Raw milk and kefir are popular additions to the bowls of raw-fed dogs and cats. If you're curious about offering some to your pet, here's a sensible, no-hype guide.
Talk to your vet first
Every animal is different. Before changing your pet's diet — especially for puppies, kittens, elderly or unwell animals — check with your vet. This article is general information, not veterinary advice, and we make no health claims.
Why raw-feeders use it
Owners who feed a raw or natural diet often like raw milk and kefir as a whole, minimally processed food that many pets simply enjoy. Some use it as a tasty topper to encourage fussy eaters, or as a base for "pupsicles" in summer.
Start small and go slow
As with any new food, introduce it gradually:
- Begin with a small amount — a spoonful for a cat or small dog, a little more for a large breed.
- Offer it once and watch for any digestive upset over the next day.
- If all is well, build up slowly. If not, stop and consult your vet.
A note on lactose
Many adult cats and dogs have limited ability to digest lactose, which can cause tummy upset. Interestingly, fermented options like kefir are lower in lactose because the cultures consume much of the milk sugar during fermentation — which is why some owners prefer it. Start small either way and let your pet's digestion be your guide.
Simple ways to serve it
- As a topper: a splash over their usual food.
- Frozen treats: freeze kefir or milk in an ice-cube tray for a summer treat.
- In a lick mat: a thin layer of kefir keeps dogs happily occupied.
Keep it fresh
Store it just as you would for yourself — cold, below 4°C, and used by the date on the bottle. See how to store raw milk.
Our grass-fed organic raw milk and kefir are delivered fresh across East Sussex and the UK.
Taste real raw milk
We deliver living, grass-fed organic raw milk across East Sussex and UK-wide.