Milk

541 foods contain this ingredient

Protein Dairy allergen group

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About Milk

Milk is a dairy-derived liquid occasionally added to pet foods and treats for its protein, fat, and calcium content.

Milk is used in pet foods and treats as a source of animal protein, fat, lactose (carbohydrate), calcium and flavor, commonly appearing in dairy-based treats, wet formulas or as a processing ingredient. While it provides calcium and energy, many adult dogs and especially cats are lactose intolerant or may have milk-protein allergies so milk can cause diarrhea or vomiting, add extra calories and fat, and raw milk carries pathogen risks—commercial products are typically pasteurized and balanced to limit these issues.

Related ingredients

Cheese Whey Yogurt Butter Camel Milk Casein Cheddar Colostrum Cottage Cheese Cow's Milk Cream Cream Cheese Cultured Milk Cultured Skim Milk Cultured Whey Lactoferrin Lactose Milk Protein Milk Protein Concentrate Natural Butter Flavor Parmesan Parmesan Cheese Skim Milk Sodium Caseinate Sweet Whey Swiss Cheese Whey Product Whey Protein Whey Protein Concentrate Whey Soluble Whole Milk Yak Milk

Derived from: cow or goat dairy
Primary role: protein, fat and calcium source, flavor enhancer

Why it's used

Milk contributes animal protein, energy-dense fat, and calcium, and its taste can make treats or wet foods more palatable to dogs and cats. It appears more often in treat products and small inclusions than as a primary formula component.

Common concerns

Lactose intolerance Dogs and cats produce less lactase after weaning, and VCA Animal Hospitals describes lactose intolerance as a common carbohydrate reaction in dogs, with undigested lactose fermenting in the gut and causing diarrhea, bloating, or vomiting.
Cats more prone to symptoms Veterinary sources report that although both species can be lactose intolerant, cats are more likely than dogs to show digestive upset after drinking milk.
Milk protein allergy Separate from lactose intolerance, some individual dogs and cats can develop an immune reaction to milk proteins themselves, which is addressed through elimination diet trials rather than lactose-free products.

Also relevant

Not every dog or cat reacts the same way, since some retain enough lactase activity into adulthood to tolerate small amounts without issue.

2 sources cited