Buyer protection
Contents
Donkey milk is a food and not a remedy for pertussis or other respiratory illnesses. Pertussis and persistent cough require medical treatment—especially in infants and children. What can be said objectively concerns the history of donkey milk as a traditional remedy and its composition as a food. We address both here.
Coughing requires medical attention
Pertussis is a serious illness. A cough that persists for a long time, worsens, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, fever, or exhaustion should also be checked by a doctor. This applies to infants and young children without exception and without waiting.
A food cannot replace this medical assessment. That is why we do not recommend using donkey milk for a cough in this article. On the contrary, we want to make it clear: Anyone who is coughing, especially a child, needs medical advice—not home remedies from the internet.
Especially with children, it is understandable that parents look for something they can do themselves. A timely call to the pediatrician’s office is more sensible than any research. There, they can assess how urgent an examination is and what to do at home. Outside of office hours, there are on-call medical services. In case of shortness of breath or very poor general health, call emergency services immediately.
Donkey milk and children: what you need to know
Earlier versions of this article also covered children. Today, our position on this is clear:
- Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. We do not recommend it for babies.
- Before a child has donkey milk, please speak with your pediatrician.
- Donkey milk contains milk protein and lactose. If there is a known or suspected milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, a medical assessment is necessary.
The same applies during pregnancy and breastfeeding: discuss dietary questions with your doctor.
What tradition tells us
According to tradition, donkey milk appears in folk home remedy traditions in various regions, sometimes in connection with the cold season. Such traditions are a part of cultural history. They are based on the ideas of their time, not on verifiable studies.
Therefore, a tradition cannot be used to infer that donkey milk has an effect on coughing or respiratory illnesses. We only mention it because many people are looking for exactly that—and we want to provide an honest assessment. Unfortunately, earlier versions of this article did not separate this clearly enough. That is why we have completely rewritten the text.
What donkey milk is as a food
Donkey milk is the milk of donkeys. In addition to the needs of her foal, a donkey produces only about 1–2 liters per day. Because it is milked by hand or in small quantities, donkey milk is rare and expensive.
| Nutritional value | 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 |
With about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml, donkey milk contains more milk sugar than cow’s milk (around 4.7 g). It also naturally contains lysozyme and lactoferrin, which we list exclusively as ingredients.
The values vary depending on the animal, feeding, and season. They should therefore be understood as guidelines. You will always find the ingredients and allergens on the label. If donkey milk is an option for you as an adult, the instructions on the label apply to storage and preparation.
How research views donkey milk
Donkey milk is primarily studied scientifically for its composition—that is, its proteins, fat content, and natural ingredients. Such studies describe the food. They do not provide a basis for statements about the treatment of respiratory illnesses. You can find a general overview on our page Donkey milk in research.
Frequently asked questions
Is donkey milk a home remedy for pertussis?
No. Donkey milk is a food. Foods do not treat illnesses. For pertussis or a persistent cough, please contact your doctor.
Can I give my baby donkey milk?
Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. We do not recommend it for babies. Please speak with your pediatrician.
Why is donkey milk associated with coughing?
Primarily because of old traditions from folk home remedy traditions in various regions. These are culturally and historically interesting, but they do not prove any effects.
Does donkey milk contain allergens?
Yes. Donkey milk contains milk protein and lactose. You will find the exact information on the label.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. For health questions, please contact your doctor.
