Buyer protection
Contents
Donkey milk and food supplements are often pitted against each other online, as if the question were which is "better" for the body. This question cannot be answered in that way, because they are two completely different things. Donkey milk is a perfectly normal food, while food supplements are a separate product group subject to specific legal regulations. Here you will learn how they differ.
What food supplements are
Food supplements are also legally classified as food. They are intended to supplement a balanced diet and contain nutrients or other substances in concentrated form. They are typically supplied in a measured dose: capsules, tablets, powder sachets, or drinking ampoules with a specified daily portion.
In Germany, food supplements must be registered with the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety before they are placed on the market for the first time. The packaging must include, among other things, the recommended daily intake and a statement that they are not a substitute for a varied diet.
What donkey milk is
Donkey milk is the milk of donkeys—a food like any other type of milk. It is not bottled in capsules or calculated as a daily dose, but is enjoyed as a drink or ingredient. At DON DONKEY'S, it is available frozen in liquid form and as freeze-dried donkey milk powder. The powder is also not a food supplement, but simply dried milk: 10 g of powder mixed with 90 ml of water yields approximately 100 ml of donkey milk.
Per 100 ml, donkey milk contains approximately 35–45 kcal, 0.3–1.8 g of fat (usually less than 1 g), 1.5–1.9 g of protein, 6–7 g of lactose, and 60–90 mg of calcium. It also naturally contains the proteins lysozyme and lactoferrin.
Differences at a glance
| Feature | Food supplements | Donkey milk |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Food with its own special regulations | Normal food (milk) |
| Form | Dosed: capsules, tablets, ampoules | Liquid or powder to be mixed |
| Composition | Specifically selected substances in a fixed quantity | Natural composition, varying depending on the animal and season |
| Use | According to the recommended daily amount on the packaging | As desired, as a drink or ingredient |
| Labeling | Intake amount, warnings, ingredients | Nutritional values, ingredients, and allergens on the label |
Why a "comparison of effectiveness" is not credible
Many texts present tables in which donkey milk supposedly performs better than food supplements in "defense" or "inflammation." Such comparisons are untenable for two reasons:
- No basis: There is no approved health claim for donkey milk. A factual comparison of effects in the body therefore cannot be made.
- Legal framework: In the EU, food—including food supplements—may only be marketed with tested and approved health claims. Statements such as "more effective for the body" are not permitted for donkey milk.
That is why we do not make such comparisons at DON DONKEY'S. Donkey milk is not a substitute for food supplements, and food supplements are not a substitute for milk. Both serve a completely different purpose.
When you should seek professional advice
Whether you need a food supplement depends on your personal situation. This cannot be answered as a general rule, let alone replaced by a specific food. It is best to discuss this with your doctor or a nutrition professional—especially if you are taking medication, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Regarding donkey milk itself: It contains milk protein and, with approximately 6–7 g per 100 ml, contains more lactose than cow's milk (around 4.7 g). If you have lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy, please consult your doctor about consuming it. Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula for babies.
Donkey milk as it is
Most honestly, you can view donkey milk as a rare food with its own character: mild, slightly sweet, low in fat, and with a long history. A donkey gives approximately 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to what is needed for its foal, and it is milked in small quantities. Those who drink donkey milk do so for the enjoyment of its taste and something special—not as a substitute for a tablet. You can find more about its composition and research topics on our page Donkey Milk in Research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is donkey milk powder a food supplement?
No. Donkey milk powder is freeze-dried donkey milk and is used like milk: 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water yield approximately 100 ml.
Can donkey milk replace food supplements?
No. Both are different product groups. It is best to consult your doctor to determine whether you need a food supplement.
What is "better" for the body?
This question cannot be answered as a general rule. A varied diet is the foundation; individual questions should be addressed by a professional.
Where can I find the nutritional values of donkey milk?
You can find approximate values in this post. The exact information for your product is on the label.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. If you have health-related questions, please consult your doctor.
