Homemade Goat Milk Formula Recipes vs Kabrita Goat Milk Formula

We know making feeding choices can be complicated and all families try to do the best for their baby. And, for those seeking goat milk* sourced formula, it can be even harder. Currently, there are limited options available in the US; as a result, some families may choose to import products from other countries, which don’t meet FDA standards of infant formula, or make their own homemade formula. Read on to learn more about the differences between homemade goat milk formula and Kabrita goat milk formula.

The Gold Standard

Breast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants in their first year of life. And, infant formula is patterned after the nutrients found in breast milk, that is, the protein, fat, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals.
As no animal (cow, goat) or soymilk is able to supply the appropriate levels of nutrients for babies, all formulas must be adapted and enriched to meet their health and developmental needs.

Regulatory Differences between Homemade Goat Milk Formula Recipes and Kabrita Goat Milk Formula

As per the FDA, commercially prepared infant formulas must contain minimum and some maximum amounts of nutrients. Guidelines also determine which ingredients are permitted. All commercially prepared infant formulas sold in the US must go through a clinical trial for safety, growth and tolerance before being sold and/or labeled as infant formula.

While homemade goat milk formula may seem like an all-natural approach to infant feeding, the ingredients and recipes used are unregulated and the preparation environment and human error may lead to contamination of formula.
As per the FDA, the potential problems associated with errors in selecting and combining the ingredients for the formula are very serious and range from severe nutritional imbalances to unsafe products that can harm infants. Because of these potentially very serious health concerns, the FDA does not recommend that consumers make infant formulas at home.

Kabrita Goat Milk Formula is manufactured in a regulated facility, and meets the FDA nutritional requirements for infant formula in the United States but has not undergone the required clinical trial to be marketed as infant formula. The clinical trial to market Kabrita Goat Milk Formula as infant formula is currently in progress.

Kabrita Goat Milk Formula is Suitably Adapted and Enriched

It’s important to remember that goat milk alone is not nutritionally suitable for infants. Its relatively high protein and sodium content can be a burden to small kidneys, and it is also notably low in folate, iron, and vitamins D and B12. Similarly, homemade goat milk formula may provide either too much or too little of these specific nutrients that are critical for baby’s optimal development.

Kabrita Goat Milk Formula is specially formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of growing toddlers and is enriched with 22 vitamins and minerals. Like most toddler formulas, our formula is fortified with higher levels of calcium and phosphorus than standard infant formula.

Furthermore, goat milk contains a whey to casein ratio (these are two of the major protein fractions in milk) of 20:80. Breast milk has a ratio of 60:40. Kabrita Goat Milk Formula is adapted with added whey to bring the ratio closer to that found in breast milk.

Comparing the Fat in Homemade Goat Milk Formula Recipes and Kabrita Goat Milk Formula

Goat milk fat is naturally easy to digest because the fat globules are smaller than those of cow’s milk. And, goat milk fat is rich in beneficial short- and medium-chain fatty acids.

While favorable, the fatty acid profile of goat milk does not mimic the profile found in breast milk. As a result, homemade goat milk formula may fall short when it comes to its fatty acid profile. Kabrita Goat Milk Formula uses an OPO fat blend with beta palmitate, designed to mimic the fats found in breast milk.

The chart below summarizes what you will find in Kabrita Goat Milk Formula.

Ultimately, every baby and every situation is unique. Your healthcare professional is the best resource to guide your feeding decisions. If you are interested in goat milk formula, we suggest you take this information to your healthcare provider and discuss feeding choices together in order to make an informed decision.

*Not suitable for children with cow milk protein allergy

Kabrita is dedicated to helping parents navigate their child’s nutritional journey. Please visit our blog for additional product and nutritional information.

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