Is Drinking Donkey Milk Good for Health? Benefits, Risks, and Comparison

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

Used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes since ancient times by figures like Hippocrates and Cleopatra, donkey milk has a long history, but modern science is just beginning to confirm its potential benefits. Given its unique nutritional composition, many are asking: is drinking donkey milk good for health?

Quick Summary

Donkey milk is a nutrient-rich and highly digestible alternative to cow milk, particularly beneficial for those with cow milk protein allergies due to its low casein content. It also contains bioactive compounds that offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. However, it is expensive, hard to find, and raw consumption carries significant risks of bacterial contamination.

Key Points

Hypoallergenic Alternative: Donkey milk is often tolerated by individuals with cow milk protein allergies (CMPA) due to its low casein content.
Rich in Whey Protein: A high whey protein content makes it easily digestible and provides antimicrobial properties through components like lactoferrin and lysozyme.
Boosts Immunity: Bioactive compounds in the milk stimulate the immune system, contributing to enhanced defense against pathogens.
Low Fat, Heart Healthy: Its significantly lower fat and cholesterol content compared to cow's milk benefits cardiovascular health.
Raw Milk Risk: Raw donkey milk is dangerous and can contain harmful bacteria; it must be pasteurized before consumption.
Expensive and Scarce: Donkeys produce a small amount of milk, leading to high cost and limited commercial availability.

The Nutritional Profile of Donkey Milk

Donkey milk stands out for its unique nutritional makeup, which bears a striking resemblance to human breast milk, making it a viable alternative for infants with certain allergies. Key nutritional features include:

High Whey Protein Content: A high ratio of whey protein to casein protein makes it easier to digest for many individuals.
Low Fat: The fat content is significantly lower than cow's milk, which can be advantageous for cardiovascular health.
Rich in Lactose: High lactose levels, similar to human milk, aid in the intestinal absorption of calcium, which is crucial for bone health.
Vitamin Powerhouse: Donkey milk is a good source of various vitamins, notably containing substantially more Vitamin C than cow's milk, along with Vitamins A, D, and E.
Mineral Rich: It provides essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.

Proven and Potential Health Benefits

Beyond its fundamental nutritional value, research has identified several promising health benefits associated with donkey milk consumption, although more studies are needed to fully understand all potential therapeutic effects.

Improved Digestibility and Allergy Tolerance

For infants and children with Cow Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA), donkey milk offers a hypoallergenic alternative. The allergenic potential of donkey milk is significantly lower than cow's milk primarily due to its lower casein content. Studies show that many children with CMPA can tolerate donkey milk without adverse reactions, promoting normal weight and height gain. The high ratio of whey to casein also aids in easier digestion compared to cow's milk.

Immune System Support and Antimicrobial Properties

Donkey milk is packed with bioactive peptides and proteins like lactoferrin and lysozyme, which contribute to its powerful antimicrobial and immune-boosting capabilities. Lactoferrin helps fight infections by sequestering iron, which is essential for bacterial growth, while lysozyme works by breaking down bacterial cell walls. Research has shown that these compounds can help inhibit the growth of various pathogens, including E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Several compounds in donkey milk demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. These help protect the body's cells from oxidative damage, a process that contributes to aging and various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. The presence of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, along with antioxidant peptides, enhances the body's ability to neutralize free radicals. Some studies suggest potential benefits for inflammatory skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.

Potential for Cardiovascular and Diabetic Health

The low fat and cholesterol content, combined with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (including omega-3 and omega-6), make donkey milk a heart-friendly option. It has been shown to potentially help lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels in animal studies. Furthermore, its high whey protein content might improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, suggesting a potential role in managing type II diabetes.

