If your child is experiencing sensitivities to cow milk formula, it can result in worrying symptoms like digestive problems or skin rashes.

Fortunately, there are alternative milk formulas that can meet all your baby’s nutritional needs without the uncomfortable irritations.

Goat milk formula is a common substitute and will be the focus of this article. But just like cow’s milk formula, it may not be for every child.

To help you see whether it might be a good choice for your needs, we’ll be explaining all you need to know about goat milk — including both the advantages and disadvantages.

This way, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether it’s right for your child.

We’ll also be reviewing a popular goat milk formula brand, Kabrita, and what they offer as well as what customers have to say about their products.

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Is Goat Milk Formula Better than Cow’s Milk Formula?

Whether goat or cow milk formula is better for your baby depends on how you’re comparing them. 

Nutritionally, goat’s milk and cow’s milk are similar. Two scientific studies have indicated equally healthy growth and development of children who are either fed goat milk formula or cow’s milk formula. [1, 2]

But some studies have shown that goat milk may be slightly more beneficial than cow’s milk in certain areas. For example, it has lesser allergens, is closer to the nutritional profile of breast milk in certain respects, and is more easily digestible. [3, 4, 5] 

Is Goat Milk Formula Better for Babies with Allergies?

Goat milk is not likely to be a good choice if your baby has been identified by a pediatrician as having a cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). [7] 

This is because goat milk proteins (while different) are similar to cow’s milk, and your child’s immune system may still identify it as a cow milk protein — causing an allergic reaction. 

However, if your baby has a sensitivity (not allergy) to cow’s milk, goat milk formula may be a gentler alternative. 

Below is a quick explanation of how to distinguish between cow milk allergies and sensitivities. But it’s essential to consult your pediatrician to confirm whether your baby has CMPA or a cow milk sensitivity. They may also perform the appropriate tests to properly diagnose your child: 

Allergies: This happens when specific milk proteins trigger a response from your immune system. It sees it as harmful and reacts by producing antibodies to fight it. Symptoms are usually moderate to intensive and include swelling at the mouth, vomiting, trouble swallowing, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. [6]

Sensitivities/intolerance: In these cases, symptoms are usually mild to moderate and usually digestive related — where the body is unable to process some aspect of the cow’s milk (e.g. it could be fat or protein). Symptoms include things like: constipation, cramping, diarrhea, and bloating. But some children may also experience rashes, eczema, or ear infections. 

Is Goat Milk Formula Better for Babies with Lactose Intolerance?

If your baby is lactose intolerant, goat milk formula will not likely be an option for you. 

This is because lactose is also present in goat milk. 

The good news is, it’s rare for children under five years of age to show signs of lactose intolerance — as breast milk is also a natural source of lactose. [7] 

Another thing to note is that CMPA is often confused with lactose intolerance, but the two are different. 

CMPA is an immune response to the proteins in cow’s milk. While lactose intolerance involves the body’s inability to digest the lactose sugars present in many different kinds of milk. [8]

If you’re unsure if your baby has an allergy or sensitivity and you’re not sure exactly what’s causing it, always consult your pediatrician or child health provider before choosing the right formula for your child. 

What Is Kabrita?

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Kabrita sells various Dutch goat milk-based products, from infant formulas to follow-on milk for toddlers.

Their formulas contain goat milk and essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, and C.

A number of parents found Kabrita’s formulas to be gentle on their babies’ and toddlers’ tummies. Many parents also said their children enjoyed the taste of Kabrita products!

If you’re looking for an alternative to cow’s milk-based formulas, it’s worth exploring Kabrita’s range.

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Additional Things to Keep in Mind

It’s important to remember that fresh cow or goat milk is not suitable for infants under 1 year old.  

Children this age need specially formulated infant formula to meet their nutritional needs, like the ones Kabrita offer.

When in doubt, always check with your pediatrician before selecting an appropriate formula for your child.

Kabrita Review

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Kabrita’s Story

Kabrita is a part of Ausnutria, a company that creates formulas based on goat and cow’s milk. The brand has been around for more than 100 years, providing everything from milk to butter through their Dutch-based facilities. 

