Goat Milk Infant Formula in US?

Updated on July 25, 2010
J.R. asks from Mount Laurel, NJ
10 answers

Why is there no commercial goat milk infant formula available in the US? Isn't this a product that a number of people would be interested in? I don't feel comfortable preparing my own infant formula from regular goats milk based on a recipe but would very much like to feed my little one goats milk rather than cows milk. Thanks!

-J.

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S.G.

answers from Philadelphia on

So simple! I used goat's milk for my oldest 2 (who are now 8 and 3.5) and on a few occassions with my 2.5 month old.

My father in law is a biomedical nutritionist and he was the one who suggested the goat's milk rather than standard formula, when I was having difficulty breastfeeding.

You can actually buy powdered goat's milk in a can from health food stores (like Whole Foods). Just prepare as per the directions on the can. I find the powdered easier (to prepare and travel with) than the liquid.

Feel free to message me if you have any other questions regarding goat's milk. I am a HUGE advocate!!!

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K.E.

answers from Buffalo on

I do not know the difference I breast fed, Is there more nutritional value to goats milk then cows?

2 moms found this helpful
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A.R.

answers from Philadelphia on

goat milk infant formula is very popular in Australia/New Zealand. It has a different protein composition than cows milk and forms a smaller, softer curd that is much easier for babies to digest. Karicare is the major brand and you may be able to import it. I have heard very good things about it. Not sure why the US does not have anything available

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D.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

I went to Google and typed in the following...........goat milk baby formula

I got some recipes, but some appeared to be places you could actually buy some formula...........check it out....

Good Luck and take care.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.P.

answers from New York on

I don't know about formula, but I do know that goats milk is not recommended for infants:
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/milk/milk-supplements.html

From another site:
The composition and balance of nutrients in goat's milk is very inappropriate for babies, particularly young babies. It has a higher concentration of protein, chloride and potassium, which causes a dangerous load on the kidneys that can potentially lead to dehydration. It is also very low in folate.

Do a little research, and you'll find than any reputable source cautions against giving goats milk. Obviously, you are not continuing to breastfeed and are planning to use some sort of formula, but please don't give your child something potentially harmful becuase it sounds "more natural."

1 mom found this helpful
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C.M.

answers from Allentown on

I just read that infants should not drink goats milk. I think it was in the current issue of Parents magazine.

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J.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

Your only option is to have it shipped romake it yourself and honestly, it's not so hard. Make enough for a day or 2 and put it back into the bottle you bought...but because there is more volume, the extra fills a bottle or two.

Some pediatricians are agaisnt this for absolutely NO reason. The parents of many people my age (35) who had allergies to cow's milk bought goats, so that they had fresh goat's milk for their babies. I know DOZENS of people who use goat's milk against the "professional advice" of their peds and their kids are thriving.

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M.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

I think I just saw a little blurb in Parents magazine about goats milk not being appropriate for babies... Something about high sodium and protein that their little digestive systems can't handle yet... (Personally I'm tired of all of the 'warnings' and 'research' that says you can't do ANYTHING.........especially anything that was done when we were raised)

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E.F.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I don't know why there is no commercially available formula (it does seem that it would be something that people would be interested in), but I would urge you not to feed regular goats milk to your infant, for the same reason you wouldn't feed cows milk to an infant-- the protein/sodium/potassium levels are not appropriate for babies (well, human babies.) That is why there are baby formulas for those who choose not to feed human milk to babies.

Even Dr. Sears, who is pretty open to alternative options, is anti-goats milk for infants.

"Parents of babies allergic to cow's milk and other commercial formulas often ask if it's safe to use goat's milk as an alternative. In theory, goat's milk is less allergenic and more easily digestible than cow's milk, but it should not be used as a substitute for infant formula. Like cow's milk, it can cause intestinal irritation and anemia. If your baby under one year of age is allergic to cow's milk-based formulas, try either a soy-based formula or a hypoallergenic formula."

Once the kid is one, if you can find pasteurized goat milk, I'd say switch away!

D.S.

answers from Allentown on

Hi, J.:
Goat's milk cannot be pasteurized so that's why there is no
commercial goat's milk. You can get fresh goat's milk from the
farm. Pasteurization kills the enzymes. Hope this helps. D.

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