Dried Whole Milk

Many adult cats produce less of the enzyme that digests lactose, so large amounts of milk can cause loose stool. Small amounts in dry food are less of a concern.

Dried whole milk is cow's milk with the water removed, keeping its fat, protein and lactose. Cornell Feline Health Center says many cats are lactose-intolerant and can develop gastrointestinal problems if fed dairy products, and it advises against milk as a treat. The amount in dry cat food is small. For a cat with a medical condition or a dairy allergy, ask your veterinarian.

Source: vet.cornell.edu

Dried whole milk adds flavor and a little protein and fat. Because it keeps the lactose, the amount used in dry food is small. It is a dairy ingredient rather than a meat, and in dry food it works mostly as a flavoring. Among the dry foods Pettings lists, it appears in one kitten recipe.

Dried whole milk is the whole milk with the water removed, so it keeps all of milk's fat, protein and lactose. Dried whey is only the liquid left after cheese is made, then dried. Both are dairy, both contain lactose, and Pettings scores both 2 out of 5. Whole milk has more fat, while whey is lighter and used mostly for taste.

Yes, a cat can be allergic to milk protein, which is a separate issue from lactose intolerance. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists dairy products among the less common sources of food allergens in cats. An allergy is an immune reaction to the protein, while lactose intolerance is a problem digesting the sugar. A veterinarian can tell them apart.

Source: merckvetmanual.com

Pettings gives dried whole milk 2 out of 5 and lists it under dairy. It appears on 1 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. The score reflects that it is a dairy ingredient with lactose, used mostly for flavor. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.