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Donkey milk is not an alternative to breast milk. We do not recommend it for infants – it replaces neither breast milk nor infant formula. Nevertheless, the comparison keeps coming up. Here you will learn where it comes from, what is historically handed down, and why it is no longer a basis for feeding babies today.
Where the comparison with breast milk comes from
Donkey milk differs significantly from cow milk: It is lower in fat, contains less protein, and tends to have more lactose. Because of these differences from cow milk, donkey milk is often compared to breast milk in articles.
However, such a comparison falls short. For the nutrition of a baby, the complete composition counts – not individual values that happen to be in a similar range. That is why we do not use this comparison as an argument and also advise against using donkey milk for infants on this basis.
Donkey milk in history
Donkey milk has a long cultural history. According to tradition, Cleopatra is said to have bathed in donkey milk. Hippocrates is also traditionally associated with donkey milk. And in earlier centuries, donkey milk was also used in parts of Europe, according to tradition, when a mother could not breastfeed.
These stories show how important donkey milk was in the past. However, they are no evidence and no recommendation for today. At that time, there was neither today's knowledge about infant nutrition nor regulated infant formula. Who mixes history and the present easily draws wrong conclusions.
What applies to infants today
Today, the situation is clear: Infants are fed with breast milk or with infant formula, whose composition is subject to its own strict guidelines in the EU. Donkey milk is an ordinary food and is not formulated for this purpose.
- Donkey milk is very low in fat – usually less than 1 g of fat per 100 ml.
- It contains milk protein and about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml.
- It is not enriched with the nutrients that infant formula is required to contain.
If breastfeeding is not possible or your baby does not tolerate something, the pediatrician is the right person to contact – not an online shop.
What donkey milk actually is
Donkey milk is the milk of donkeys. A donkey gives about 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to providing for its foal. It is milked by hand or in small quantities. That is why donkey milk is rare and comparatively expensive. Per 100 ml, it contains about:
| Nutrient | Per 100 ml (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 35–45 kcal |
| Fat | 0.3–1.8 g (usually less than 1 g) |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g |
| Lactose | 6–7 g |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg |
In addition, donkey milk naturally contains lysozyme and lactoferrin. We mention these ingredients for descriptive purposes, not as a promise of efficacy. Find out more in the post Ingredients and nutritional values of donkey milk.
What research is investigating
Donkey milk is being scientifically investigated primarily because of its composition. You can find an overview of the topics of this research on the page Donkey milk and research. This overview is for informational purposes. It is not a recommendation to use donkey milk for infants.
Why we rewrote this post
Previously, there was a text here that described donkey milk as an alternative to breast milk. That was misleading. We completely revised the post because there must be no ambiguities when it comes to feeding babies. Donkey milk is a special food for adults – it is not intended for infants.
If you are interested in donkey milk
For adults, donkey milk is a special food with a mild, slightly sweet taste. It is rare because a donkey only gives small amounts of milk in addition to providing for its foal. Anyone interested in cultural history will find donkey milk an exciting topic – from ancient traditions to today's cuisine. How donkey milk tastes, you can read in the post How does donkey milk taste?
Frequently asked questions
Is donkey milk an alternative to breast milk?
No. Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. We do not recommend it for infants.
Was donkey milk used for babies in the past?
According to tradition, yes, in earlier centuries. This is a historical reference and not a recommendation for today.
What to do if breastfeeding does not work?
Please speak with your midwife, your doctor, or the pediatrician. There you will get support and a suitable recommendation.
Is donkey milk an option for babies with cow milk intolerance?
Donkey milk also contains milk protein and lactose. In case of intolerances, the pediatrician decides on the nutrition.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. If you have health questions, please contact your doctor.
