
Which raw feeding groups do you belong to? I would like to join!
I personally think it’s six of one, half a dozen of the other. Both are beneficial. I feed milk kefir because that’s what I have access to where I live. But if I had a good source of goat’s milk yogurt and it didn’t have sugar, flavoring, then I’d definitely give it a try.
Is goat’s milk kefir more nutritious than goat’s milk yogurt? The yogurt (live cultures) is less expensive at my grocers.
One of my dogs has a beef intolerance, but he does well on the answer’s cow kefir.
I want to try the Answers Cows Milk with Kerfir but I feel my dog has a food sensitivity when I feed her beef… seems like her ears kinda flare up. Do you think the cows milk could have the same result? She loves the goats milk and fermented fish stock but wanted to try the kerfir to help control yeast etc
I would recommend giving your dog raw goat’s milk from Answers Pet Food.
I am so confused! I do not if I should give my 6 pound dog with Kidney disease raw goat’s milk or goat’s milk kefir???
Kombucha also has a little alcohol in it which is not good for pets.
I make my own kombucha, since much of it is made with a caffeine tea, water, scoby and sugar, I would reconsider giving this to pets. They are not supposed to have caffeine or sugar. The second ferment is when the sugar is eaten up more and so the first ferment is even stronger sugar amounts. I would not recommend kombucha for pets.
My Sprouts has Goat’s Milk Kefir, which my dogs seem to be handling very well: http://redwoodhill.com/stories/products/plain-kefir/
Here is a link to locate raw milk (goat, cow, and others as well) in your area: https://www.realmilk.com/real-milk-finder/
Just enter your zip code, and it will give you sources and distance. Good luck!
Some people use store bought kefir that is plain (some have flavors and sugar added). I haven’t found that option at my store which is why I use kefir by Answers Pet Food. I tried making my own and it was a big flop.
Is it ok to use store bought kefir from the grocery store like they sell for humans or is it different?
Making kefir is fantastic for your dogs – they are so lucky to have you. I wish I could make it too; I tried a couple of times and couldn’t get it to thicken up.
I’m unable to get my hands on raw goats milk, or even raw cow milk in my area. I know I can buy it online and have it shipped, but it’s SO expensive. I make my own kefir for myself with whole organic pasteurized milk from the store, do you think that would be an okay option to give to my dogs?
This stuff is a nice option as well if you live in an area that doesn’t have local dairy available. https://www.thehonestkitchen.com/pro-bloom
I wouldn’t feel comfortable using goat’s milk in the can – I prefer to get it from Answers Pet Food or a local dairy where I live.
Can you use can goats milk?
I’ll be making milk kefir when I get my grains. For now, I have a gazillion gallons of raw goats milk in the freezer so I’ll be using it to make my milk kefir, but also feeding it to my dogs since I have so much 🙂
Thanks for the tip, Sharon.
Our dogs also like kombucha. They like it straight, no need for a second ferment and adding fruit. Just another way to naturally supplement their diet.
We use either raw cow’s milk or raw goat’s milk to make our kefir. Five dogs from 20 pounds to 200 pounds share a pint with their breakfast twice a week. If you don’t want the bother of draining out the grains, you can get a starter powder from Body Ecology or Cultures for Health. Just mix the powder in a quart of milk, let set out for 24 hours, then put in the refrigerator. Save the last bit of kefir to culture your next quart (Reuse at least 7 times, then use a fresh packet of starter). Our dogs like it a bit over-cultured and thick like yogurt so straining out the grains can be a pain. With the powder, you avoid this. I really think those people who think their dogs are lactose-intolerant have dogs that are reacting to the lack of natural enzymes in pasteurized, homogenized milk and milk from cows conventionally raised in feedlots rather than pasture raised.
This is interesting- I have a friend who makes kombucha regularly out of live cultures and the process is similar only with fruit and black tea. One question: I noticed you said you were going to use the kefir and goats milk separately- would it be too much to use them together (the goats milk to make the kefir)? Or do you prefer milk kefir? Thanks!