Milk
What you should know about animals in the dairy industry
The life of dairy cows - why milk is bad for animals
Milk causes suffering
Cows are friendly and intelligent animals who, when given the chance, look after their young and form lifelong friendships with each other. But in many dairies, cows are kept in intensive confinement and live desperately unhappy lives, while the people who drink their milk are at increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, cancer and many other ailments.
Cows are often treated as milk-producing machines, and dairies selectively breed cows to produce unnaturally large quantities of milk. In Denmark, their calves are removed from them within 12 hours of birth in conventional milk production and within 24 hours of birth in organic, causing grief and distress for both mother and calf. Mother cows often roar and call desperately for their young for several days afterwards.
Cows raised to produce milk can spend their entire lives on concrete floors. They are fed unnatural, high-protein diets - which include dead chickens, pigs and other animals - to make them produce more milk. Today, a European cow produces about 4.5 times more milk than she needs to feed her calf. As a result, these cows often suffer from painful udder inflammation or mastitis, which leads to higher levels of pus and bacteria in their milk.
The constant pregnancy is a strain on the cows, exhausting them and often paralysing them. When they are exhausted and can no longer produce such large quantities of milk, they are sent to the slaughterhouse and killed.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can help put an end to their suffering:
Replace the milk, cheese, butter and other dairy products you normally eat with plant-based alternatives.
Ask for plant-based alternatives to dairy products at your favourite restaurants.
Sign up and get free and delicious plant-based recipes and more at VeganerUdfordringen.dk.
See for yourself how cows are treated in the dairy industry
Few have witnessed the unimaginable suffering often inflicted on cows and calves on dairy farms, where a vicious cycle of cruelty affects entire families. Animal Equality's team of investigators take you inside this secretive industry to share the heartbreaking stories behind a glass of milk.
Please note that this video shows images of animal cruelty.
Questions and answers about milk
Is milk healthy?
Milk has traditionally been considered an important source of nutrients such as calcium and protein, but recent research and environmental concerns raise questions about whether it is healthy or necessary to include milk in the diet. Firstly, milk can be problematic for many people due to lactose intolerance, which affects a significant portion of the world's population and can cause stomach problems, bloating and discomfort. Additionally, there are concerns about dairy's role in heart disease and certain types of cancer, although research is still mixed. Environmentally, dairy farming is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and soil pollution, raising questions about its sustainability. These factors, coupled with the increasing availability of plant-based alternatives, mean that more and more people are choosing to avoid milk for both health and environmental reasons.
How do you get calcium without milk?
Milk is traditionally recognized as a key calcium source, but a variety of plant-based alternatives offer both high calcium content and environmental sustainability. Nutrient-rich green leafy vegetables, like broccoli, kale, and bok choy, are superb calcium providers. Additionally, calcium-rich sesame seeds and almonds can seamlessly fit into your daily diet, enriching snacks and meals alike.
Moreover, plant-based protein foods such as tofu and tempeh, often calcium-fortified, present healthy alternatives. Many cereals and plant-based dairy substitutes, including soy, almond, and oat milk, are also fortified with calcium, serving as convenient, nutritious alternatives to cow's milk.
Don't overlook dried fruits such as figs and dates for an added calcium boost. Choosing these plant-based calcium sources isn't just nutritionally sound – it's a step towards more sustainable and empathetic living, reducing the environmental footprint and cruelty associated with traditional dairy farming.
Animal and eco-friendly alternatives to milk
As health consciousness, animal rights, and environmental sustainability gain traction, plant-based milk alternatives are emerging as popular choices in Denmark. These eco-friendly and humane options cater to diverse tastes and nutritional needs, marking a shift towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Oat milk, a standout choice in Denmark, offers a creamy texture and natural sweetness, making it a favorite in coffee and tea. Its production is significantly more environmentally friendly than cow's milk, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and resource usage. Soy milk stands out for its nutrient-rich profile, being a protein powerhouse often enriched with calcium and vitamins. Almond milk, with its light, nutty flavor, is ideal for those seeking low-calorie options with minimal saturated fat.
Other alternatives like rice and cashew milk each bring unique flavors, expanding choices for consumers. These plant-based milks cater not just to lactose intolerant individuals or those with milk allergies, but also to anyone aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. The rise of innovative, accessible plant-based products makes incorporating these sustainable milk alternatives into daily diets more effortless than ever, supporting animal welfare and environmental health.
We particularly recommend Naturli's plant milk, which you can now find in almost every supermarket. They have a wide selection of almond, oat, "mini", rice and soy milks in their range. They come in a classic version as well as a frothy, barista version that is ideal for coffee and hot drinks in general. Naturli' also offers oat-based cooking cream, as well as plant-based yoghurt and the critically acclaimed butter bar. Naturli's alternatives to milk and dairy products make it easy to switch to plant-based products and make the animal and climate-friendly choice.