Goat’s milk formula is becoming increasingly popular, but many parents still doubt its benefits and prefer to stick with the traditional cow’s milk formula.
Maria and I have decided to write this post to share with you the many benefits of formulas made with goat milk so that you can start offering it to your baby the same way as we did with our son Pablo.
Let’s get after it!
Key Takeaways and Our Experience
- Digestibility and Nutrition: According to a study cited from PubMed, goat milk formula offers protein digestibility similar to human milk, with an overall higher protein quality than cow milk formula. Goat milk formula is also nutrient-rich, providing essential vitamins and minerals necessary for a baby’s growth and health.
- Bioavailability and Compatibility: Goat milk formula is rich in bioavailable minerals, making it easy for the baby’s body to absorb and use. The formula’s pH, content of α-lactalbumin, and prebiotic nature closely resemble human breast milk, promoting a healthy gut and aiding digestion.
- Health Benefits: Goat milk formula is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, support the immune system, and contain beneficial choline and nucleotides that play crucial roles in an infant’s overall health.
- Fewer Allergens: Compared to cow’s milk, goat milk has a lower allergen content, potentially making it a safer choice for babies prone to allergies, although those with CMPA should avoid it.
- Taste and Processing: Some babies may prefer the mild and sweet flavor of goat milk formula over cow’s milk. Additionally, goat milk formula undergoes less processing, ensuring it retains its natural nutrients.
Knowing the benefits of goat milk formula, Maria and I offered Pablo Holle Goat Formula, and it was one of the best decisions we made. Although Maria breastfed, we used Holle Goat as a supplement, or when Maria was tired. Pablo had no digestion problems and liked it almost as much as breast milk.
If you are debating between cow’s or goat’s milk formula, don’t hesitate any longer and choose goat.
1. Gentle on the Stomach
Goat milk formula is gentle on your baby’s stomach. Babies can have it without struggle, less than with cow’s milk. It offers both taste and comfort to your little one’s tummy. This kind of formula also stands out as perfectly safe for babies.
However, keep in mind that it should not be the only food for a baby who is less than one year old. A mix of foods after the 6-month mark will give them all the nutrients they need to grow well.
Understanding Milk Digestibility for Infants
Digestibility refers to how much of the milk’s nutrients are broken down and absorbed by the body. The higher the percentage, the more of the milk’s nutrients are being utilized by the infant’s body.
Researchers recently conducted a study to compare how easily proteins from goat milk-based infant formula (GIF), cow milk-based infant formula (CIF), and human milk (HM) are digested in babies. Here’s what they found:
| Goat Milk Formula | Cow Milk Formula | Human Milk | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Hour Digestion | 19.9% | 11.2% | 23.3% |
| 3rd Hour Digestion | 22.5% | 28.9% | 20.6% |
| After 4 Hours | 78.3% | 73.4% | 77.9% |
| DIAAS (0-6 months) | 83% | 75% | 77% |
- Digestion Speed: Goat milk formula’s protein was digested at a pace similar to human milk. On the other hand, cow milk formula took a bit longer to start its digestion process.
- Digestion After 4 Hours: By the 4-hour mark, nearly 78% of the protein in goat milk formula was digested, closely matching the 77.9% for human milk. Cow milk formula trailed slightly at 73.4%.
- Overall Protein Quality: When evaluating the quality of proteins based on their amino acid content (essential building blocks of proteins), goat milk formula scored 83%, higher than cow milk formula at 75% and human milk at 77%.
The study suggests that goat milk formula offers protein that’s digested at a rate close to human milk and might have a slight edge in protein quality over cow milk formula.
*Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28968291/
2. Nutrient-Rich
Goat milk formula has many things babies need to grow strong and healthy. Your baby needs calcium, phosphorus, and all the minerals and amino acids in goat formula. Goat milk has a more significant concentration of Vitamins A, C, magnesium, and calcium.
These are very important for babies.
| Nutrient | Goat Milk | Cow Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 168 grams | 149 grams |
| Protein | 9 grams | 8 grams |
| Fat | 10 grams | 8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 11 grams | 12 grams |
| Fiber | 0 grams | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 11 grams | 12 grams |
| Sodium | 122 mg | 105 mg |
| Calcium | 327 mg | 276 mg |
| Magnesium | 34.2 mg | 24.4 mg |
| Phosphorous | 271 mg | 205 mg |
| Potassium | 498 mg | 322 mg |
Compared to cow milk, goat milk has several nutritionally desirable traits. It has lower concentrations of certain saturated fatty acids (C12:0, C14:0, C16:0) and a lower sodium to potassium ratio.
*Ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835441/
3. High Bioavailability of Minerals
Goat milk formula has a lot of minerals that your baby’s body can use well. This is known as “high bioavailability.” In simple terms, this means the minerals in goat milk are easy to take in and use.
