The Benefits of Raw Fermented Goats Milk

Nov 7

Fresh Raw Fermented Goat Milk is your best option. While powder forms do exist, they may not offer the same benefits. Powdered Goat’s Milk is unlikely to have as many live probiotics. They may have been killed during pasteurization. Buying Pasteurized Goat’s Milk at the grocery will not be effective for the purposes of healing the gut.

Why I Reach for Goat’s Milk Again and Again

When pet parents ask me what one food can truly support healing, I almost always mention raw goat’s milk.

It’s an ancient, simple food — but it offers powerful benefits for dogs of all ages, especially when used as part of a short-term fast or recovery plan.

Over the years, I’ve used goat’s milk successfully for:

Soothing gut inflammation
Supporting detox pathways
Helping picky or sick dogs get nourishment
Resetting the gut during elimination diets
Easing dogs through recovery from surgery, infections, and illness

Let’s walk through why it works, when to use it, and how to use it safely.

What Is Raw Goat’s Milk?

Raw goat’s milk is exactly what it sounds like — fresh milk from goats, unpasteurized and typically sourced from healthy, pasture-raised animals.

Because it is raw and unprocessed, it retains its natural enzymes, probiotics, and bioavailable nutrients — which is why it supports gut health so well.

Some products are fermented into goat’s milk kefir — which may offer even more probiotic support.

How It Works in the Body

Here’s why raw goat’s milk is such a valuable addition to your dog’s wellness plan:

Easier to Digest
Goat’s milk has smaller fat molecules and less lactose than cow’s milk, making it more tolerable for many dogs — even those sensitive to dairy.
Naturally Fermented
Raw goat’s milk contains beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut and support immune health. Fermenting the milk (into kefir) increases these probiotics even more.
Nourishing + Hydrating
It delivers essential nutrients while keeping your dog hydrated — a key benefit during illness or recovery.
Gentle Source of Calories
Provides energy without heavy fat or protein loads that can overwhelm a sick gut.

Nutrient Highlights

Raw goat’s milk is rich in:

Probiotics & Enzymes — for gut balance and immune health
Calcium & Phosphorus — for bone and tissue repair
Potassium & Magnesium — for nerve and muscle function
Vitamin B12 & Riboflavin — for energy and metabolism
Iron, Selenium & Zinc — for immune and thyroid support
Healthy Fatty Acids — for energy, skin, and heart health

When to Use a Goat’s Milk Fast

One of my favorite ways to use raw goat’s milk is as a short-term fast when a dog’s gut or system needs a break.

Here’s why it works:

It provides hydration and gentle nourishment while giving the digestive tract time to rest and reset.
It helps lower gut pH, supporting a healthier environment for good bacteria.
The natural probiotics and enzymes support digestion and help balance the microbiome.
It delivers calories and electrolytes so your dog can maintain strength during illness or recovery.

When a Goat’s Milk Fast Can Help

I often recommend a Goat’s Milk Fast:

During a gut healing or elimination diet
When introducing new foods after chronic digestive upset
After a round of antibiotics or steroids
To ease a senior dog through periods of low appetite
During recovery from infections or surgery
For dogs prone to kidney or urinary issues
For gentle seasonal detox support

How Long Should It Last?

For healthy dogs:

A 1–2 day goat’s milk fast can be used to gently reset digestion or help with transitions between diets.

For dogs in recovery or with compromised digestion:

A 1–3 day fast may be used as part of a minor gut healing protocol.
In some cases (with coaching), we may use goat’s milk as a topper or partial meal for a longer transition period.
In some cases, we may consider a 1-4 week Goat’s Milk Fast (meaning that’s all they get)

Common Questions

Is goat’s milk safe for all dogs?
Most dogs tolerate goat’s milk very well. It’s lower in lactose and higher in enzymes than cow’s milk. If your dog has severe dairy sensitivity, start with small amounts and observe.

How does it compare to kefir?
Both are excellent. Kefir contains more probiotics due to fermentation, which can be especially helpful for gut healing or after antibiotics. But Goat’s milk will have more complete nutrition.

Is raw better than pasteurized?
Yes — raw goat’s milk retains its live enzymes and beneficial bacteria, which are mostly destroyed during pasteurization.

Why I Keep It in My Dog’s Wellness Toolkit

If I could stock every pet parent’s freezer with one healing food, raw goat’s milk would be high on my list.

I reach for it regularly for my own dogs — and in my client work I’ve seen it make a huge difference in dogs struggling with:

Allergies
Chronic digestive issues
Post-surgical recovery
Low appetite
Kidney and urinary concerns

It’s simple, affordable, and incredibly versatile.

Want to Learn How to Use Goat’s Milk in Healing Protocols?

Inside my private client forum, I share full gut-healing and detox protocols — including when and how to use goat’s milk and kefir effectively.

👉 Get access to my protocols and join the community here.

FDA Disclaimer:
"Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."

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Dana Brigman