Today, the company aims to help more parents around the world access nutritious formula and food for their babies and children. The USA division of Kabrita has a focus on social causes as well — for example they donate baby food to children living in poverty.

Is Goat’s Milk Closest to Breast Milk?

These days, cow’s milk products are usually the go-to choice for parents seeking an alternative to breast milk. 

However, studies show that goat’s milk actually has more similarities with human breast milk, specifically when it comes to the amount of natural prebiotic oligosaccharides. [9]

These essential properties have been shown to support the development of healthy gut bacteria in babies, helping them fight infections and prevent issues like diarrhea caused by E.coli. [9]

Goat milk has also been shown to improve the absorption rate of certain nutrients over cow’s milk. One study revealed that goat milk increased the absorption of iron, magnesium, calcium, and several other important minerals. [10]

Benefits of Kabrita

Kabrita infant formula and toddler follow-on milks may be a good option to consider for parents who notice cow’s milk sensitivity in their children. 

But it is also suitable for any parent looking for a supplement or alternative to breastmilk (even if your child does not have cow milk sensitivities). 

Here are some of the key benefits of Kabrita formulas over other formulas on the market:

1. Gentle on the stomach: goat milk tends to be easy to digest and prevents discomfort. 
2. Contains omega fatty acids DHA and AA: these nutrients are key for developing vision in babies 12 months and younger.
3. Contains nucleotides: These nutrients are a key component in the development of DNA and producing healthy protein.
4. Has prebiotic fiber: Galacto-OligoSaccharides (GOS) contribute to healthy bowel function. [11]
5. Includes 22 vitamins and minerals: As prescribed by law for all formulas and follow-on milks, Kabrita contains vitamins and minerals like vitamins C and D, and calcium. 
6. Free from metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium: The company monitors its products to ensure they are free of these heavy metals. 

Nutritional Components of Kabrita

Kabrita products will vary in nutritional components depending on the formula you purchase. Here are a few of the key nutrients you’ll find in Kabrita’s toddler formula. [12]

• AA and DHA
• Vitamins A, D3, E, K1, C, and B1, 2, 6, and 12
• Folic Acid
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Iron
• Zinc
• Selenium

Who Kabrita Is Best For?

Kabrita is a goat milk formula that is best for babies and toddlers who need an alternative to cow’s milk — or for children transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. 

Goat milk formula may be a suitable alternative for children with cow milk sensitivities as it contains fewer allergens and is easier to digest. 

Kabrita infant formulas are best for babies from birth to six months, while their toddler follow-on milk is designed for children from 12 to 24 months old. 

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How It Works

You can purchase their powdered formula from Kabrita’s website. The company also has a selection box, individual products, and cases for families who enjoy the products and prefer to buy in bulk. 

Simply choose the products you want to buy, and Kabrita will ship them to your home. 

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Unique Extras that Kabrita Offers

In addition to infant and toddler formulas, Kabrita offers other products like snack puffs and goat milk porridge that you may want to try. These products aim to support healthy digestion with wholesome, natural ingredients.

For parents in the US who want to explore these products for toddlers, Kabrita has a free trial offer available. They will send you a sample pack of their products, worth $50, which you can try for free. You only have to pay $4.99 for postage and handling.

If Kabrita seems like it could be a good fit for your child, the trial is a risk-free way to try out their products before making your decision.

Kabrita Reviews from Customers

Kabrita’s toddler formula scored an average of 4.83 out of 5 stars from a total of 1,360 reviews across two independent platforms (Influenster and Amazon).

Here’s a summary of what positive things several parents had to say about the toddler follow-on milk:

• Some saw fewer digestive issues (like constipation and gassiness) as it was easier to process than cow’s milk-based products.
• It also helped with other sensitivities like eczema for some children. 
• Many children enjoyed the taste.
• Several parents also liked the high-quality ingredients and lack of GMOs.
• The added nutrients reassured many parents that they were meeting their children’s nutritional needs. 

The higher price point of Kabrita products was a negative for some parents. But overall, many felt that it was worth it due to their child’s cow’s milk sensitivities, and the quality of the ingredients. 

Some also disliked the use of palm oil (for environmental reasons), and there were a small handful of children who did not enjoy the product’s taste which is expected with any product.