Minerals like calcium help your baby grow strong bones and teeth. The special mix of nutrients makes goat milk an ideal choice for making baby food.
Goat milk is richer in certain minerals and vitamins, including isoflavones, B vitamins, copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), and iodine (I).
4. Closer to Human Milk
Goat milk formula shares a lot with human breast milk. It has prebiotics like those in breastfeeding moms’ milk. Prebiotics help to feed good bacteria in your baby’s gut. That makes for a healthy tummy!
The pH of goat milk is also close to that of human milk. This can make it easy for babies to digest, especially if they don’t do well with cow’s milk or have lactose intolerance. Goat milk also boasts a high level of α-lactalbumin, a kind of protein found in mother’s milk that helps boost immunity and supports healing.
5. Contains Beneficial Choline
Goat milk formula for babies holds a helpful item called choline. This stuff gives your baby a health boost. It bolsters the body’s defenses in your little one. Both their built-in and learned body defense systems grow strong with choline.
The goodness of choline keeps on giving as it fights off harm, too. It wards off stuff that can cause swelling or pain in your child’s body, acting like a shield against harm-makers.
Feeding goat milk formula to infants can also lead to better belly health. Minor tummy troubles get eased, making meal times more enjoyable for you and your baby! Plus, this magic drink even helps stop allergy problems before they start.
Goat milk formula can keep away diseases tied to allergies in children. All these benefits make choline an ace player in infant nourishment from goat milk.
6. Supports Immune System
Goat milk lifts your baby’s health. It gives solid immune support to growing babies. This milk has special immune factors that help a baby grow well. These make the body stronger against illnesses.
Your baby will get fewer skin issues with goat milk formula. Babies drinking it have less atopic dermatitis than those on cow milk formula. Selenium in goat milk also helps your baby’s defense system stay strong and healthy.
Goat milk’s unique set of amino acids can affect how it works in the body, too! Give goat milk a try to boost your baby’s health.
7. Rich in Vitamin A
Goat milk formula for babies is rich in vitamin A. This important nutrient keeps your baby’s eyes healthy. It also helps their immune system stay strong. Your newborn needs it to grow in the right way.
8. Good Source of Vitamin B12
Goat’s milk formula can help your baby grow strong and healthy. It has vitamin B12 that your baby needs a lot. Vitamin B12 boosts brain and muscle growth in babies. So, feeding them goat’s milk formula gives their little brains a big hand.
You might have heard cow’s milk has more vitamin B12 than goat’s. Yes, that is true! Cow’s milk does have more vitamin B12 than goat’s when talking about raw milk. But, for infant formulas, both types of milk need slight changes to suit babies.
Vitamins and minerals need adjusting to make them perfect for infants’ tiny tummies and growing bodies. This means the goat’s milk formula also meets all your baby’s nutritional needs!
9. High in Medium-Chain Fatty Acids
Goat milk is full of heart-healthy fats. These are called medium-chain fatty acids. Your baby’s body can immediately use these fats for energy and growth.
There is more of this good fat in goat milk than in other kinds. This high level of medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs, makes goat milk special. It gives unique health perks for babies’ food needs.
Goat milk has higher concentrations of cis polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
*Ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835441/
10. Prebiotic Content
Goat milk formula helps your baby’s gut health. It has good stuff called prebiotic carbohydrates. These are things we call oligosaccharides. These help the growth of healthy bacteria in a baby’s tummy.
This drink is like breast milk, whole of probiotics and prebiotics to aid digestion. Your baby gets these from the goat milk formula they have every day! So, it feeds them and keeps their tiny tummies happy too!
11. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Goat milk boasts anti-inflammatory effects. This is a big win for babies’ health! It helps cut down swelling in the body. How does this work? Goat milk has loads of natural anti-inflammatory compounds.
These bits fight off harm that may cause swelling or pain. Many parents want their kids to eat anti-inflammatory foods, and goat milk fits the bill! The inflammation reduction power of goat milk makes it stand out among other baby foods.
Its antioxidant-rich nature even boosts its health benefits, adding to its appeal as a pick for baby formula.
12. Contains Nucleotides
Goat milk formula has something special. It has nucleotides. These tiny parts play a big role in your baby’s health. They help build a strong immune system in your little one.
Nucleotides are good for more than just the immune system, though! For example, they can help your baby use nutrients better. This means your baby gets more out of every sip of goat milk formula.
Nucleotides also help with growth and development.
But that’s not all! Nucleotides can even encourage a healthy gut in babies. This means less belly pain and more comfort for your child.
13. A Good Source of Potassium
Goat milk has a lot of potassium. This helps babies to grow strong muscles. It also makes sure their bones are healthy. Goat milk is rich in essential minerals like calcium and sodium, too.
