Everything you need to know about goat milk formula

Sorting through all the feeding options (and opinions) can be daunting when it comes to making a formula choice for your baby. But the good news is that awareness about alternatives to the commonly used formulas is growing, and one of those alternatives is goat milk formula. Goat milk formula (not to be confused with fresh goat milk) is an option you may have heard about, but is it right for your family?

Experts weigh in about what you need to know when using goat milk formula for babies.

Related: How to choose an organic baby formula

Cow milk and goat milk formula have similar nutrition profiles

Cow milk may be popular in the U.S., but according to pediatrician and best-selling author Tanya Altmann, MD, FAAP, goat milk is consumed by more people around the world than cow milk due to its availability and traditional use as an easier-to-digest source of dairy protein.

In late 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics formally recommended goat milk infant formula as acceptable nutrition for non-breastfed or breastfed infants needing formula supplementation in the first year of life. Goat milk proteins are more similar to breast milk proteins than cow milk proteins, making it easier to digest. Goat milk also contains significantly more natural oligosaccharides than cow’s milk, the third largest component of breast milk.

Goat milk and cow milk-based formulas are otherwise similar in nutritional content, says Dr. Altmann, who’s on the advisory board for Aussie Bubs. A recent study comparing goat milk formula to breastmilk for newborns found it was safe, tolerated, and resulted in similar growth patterns to the babies receiving breast milk.

Related: Viral TikTok shows the terrifying reality of the formula shortage for babies with allergies

The FDA only approves infant formulas that have met specific criteria for nutrition and safety, so all formulas on the market in the U.S. provide complete nutrition for babies. Goat and cow milk formula have similar amounts of fat, protein, carbohydrates and other nutrients to meet baby’s needs.

Goat milk formula has a slight advantage for iron and copper absorption, according to Dr. Altmann, which are essential for immune health. But overall, the two share similar nutrition profiles. 

Goat milk may be easier for babies to digest than cow milk

Parents may choose to use goat milk formula for their baby for various reasons, from personal preference to health concerns. Dr. Altmann tells Motherly that goat milk formula has several health benefits, but a big one is that it could be easier to digest.

“Many parents report that goat milk is easier for their infants to digest, especially for little ones who may be fussy, gassy or have reflux.” She explains that the fat molecules found in goat milk are smaller and shorter, similar to breast milk, making them easier for a baby to break down.

While the total protein content is similar to cow milk, the type of protein found in goat milk could play a role in its digestibility. “There are lower levels of lactose and casein in goat milk,” Dr. Altmann shares. Lower levels of these types of proteins could be part of the reason why some parents find their babies have less tummy trouble when drinking it.

Goat milk also contains prebiotic carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, also found in human breast milk, and can help support a healthy gut. Studies show that these oligosaccharides positively impact the growth of beneficial bacteria while making it harder for the not-so-friendly bacterial species to grow in your baby’s gut. 

What to look for in an infant formula

No matter the type of formula you choose for your baby, Dr. Altmann recommends avoiding formulas with added sugars, corn syrup or GMOs whenever possible.

She also suggests looking for formulas that have been third-party tested for toxins or contaminants. “This evidence-based verification gives parents peace of mind in knowing that a formula provides nutrition free from heavy metals, pesticide residues and other chemicals and toxins.” Dr. Altmann suggests looking for the seal from the Clean Label Project, or other options include the USDA Organic label or the Non-GMO Project Verified seal.

That said, with the ongoing formula shortage, you may have to be open to trying new brands or types of formula—whatever you can find that meets your baby’s needs—and that’s OK.

One thing to note: Goat milk formula could be a good option if your baby has digestion issues stemming from a dairy sensitivity, but, as Dr. Altmann shares, “If a baby is truly allergic to cow milk protein, they will also be allergic to goat milk protein.” Before making the switch, she recommends working with your pediatrician to be sure it’s the right call for your baby.

Here are a few of our favorite goat milk formulas of 2023

Bubs Australia

Easy-Digest Goat Milk Infant Formula, Stage 1

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$44.78

Aussie Bubs’ infant goat milk formula has received the Clean Label Project’s Purity Award for its commitment to clean ingredients and for being free from pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics and GMOs. Made from milk sourced from goats raised on Australian dairy farms, Aussie Bubs’ goat milk formula contains A2 protein, which is more easily digested by infants than cow’s milk protein.

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Kabrita

Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula 

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$44.99

Kabrita’s Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula is the first and only European and goat milk-based infant formula to meet all FDA requirements in the U.S. Containing a premium fat blend that closely mimics that of breast milk, DHA and ARA for vision and brain development and essential vitamins and minerals for growth and healthy development, Kabrita is a smart choice.

“As a pediatrician, I highly recommend Kabrita’s Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula as a safe and nourishing option for babies during the first year of life,” said Ari Brown, MD, FAAP, chief medical advisor for Kabrita USA, pediatrician, and bestselling author of the Baby 411 series. “Goat milk infant formula has been beloved by parents around the world, and finally parents in the U.S. can feed their babies with a trusted product, based on the highest quality Dutch goat milk that is legally imported to the U.S.”

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Kabrita

Goat Milk Toddler Formula

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$44.99

Specially formulated for little ones between the ages of 12-24 months, Kabrita’s formula is fortified with 24 micronutrients like vitamin D, vitamin C, DHA, and iron in addition to premium Dutch goat milk. It’s a great choice for picky eaters and sensitive tummies and crafted with no GMO ingredients.

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Baby's Only

Goat Milk Toddler Drink

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$22.99

Created for toddlers over the age of 1, Bobbie-owned Baby’s Only Goat Milk Toddler Drink is created without palm oil, corn syrup, GMOs, pesticides or artificial ingredients, and we love the affordable price point.

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Sources: 

He T, Woudstra F, Panzer F, Haandrikman A, Verkade HJ, van Lee L. Goat Milk Based Infant Formula in Newborns: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial on Growth and Safety. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2022;75(2):215-220. doi:10.1097/MPG.0000000000003493

Leong A, Liu Z, Almshawit H, et al. Oligosaccharides in goats’ milk-based infant formula and their prebiotic and anti-infection properties. Br J Nutr. 2019;122(4):441-449. doi:10.1017/S000711451900134X

Stergiadis S, Nørskov NP, Purup S, Givens I, Lee MRF. Comparative Nutrient Profiling of Retail Goat and Cow Milk. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2282. Published 2019 Sep 24. doi:10.3390/nu11102282

A version of this story was originally published on Aug. 16, 2022. It has been updated.