Whole milk powder

What is whole milk powder?

Whole milk has a water content of around 87.5%. This is reduced to around 3% for powder production (non-free water). Around six to seven liters of milk are required to produce one kilogram of whole milk powder. Whole milk powder is produced from whole milk by drying. Before the drying step, the proportion of dry matter is increased in evaporators. The finished product contains around 26% fat, 25% protein, 38% lactose and 7% milk salts.

What are the benefits of whole milk powder for dogs?

Whole milk powder can have some benefits for dogs when fed in moderation. For example:

• It has a long shelf life and can be used as an emergency ration when fresh milk is not available.
• It is easy to dose and store as it takes up little space and does not need to be refrigerated.
• It can be used as a supplement to the normal diet to meet calcium requirements, which is important for healthy bones and teeth.
• It can be used as a reward or treat to support training or promote well-being.
• It can be used as an ingredient in homemade dog cookies or other snacks to enhance flavor and nutrients.

What are the disadvantages of whole milk powder for dogs?

Whole milk powder can also have some disadvantages for dogs if fed too often or too much. For example:

• It can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea or bloating, as many dogs are lactose intolerant and do not tolerate lactose well.
• It can contribute to overweight or obesity as it contains a lot of calories and stimulates the appetite.
• It can lead to allergies or intolerances as it contains milk protein, which can trigger an immune reaction in some dogs.
• It can lead to deficiency symptoms or metabolic disorders if it displaces other important nutrients in the diet or inhibits their absorption.

How much whole milk powder can a dog be given?

The amount of whole milk powder a dog can be given depends on various factors, such as

• The size and weight of the dog
• The dog's activity and state of health
• The quality and composition of the whole milk powder
• The frequency and duration of feeding
• The dog's tolerance and preference

There is no general recommendation for feeding whole milk powder to dogs, as each dog is individual. You should therefore always consult your vet or a nutritionist before giving your dog whole milk powder. However, as a rule of thumb, whole milk powder should only be fed occasionally and in small amounts to avoid the disadvantages mentioned above. A possible guideline is that a dog should not get more than 10% of its calorie requirements from whole milk powder per day.

How to prepare whole milk powder for dogs?

To prepare whole milk powder for dogs, it must be mixed with water until a milk-like liquid is obtained. The exact amount of water depends on the concentration of the powder, which should be indicated on the packaging. A common mixture is to mix 100 grams of whole milk powder with 800 milliliters of water to obtain one liter of milk. The milk should be brought to room temperature before feeding to facilitate digestion. The milk should not be kept in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours to avoid germ formation.