Raw goat milk is very good for your baby. It can give the same help as raw cow milk. Another great thing about goat milk is it can keep blood pressure just right in young ones. So, giving goat milk to your kid gives them lots of health benefits.
14. Less Allergenic Proteins
Goat milk is less allergenic. These are particles that can cause allergies in babies. Goat milk does not have as many of these as cow milk.
Babies have fewer allergy symptoms with goat milk. That’s because goat milk has a lower allergen content than cow’s milk. This makes it a safer choice for babies prone to being allergic to cow’s milk.
Babies diagnosed with CMPA (Cow’s milk protein allergy) cannot drink goat milk formula as it may also trigger an allergenic reaction.
| Allergenic Component | Goat Milk | Cow Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha-S1 casein | Trace amounts | Present |
| Beta-lactoglobulin | Present | Present |
| Lactose | Slightly less | Standard |
Note: Both goat’s milk and cow’s milk contain beta-lactoglobulin, which can cause allergies in some individuals. Goat’s milk contains only trace amounts of the allergenic protein alpha-S1 casein, which is more prevalent in cow’s milk.
15. Lactose Tolerance
Goat milk has less lactose than cow milk. This makes it easier on the tummy for babies with lactose issues. It is a good pick for those with dairy intolerance or sensitivity.
With its ease in digestion, it can be a much better option than other kinds of milks out there.
16. Less Processing
Goat milk formula goes through less processing than other kinds. This is a good thing for your baby’s health.
It is made to be just right for the needs of babies. It has all they need for growth and health. The vitamins and minerals from goat milk are adjusted in this formula.
For babies with cow milk allergies, goat milk formula can be used instead. It gives them what they need without causing problems with their stomachs.
17. It Tastes Better
Goat milk formula offers a unique taste. Some babies may like it more than cow’s milk.
But why? Because goat milk has a sweet, mild flavor. It does not have the strong aftertaste found in cow’s milk.
This makes goat milk easier to like for some little ones.
A baby who likes what they are eating will eat more of it. The result? They get all the nutrients needed for growth and health.
Infographic of the Main Benefits of Goat Milk Formulas
What Are the Best Goat Milk Formulas?
Kabrita offers a gentle, nutritious alternative to cow's milk, perfect for newborns and infants up to six months. High-quality, non-GMO goat milk is easy on tiny tummies and packed with essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and prebiotics without any added sugars or artificial nasties.
- Made with high-quality, non-GMO goat milk
- Naturally easy to digest and gentle on little tummies
- Ideal for babies with cow's milk sensitivities or digestive discomfort
- Includes prebiotics for healthy gut flora and digestion
- British-Made Excellence: 58 years of experience with Red Tractor-certified ingredients.
- Nutrient-Rich: It is packed with selenium, natural prebiotics similar to breastmilk, and full cream to boost your baby's immune system.
- Environmentally Friendly: Free from palm oil and hexane-extracted DHA & ARA.
- Digestibility: Easier to digest than cow's milk due to A2 milk and added HMOs.
- Clean Ingredients: No use of soy to avoid zinc deficiency and ensure optimal brain development.
Holle Stage 1 Infant Formula is a nourishing, organic goat milk option for babies.
- Organic and Gentle: Made with EU-certified organic whole goat milk, easier to digest than cow's milk.
- Simple Ingredients: Free from corn syrup, starch, artificial sweeteners, flavors, GMOs, and preservatives; aims to mimic breast milk closely.
- Digestive Support: Soft on sensitive stomachs, potentially easing constipation, gas, and colic.
- Nutritionally Complete: Includes ARA and plant-based DHA, supporting natural digestion and overall health.
Last Words
As we have said at the beginning of this post, we strongly recommend you try goat milk formula for your baby. All the science backs it up, and our personal experience with it has been flawless.
Give it a try, and you won’t regret it!
If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment and we’ll answer in less than a day.
Happy feeding!
We’re Maria and Alberto, a married couple and educators who are nutrition enthusiasts. Even before we had kids, we were already crazy about nutrition.
We’d read scientific articles, watch videos from nutritionists, and spend hours listening to nutrition podcasts.
Today, we continue doing this, but in a different way, as we’ve learned to sift through the noise and trends. Nutrition, like any other field of knowledge, the more you read and learn, the more you develop a comprehensive understanding of reality, and that’s what has happened to us.
Before having our first child, we focused on learning everything we could about child nutrition, using the same techniques we had already employed, backed by our extensive knowledge in nutrition.
Our mission is to help other parents with their children’s nutrition, to help them become the best versions of themselves.
If we are what we eat and drink, which is absolutely true, let’s do it right!
