Goat Milk Formula for Babies: Benefits, Risks & Best Brands (2026)
Everything you need to know about goat milk formula as an alternative to cow's milk.
Key Facts About Goat Milk Formula
NOT for milk allergies: Goat milk protein is similar to cow's milk — most allergic babies will react
Best brands: Kabrita (toddler only in US), Kendamil Goat, Holle Goat
Potential benefits: Smaller fat globules, softer curds, some find easier to digest
Bottom line: A valid alternative for preference, not for medical reasons
What is Goat Milk Formula?
Goat milk formula is infant formula made with goat's milk as the protein and fat source instead of cow's milk. Like cow's milk formula, it must be:
- Fortified with iron, vitamins, and minerals
- Modified to be appropriate for infant nutrition
- FDA-regulated (in the US) or EU-regulated (in Europe)
Important: Plain goat milk is NOT safe for infants. Only use properly formulated goat milk infant formula.
Benefits of Goat Milk Formula
1. Easier Digestion (Possibly)
- Smaller fat globules — May be easier to break down
- Softer curd formation — Less dense clumps in stomach
- Different protein structure — More A2 beta-casein
Reality check: While these properties exist, scientific evidence that goat milk formula is significantly easier to digest is limited.
2. Naturally Contains Some Prebiotics
Goat milk naturally has more oligosaccharides than cow's milk, similar to HMOs in breast milk. These may support gut health.
3. Different Fat Profile
Goat milk fat contains more medium-chain fatty acids, which may be absorbed more easily.
4. Preference/Philosophy
Some parents prefer goat milk for dietary philosophy reasons or because of perceived naturalness.
Disadvantages of Goat Milk Formula
1. NOT for Milk Allergy
Critical warning: Goat milk formula should NOT be used for babies with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA).
- Goat and cow milk proteins are 80-90% similar
- Most babies with CMPA will also react to goat milk
- For allergies, use hypoallergenic formula (Nutramigen, Alimentum)
2. Higher Cost
Goat milk formula typically costs 20-40% more than equivalent cow's milk formula.
3. Limited Availability
- Fewer brands to choose from
- May not be available at all stores
- Kabrita only approved as "toddler formula" in US
4. Not WIC-Eligible
Goat milk formulas are typically not covered by WIC programs.
5. Limited Research
Less clinical research compared to cow's milk formula, which has decades of study.
Goat Milk Formula Brands (2026)
Kendamil Goat — Best US Option
| Age Range | 0-12 months (FDA-registered) |
| Protein | Whole goat milk |
| Key Features | No palm oil, no corn syrup, no maltodextrin |
| Price | ~$42 per can |
| Where to Buy | Target, Amazon |
Our take: Best option for infants in the US since it's FDA-registered for birth to 12 months.
Kabrita — Most Popular (Toddler Only in US)
| Age Range | 12-24 months (US); 0-12 months (Europe) |
| Protein | Goat milk whey and casein |
| Key Features | No added palm oil, prebiotics |
| Price | ~$35 per can |
| Where to Buy | Kabrita website, Amazon, Target |
Important: In the US, Kabrita is only marketed as toddler formula (12+ months). For infant goat formula, consider Kendamil Goat or imported European brands.
Holle Goat — European Import
| Age Range | 0-12 months (Stage 1, 2, 3) |
| Certification | Demeter biodynamic |
| Key Features | Organic, minimal processing |
| Price | ~$40-50 per box |
| Where to Buy | OrganicStart, MyOrganicCompany |
Note: Not FDA-registered; import at your own discretion.
Goat Milk vs Cow Milk Formula Comparison
| Feature | Goat Milk | Cow Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Protein similarity to breast milk | Similar | Similar |
| Fat globule size | Smaller | Larger |
| Curd softness | Softer | Firmer |
| A2 beta-casein | Higher | Lower (most brands) |
| Natural oligosaccharides | More | Less |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Availability | Limited | Widespread |
| Safe for CMPA | No | No (need hypoallergenic) |
Is Goat Milk Formula Good for Babies?
When Goat Milk Formula Makes Sense
- You prefer goat milk for dietary or philosophical reasons
- Baby seems to tolerate goat milk better (not due to allergy)
- You want to avoid cow's milk specifically
- Family history of issues with cow's milk (not allergy)
When Goat Milk Formula Doesn't Make Sense
- Milk protein allergy — Use hypoallergenic formula instead
- Budget constraints — Cow's milk formula is more affordable
- Availability concerns — May be hard to find consistently
Frequently Asked Questions
Is goat milk formula easier to digest?
Possibly. The smaller fat globules and softer curds may be easier on some babies' digestion. However, clinical evidence is limited, and many babies do fine on cow's milk formula.
Can I give my baby plain goat milk?
No. Plain goat milk is NOT nutritionally complete for infants. It lacks proper iron, folic acid, and vitamin levels. Only use properly formulated goat milk infant formula.
Is goat milk formula better for eczema?
Not necessarily. If eczema is caused by milk protein allergy, goat milk will likely cause the same reaction. See a pediatrician for proper diagnosis and consider hypoallergenic formula.
Does goat milk formula taste different?
Goat milk has a slightly different taste (some describe it as "tangier"), but most babies accept it fine, especially if introduced early.
Can I switch from cow milk to goat milk formula?
Yes, you can switch. Consider a gradual transition over 3-5 days if your baby is sensitive to changes.
Compare Goat Milk Formulas
See detailed comparisons of Kendamil Goat vs Kabrita vs Holle.
Compare Formulas