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Donkey milk is a food and not a special product for children. If you are considering whether donkey milk is right for your family's diet, you should first know its composition: low in fat, relatively low in protein, and rather high in lactose. For children, the following also applies: speak to your pediatrician first.
What is in donkey milk?
Donkey milk is the milk of donkeys. It is naturally thin and has a mild, slightly sweet taste. Every 100 ml contains approximately:
- Energy: around 35–45 kcal
- Fat: about 0.3–1.8 g, usually less than 1 g
- Protein: about 1.5–1.9 g
- Lactose (milk sugar): about 6–7 g
- Calcium: about 60–90 mg
Donkey milk also naturally contains the proteins lysozyme and lactoferrin. These are ingredients found in milk. We mention them here only to fully describe the composition – not as a promise of a specific function in the body. You can find more details in the article Donkey Milk Ingredients and Nutritional Values.
Donkey Milk and Cow's Milk Compared
Many parents know the values for cow's milk. A comparison makes it clear how different the compositions of the two types of milk are. The figures are guidelines per 100 ml and are subject to natural variations.
| Per 100 ml (approx.) | Donkey milk | Cow's milk (whole milk) |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | 0.3–1.8 g | 3.5 g |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g | 3.3 g |
| Lactose | 6–7 g | 4.7 g |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg | 120 mg |
Donkey milk is therefore significantly lower in fat and protein than whole milk. Its lactose content is rather higher. It contains calcium, but in a smaller amount. Donkey milk is therefore not a "better" or "worse" drink, but simply different. You can read a detailed comparison in Donkey Milk or Cow's Milk: the Differences.
Lactose and Milk Protein: What Parents Should Know
You often read online that donkey milk is suitable for children with milk intolerance. This is not true as a general rule. Donkey milk contains milk protein and lactose – about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml. This is rather more than cow's milk.
- If your child has lactose intolerance, donkey milk is not a low-lactose alternative.
- If your child has a milk protein allergy, please consult your doctor to find out whether and what type of milk is suitable.
- If you are unsure whether your child tolerates milk, speak to your pediatrician first.
The article Which Milk Contains How Much Lactose? shows how different types of milk differ in their lactose content.
Why We Do Not Promise "Benefits for Children"
In the EU, food may only be marketed with health claims if they have been expressly approved. There is no such approval for donkey milk. That is why we do not promise that donkey milk affects your child's growth, development, or well-being.
We also consider this to be correct in terms of content. Children's nutrition comes from many foods throughout the day. A single product does not determine this. Donkey milk can be a variation in the diet – nothing more and nothing less.
Important: No Substitute for Breast Milk or Infant Formula
Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. We do not recommend it for infants. Babies need breast milk or infant formula that is formulated for their age. For older children, the following applies: before offering donkey milk, speak to your pediatrician. This is especially important if an intolerance or allergy is already known.
If Donkey Milk Is Drunk in the Family
If donkey milk is suitable for your family after consulting your doctor, a few practical tips can help in everyday life:
- Follow the storage and preparation instructions on the label.
- Store frozen donkey milk at −18 °C. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C.
- You will always find the ingredients and allergens on the label.
The article What Does Donkey Milk Taste Like? describes how donkey milk tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Donkey Milk Suitable for Children?
Donkey milk is a normal food containing milk protein and lactose. It is best to clarify with your pediatrician whether it is suitable for your child – especially in cases of known intolerances.
Does Donkey Milk Contain Less Lactose Than Cow's Milk?
No. Donkey milk contains about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml, while cow's milk contains about 4.7 g. Donkey milk therefore has a rather higher content.
Can I Give Donkey Milk to My Baby?
Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. We do not recommend it for infants.
Why Do You Not Mention Any Benefits for Children?
Because no health claims have been approved for donkey milk, and we only say what can be factually proven: its composition.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. If you have any health-related questions, please contact your doctor.