Donkey Milk vs. Cow Milk: A Comparison


Feature	Donkey Milk	Cow Milk
Fat Content	Very Low (0.3-1.8g/100g)	Higher (3.5-3.9g/100g)
Protein Content	Low (1.5-1.8g/100g)	High (3.1-3.8g/100g)
Casein:Whey Ratio	Closer to human milk (less casein)	Higher casein, major allergen
Lactose	High (5.8-7.4g/100g), similar to human milk	Lower (4.4-4.9g/100g)
Vitamin C	High, significantly more than cow's milk	Lower
Digestibility	Highly digestible due to low casein	Difficult for some to digest (allergies, lactose)
Availability	Very limited, often specialty item	Widely available
Cost	Extremely expensive	Inexpensive, affordable

Risks and Safety Precautions

While the potential benefits are impressive, there are serious considerations and risks associated with donkey milk, especially regarding unpasteurized consumption and its high cost.

Raw Milk Safety Hazards

Like any raw animal milk, unpasteurized donkey milk poses a significant risk of foodborne illness. It can harbor dangerous pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter, which can cause severe illness, hospitalization, or even death, particularly in vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises against consuming raw milk. For donkey milk to be safe, it must be properly pasteurized. Additionally, chemical contaminants such as heavy metals and mycotoxins have been detected in some raw donkey milk samples, emphasizing the need for stringent quality controls.

High Cost and Limited Availability

One of the biggest practical hurdles is the cost and limited availability of donkey milk. Donkeys produce significantly less milk than cows, making the milking process more labor-intensive and costly. This leads to a very high price point for both liquid and powdered forms, making it inaccessible for the average consumer. The market is also still developing, with a lack of standardized production methods and regulations in many regions.

Lactose Content

Despite being a good alternative for those with cow milk protein allergies, donkey milk is still high in lactose. This means it is not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, who may experience digestive discomfort after consumption.

Conclusion: Is Drinking Donkey Milk Good for Health?

Emerging research suggests that donkey milk possesses a compelling nutritional profile with several potential health benefits, particularly for individuals with allergies to cow milk protein. Its rich content of whey proteins and other bioactive compounds offers antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory effects. However, these promising attributes must be weighed against significant practical and safety concerns. The extremely high cost, limited availability, and potential for bacterial contamination in unpasteurized form make it a non-viable option for most people. For safe consumption, donkey milk must be pasteurized, and consumers should be aware of its high lactose content. While not a miracle cure, donkey milk may serve as a valuable alternative for a niche market under strict safety protocols. More extensive clinical research is still required to confirm the full scope of its therapeutic properties and to establish standardized production practices for the wider market. For those interested in exploring its potential benefits further, a detailed review of the current scientific evidence can be found in publications like this one from Frontiers in Nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, several studies indicate that donkey milk can be a suitable alternative for children with CMPA. Its low casein content, the primary allergen in cow milk, makes it a less likely trigger for allergic reactions.

No, consuming raw donkey milk is not safe. Like any raw milk, it can contain dangerous bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause serious foodborne illness. Proper pasteurization is required for safe consumption.

Donkey milk is generally described as having a pleasant, sweet, and mild taste. It is considered more palatable than some other alternative milks like goat or sheep milk due to its balanced composition.

Yes, donkey milk is prized for its benefits to skin health. Its moisturizing and antioxidant properties, derived from proteins and vitamins, are used in many cosmetic products like soaps and creams for anti-aging and rejuvenation.

Yes, donkey milk is a good source of vitamins, containing high levels of Vitamin C compared to cow's milk. It also includes other essential vitamins like A, D, and E.

Donkey milk is expensive due to its low production yield. Donkeys produce significantly less milk than cows, and the milking process is more labor-intensive, leading to high costs and limited supply.

No, donkey milk has a high lactose content, similar to human milk. Therefore, it is not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.

In addition to being consumed as a beverage, donkey milk can be found in freeze-dried powder form and is used as an ingredient in specialty foods like some infant formulas and chocolates, particularly in Europe.

Aside from the risk of bacterial infection if unpasteurized, there are typically no major side effects for those without allergies. However, those with severe cow milk protein allergy should still consult a doctor, as there is a trace amount of casein.

While similar in some aspects like lactose and whey protein ratio, human milk is considered the best for infants. Donkey milk is closer to human milk than cow's milk, but fortifying may be necessary to meet all infant needs.