Milk
What you need to know about animals in the dairy industry
The life of dairy cows – why milk harms animals
Milk causes suffering
Cows are kind and intelligent animals who, when given the chance, care for their young and form lifelong friendships with each other. But on many dairy farms, cows are kept in intensive confinement and live desperate, miserable lives, while those who drink their milk face increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and many other illnesses.
Cows are often treated like milk-producing machines, and dairies selectively breed cows to produce unnaturally large amounts of milk. In Denmark, calves are taken from their mothers within 12 hours after birth in conventional dairy farming, and within 24 hours in organic farming, causing grief and anxiety for both mother and calf. Mother cows often bellow and call desperately for their calves for several days afterward.
Dairy cows can spend their entire lives on concrete floors. They are fed unnatural, protein-rich diets—including dead chickens, pigs, and other animals—to increase milk production. A European cow today produces about 4.5 times more milk than needed to feed her calf. As a result, these cows often suffer from painful mastitis, leading to higher levels of pus and bacteria in their milk.
Continuous pregnancy exhausts cows and often leaves them crippled. When they become too worn out and can no longer produce large quantities of milk, they are sent to slaughter and euthanized.
Thankfully, there are many ways you can help end their suffering:
Replace milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products with plant-based alternatives.
Request plant-based dairy alternatives at your favorite restaurants.
Sign up for free, 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 cows and calves endure on dairy farms, where a vicious cycle of cruelty destroys entire families. Animal Equality’s team of investigators takes you inside this secretive industry to reveal the heartbreaking stories behind a glass of milk.
Warning: This video contains footage of animal abuse.
Questions and answers about milk
Is milk healthy?
Milk has traditionally been considered an important source of nutrients like calcium and protein, but recent research and environmental concerns raise questions about whether milk is healthy or necessary in the diet. First, many people suffer from lactose intolerance, causing digestive issues, bloating, and discomfort. Additionally, there are concerns about dairy fats’ links to heart disease and some cancers, though research remains mixed. Environmentally, dairy production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and soil pollution, raising questions about its sustainability. These factors, combined with the growing availability of plant-based alternatives, lead more people to avoid milk for health and environmental reasons.
How do you get calcium without milk?
Although milk is often highlighted as a primary calcium source, many plant-based foods can meet daily calcium needs. Leafy greens like broccoli, kale, and bok choy provide excellent calcium plus other nutrients. Sesame seeds and almonds are calcium-rich and easily added to meals or snacks. Calcium-fortified tofu and tempeh offer plant-based protein and calcium. Certain grains and fortified plant milks—such as soy, almond, and oat milk—are convenient, nutrient-dense alternatives. Dried fruits like figs and dates also contribute to calcium intake. These plant sources offer not only nutritional value but a more sustainable choice compared to traditional dairy.
Animal- and environmentally-friendly milk alternatives
As awareness of health, animal rights, and the environment grows, plant-based milk alternatives gain popularity as sustainable and humane choices. These options offer a variety of flavors and nutritional profiles to suit different tastes and needs.
In Denmark, oat milk has become incredibly popular. It’s an excellent alternative with a much lower environmental impact than cow’s milk. There are also many other options. Soy milk, one of the most nutrient-dense plant milks, is high in protein and often fortified with calcium and vitamins. Almond milk, known for its light and nutty flavor, is low in calories and saturated fat. Oat milk, naturally sweet and creamy, is especially popular in coffee and tea. Rice and cashew milks offer unique tastes. These alternatives benefit people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, as well as those wanting to reduce their environmental footprint, since plant-based milk production uses fewer resources and emits less greenhouse gas compared to cow’s milk. With more innovative products available, incorporating plant-based milks into daily diets is easier than ever.
We especially recommend Naturli’s plant milks, which you can now find in almost every supermarket. They offer a broad range including almond, oat, "mini," rice, and soy milks. These come in classic versions and frothable barista editions, perfect for coffee and hot drinks. Naturli’ also offers oat-based cooking cream, as well as plant-based yogurt and the critically acclaimed spreadable butter substitutesNaturli’s dairy alternatives make it easy to switch to plant-based products and make the animal- and climate-friendly choice.