The majority of reviews stated that it was surprisingly mild-tasting and that their children were happy with it.

Pros of Kabrita from Customer Reviews 

• Mild taste and smell
• Eases cow’s milk sensitivity symptoms like constipation and eczema
• Added nutrients to provide complete nutritional needs
• Non-GMO ingredients 
• Helps with the transition from breast milk
• Easy to mix

Cons of Kabrita from Customer Reviews

• Higher price point than other options
• Contains palm oil
• Can be harder to find in stores, although it can be ordered online.

Here’s a look at some reviews from real customers:

Is Kabrita Good for Babies?

Based on our research, Kabrita offers babies and toddlers a nutritionally complete alternative or supplement to breast milk. We like the added benefit that the goat milk base is easier to digest than cow’s milk. And this can make the transition from breastmilk to formula easier for some babies. 

In terms of babies with cow milk sensitivities (not to be confused with allergies), Kabrita is often a good alternative because goat milk has fewer allergens and is easier to digest. 

Some reviewers who have tried the toddler follow-on milk verified that it did help to ease symptoms like eczema rashes and digestive issues in their children. 

Note that if your baby has cow milk protein allergies, goat milk formula will not be a good substitute. This is because goat milk proteins are similar to those found in cow’s milk. 

The taste of goat milk is often a concern for parents, but this didn’t seem to be an issue for many children that tried Kabrita. We found many reports saying that the taste is mild and even pleasant. 

The main disadvantage of Kabrita for many parents is that it’s on the more expensive side when compared to other baby formulas.

But even so, many still concluded that it was worth it because of the nutritional benefits (for example, Kabrita has no GMO ingredients and high levels of prebiotics) and how it’s gentler on young tummies. 

If you do decide that Kabrita is a brand that you’d like to try, it’s always best to consult your pediatrician first to verify that nutritional content is suited to your baby’s needs. 

Once you’re given the OK from your doctor, you can always request a free trial pack to test if it’s right for your child (the trial pack is for US customers only).

We hope that this article has given you some insights into the benefits of goat milk formula and that you find the best option for your baby!

Kabrita FAQs

Can infants have Kabrita?

Yes, infants can have Kabrita’s infant formula if it meets their specific dietary needs. But it’s always important to check with your pediatrician before transitioning to any new formula.

Does Kabrita have heavy metals?

No, the company monitors their products and says they are free of metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium. [13]

Is Kabrita FDA approved?

Yes, goat milk formulas in the United States must comply with FDA regulations.

Is Kabrita safe?

Yes, Kabrita is safe for your baby or toddler as long as it is appropriate for their specific dietary needs and age. Always consult your pediatrician before introducing a new formula to your child. 

Is Kabrita formula good?

Yes, Kabrita is good as a supplement or alternative to breastmilk. But it may also be a good substitute for cow’s milk formula for babies that experience sensitivities to cow’s milk. 

Many parents also say that Kabrita formula is mild on the stomach and has a taste and smell that their children enjoy. 

Is Kabrita formula organic?

No, Kabrita baby and toddler formulas are not organic. But they contain non-GMO ingredients and are made in the Netherlands so they are produced to strict European food-production standards. 

What age range is Kabrita for?

Kabrita infant products are for infants and babies from birth to six months old, while their follow-on milk is for children from six to 12 months old. 

Does Kabrita contain lactose?

Yes, Kabrita formulas contain lactose. 

Does Kabrita have a strong goat milk taste?

No, Kabrita customers say their products have a mild taste and smell. 

Is Kabrita similar to breast milk?

Kabrita states that breastfeeding offers the ideal nutrition for babies. But their products aim to provide a healthy and natural alternative. 

Is it worth switching to goat milk?

Yes, it is worth switching to goat milk if you and your pediatrician determine this is the best alternative for feeding your child.

Does goat milk have DHA?

Yes, goat milk contains DHA an omega-3 fatty acid.

Why is goat milk not recommended for infants?

Homemade or fresh goat milk is not recommended for infants because it lacks some of the key nutrients that they need — and neither is fresh cow’s milk.

However, specially made formulas like Kabrita are suitable for babies and are fortified with those ingredients that meet their nourishment requirements to grow.