Cow’s milk has typically been the most common base for baby formula, but now with goat milk options available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose, as both come with pros and cons, and not all milk is the same.
Today, we will look at the benefits of cow and goat milk formulas, their differences, and talk about the most sought-after European formula brands!
Nutritional Differences Between Goat Milk and Cow Milk Formula
First and foremost, all baby formula must be nutritionally complete, so no matter what you decide, you can trust that your baby will receive all the nutrients they need from cow or goat milk formula. That being said, there are some compositional differences to take note of.
Goat Milk Formula
- Goat milk contains A2 milk proteins, which are the same proteins found in human milk. These proteins are naturally more gentle on tummies and less likely to cause discomfort.
- Goat milk is also an abundant and diverse source of naturally occurring prebiotics similar to those in breast milk, which aid in digestion and support immunity.
- Lastly, goat milk contains more medium- and short-chain fatty acids, which are easier for babies to digest and absorb.
Cow Milk Formula
- Cow milk typically has a combination of A1 and A2 milk proteins, which sensitive tummies may struggle with, as research has found that A1 proteins are more likely to cause inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Cow’s milk is not a valuable source of naturally occurring prebiotics, but some brands compensate for this by adding prebiotics to the milk.
- The long-chain fatty acids in cow milk can be more difficult to digest for some babies.
Is Goat Milk Formula Easier to Digest?
Yes, goat milk is generally considered easier to digest due to its combination of A2 milk proteins, smaller and softer fat globules, natural prebiotics, and short- and medium-chain fatty acids. In fact, some research has shown that babies digest goat’s milk up to two times faster than cow’s milk formula!Although goat’s milk is easier to digest, it is not suitable for babies with cow's milk protein allergies or lactose intolerance. Goat’s milk does contain lactose, and the protein structure is similar enough to cow's milk to produce a crossover reaction.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all baby formula. For many babies, cow’s milk formula is a great option, while others thrive with alternatives like goat's milk. We always recommend consulting your pediatrician about supplemental feeding.
Best Cow & Goat Milk Formula Options
Next, we will explore four of the top European cow and goat milk formula options to help narrow down your search.Holle Cow
Holle is a Swiss brand known and loved for its simple, minimally processed, yet nourishing formulas, which provide babies with a naturally balanced diet. Holle Cow German includes organic skimmed milk, lactose, vegetable oils, plant-based DHA, vitamins, minerals, and complementary carbohydrates in Stages 2 and up.Parents who value clean ingredients can take comfort in the dual organic certifications of Holle cow formula. Not only are the infant and follow-on formulas EU organic certified, but they are also Demeter quality—the world’s strictest organic certification!
Holle cow milk formula is a great choice for babies who tolerate cow’s milk without any tummy troubles, and for parents who prefer strict organic certifications or wish to avoid fish oil.
HiPP Dutch
HiPP baby formula is Europe’s most popular organic formula brand and a true testament to German innovation. HiPP unites breast milk science and natural ingredients to craft recipes that are as close to breast milk as possible.One of their bestsellers is HiPP Dutch Bio Combiotik, an organic cow’s skim milk formula that contains lactose, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and their star ingredients: prebiotics from lactose and probiotics originally derived from real human milk.
This unique HiPP Dutch formula recipe helps to colonize the gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria, thereby supporting digestion, strengthening immunity, encouraging healthy stools, and overall making tummies happy!
HiPP formula is an ideal choice for babies with sensitive stomachs, those born by C-section who missed out on the transfer of beneficial bacteria during natural birth, or those who simply need a little extra immune support.
Holle Goat
Holle goat milk formula features a 100% organic whole goat milk base, supplemented with lactose, plant-based DHA, vitamins, minerals, and palm-free vegetable oils. This creamy formula is a natural source of healthy milk fat, reducing the need for added oils, and is deliciously creamy for babies.Every Holle goat infant and follow-on formula is EU and Demeter organic certified, which is a notable achievement, as Holle is the only brand to produce goat milk formula in Demeter quality.
Holle goat formula is easily tolerated by many babies with sensitive stomachs, is a great choice for parents seeking to avoid palm oil, suits the preferences of parents who prefer whole milk over skim milk, and is suitable for families that do not consume fish products.
Kendamil Goat
Kendamil goat is the only non-organic goat milk formula on our list, but it without a doubt lives up to Kendamil’s legacy of producing non-GMO, premium-quality European milk.The Kendamil goat formula is based on whole milk, all lactose carbs, plant-based essential fatty acids, palm-free vegetable oil, vitamins, and minerals. However, the ingredients that truly set Kendamil goat formula apart are prebiotic GOS, MFGM, and HMOs in the form of 3’-GL (galactosyllactose), which help mimic the natural composition of breast milk more closely.
Kendamil Goat is an excellent choice if you don’t require organic certification but would still prefer to avoid GMOs. This gentle formula is suitable for tummies sensitive to cow’s milk, and is suitable for vegetarian diets.
Cow Milk or Goat Milk? Which One Is Right for Your Baby?
After delving into our top goat and cow milk formula picks, it is clear that neither milk reigns supreme, as both can be good options depending on your family's needs and preferences. To shop or to learn more about the cow and goat formulas we talked about today, head on over to Organic’s Best shop, the leading online store for European baby formulas!At Organic’s Best, enjoy fast, insured express delivery in 2-5 business days, free shipping on orders over $100 USD, and bulk order discounts. Join the over 130,00 families that have happily chosen them to feed their little ones with the best formulas Europe has to offer!
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