Cow Milk vs Buffalo Milk for Children — Which Is Better and Why

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video answers which milk is more beneficial for children: buffalo milk or cow milk. Buffalo milk: It has more protein, fat and calcium compared to cow milk, but less water content. Since the protein and fat are higher, the calories are also higher, so it can help in weight gain. But because of that higher protein and fat, children can sometimes also have problems with digestion. Cow milk — the recommendation: Cow milk is better for small children. It digests easily and still gives the child a good amount of calcium and protein. The doctor practically recommends that if cow milk is available to you, give cow milk. If only buffalo milk is available: You can give buffalo milk. Start with small quantities in the beginning, then see that the child is not having any problem with digestion, and continue. Quantity: The total amount of milk per day, whether cow or buffalo, is shown in the table in the video. Do not give more than that, otherwise the child can have constipation or an iron deficiency problem. If buffalo milk is hard to digest: In that case, speak to your pediatrician — removing the malai (cream) before giving buffalo milk may make it easier for the child to digest. Relevant for: parents deciding between cow milk and buffalo milk for their child; parents asking which milk is easier to digest for babies and toddlers; parents wanting milk for weight gain and asking about protein, fat and calcium content; parents whose child has digestion trouble, constipation or iron deficiency; and parents asking how much milk a child should have in a day and whether to remove the cream. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician before choosing or changing your child's milk, especially if your child has digestion problems, constipation, poor weight gain, or a diagnosed iron deficiency.