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A nourishing, hypoallergenic homemade baby formula using safe, whole ingredients. This recipe was developed and tested by Dr. Mary Enig, a PhD Nutritionist and originally published in Nourishing Traditions cookbook in 1996. Source: Weston A. Price Foundation
Many health-conscious parents first try a homemade milk-based baby formula when it becomes apparent that breastfeeding is not an option. If baby demonstrates an intolerance even when using fresh, grass-fed whole milk or yogurt, the non-dairy homemade formula recipe is an excellent alternative to use instead. A detailed how-to video tutorial is also provided.
This dairy-free DIY formula is based on homemade broth and a small amount of cooked, organic grass-fed liver instead of milk as the source of protein.
The recipe was originally published in the cookbook Nourishing Traditions in 1996 and developed by Dr. Mary Enig.
Traditional cultures sometimes used liver pre-chewed by the Mother as a baby first food. Liver is very easily digested and full of nutrition and cholesterol for the baby’s rapidly developing brain.
Commercial nondairy formulas rely on soy as the protein source. Soy formula is a devastating food for babies as it is loaded with plant estrogens which wreak havoc with the baby’s developing hormonal system. In addition, soy contains some of the highest levels of phytic acid found in any food. Phytic acid contributes to poorly developed, cavity-prone baby teeth and poor bone structure (i.e., turned-in feet, flat feet, crowded teeth, sunken chest, etc) as it blocks mineral absorption.
Whatever you do, if your child cannot drink a milk-based formula, DO NOT use soy! Other types of plant-based DIY baby formula can cause growth problems as well.
What a relief for a concerned parent that a safe, healthy, non-dairy homemade formula can be made at home with nutrient-dense, whole-food ingredients.
Most babies who cannot drink the homemade milk-based formula THRIVE on this hypoallergenic homemade formula.
You will immediately notice that whey and lactose are used in this hypoallergenic recipe. The vast majority of babies will do fine with these milk-derived ingredients as it is the milk protein (casein), not the lactose or whey that was causing the problems with the milk-based formula. In the rare case that the infant is not thriving on this homemade dairy-free formula, remove the whey and substitute GMO-free dextrose or sucrose for the lactose.
Nondairy Homemade Formula
Click here for where to source all the ingredients for the dairy-free homemade formula such as gelatin, lactose, and acerola powder, etc. See the dairy-free baby formula video below for visual details.
One batch of 36 ounces takes about 10 minutes to make.
Be sure to use bottle nipples designed for thicker flowing liquids when feeding this formula to your baby. Get them here.
If your baby is only allergic to cow milk, but not other types of dairy, this article provides a how-to for making homemade goats milk formula if you would like to try that first. A sheep milk formula is an option too. Or, if you cannot get goat milk in your area, you can make homemade formula with camel milk.
Dairy-Free Homemade Formula Recipe
A nourishing, dairy-free homemade baby formula that uses bone broth as the base instead of raw milk that was developed and tested by Dr. Mary Enig to match breastmilk as closely as possible.
Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups bone broth
- 2 oz grassfed liver beef, bison, or lamb
- 1/4 cup liquid whey leave out if baby cannot tolerate
- 5 Tbl goat lactose OR nonGMO dextrose if baby cannot tolerate
- 1/4 tsp bifidobacterium infantis powder
- 1/2 tsp cod liver oil unflavored
- 1 tsp sunflower oil preferably organic
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil preferably organic
- 1 Tbl virgin coconut oil preferably organic
- 1/4 tsp acerola powder
Instructions
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Simmer liver cut up into small pieces gently in the homemade broth until just cooked through.
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Liquefy the liver in the broth using a handheld blender or a food processor.
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Let the broth cool to room temperature, then stir in the remaining ingredients or blend for a few seconds in a blender.
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Store formula in glass jars in the refrigerator.
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To serve the homemade formula, pour into glass baby bottles and warm in a baby bottle warmer or in a pan of hot water. Never microwave baby bottles!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
You may make bone broth yourself (most budget-friendly) or buy it. Be aware that almost all bone broth on the market is not quality. Even if it is quality bone broth, it comes in toxic packaging. Watch out! The only brand I have found as of this writing that is worth purchasing is bone broth packaged in shelf stable glass jars.
Most babies allergic to milk formula are allergic to the milk proteins, so liquid whey is tolerated well. If baby shows signs of intolerance try using goat whey (strained from goat yogurt or goat kefir). Leave out only as a last resort. DO NOT use powdered whey from the store or whey from making cheese.
Substitute nonGMO dextrose or sucrose
If your baby has a true dairy allergy and is not just dairy sensitive, this infant probiotic is dairy free to use as a substitute.
**Do not use krill oil as a substitute for the cod liver oil. It contains no Vitamin D and very little Vitamin A.
I live in the middle east where raw camel milk is easily available. Is it ok as a formula substitute?
Yes, if this is the most readily available raw milk you can find, camel milk is fine to use. Be sure to add the additional cream though per the recipe as camel milk is very low in cream (much lower than human milk).
Hi have twin boys that one has only been able to bottle feed and has done poorly on the raw milk that his twin brother and older brother does great on. I tried switching him to the liver base formula I did very slowly about 4 days and it was about 2 weeks we kept him on the liver based formula he felt fine no crying in pain. he did though get a horrible diaper rash. so we slowly put the raw milk formula in tell it is now 50/50, the diaper rash is gone but he now is crying in pain like he was before. what suggestions do you have for me i am just so lost and feeling helpless. just want to make him feel better but also not have a horrible painful diaper rash. I am also not able to pump enough to feed him or have the time to site all day by a plug to pump while chasing a 2 year old and nursing his twin brother. you suggestions and referrals would be greatly appreciated.
How much does this typically cost to make and how long does a batch last?
Kera, it’s VERY difficult to calculate how much it costs to make this formula. It depends so much on where you live (organic chicken is much higher in some areas than others), whether you raise your own meat, and if you have a co-op that you can buy in bulk.
We raise our own chickens, but I need two each week to make the broth, and so I have to buy organic chickens at Costco. If you raise your own beef, you could make a lot of broth with all the bones that come with your cow. The few other ingredients aren’t super expensive, except maybe Cod Liver Oil, as you want to buy the best brand.
This has been a labor of love for me, as I want my baby to clean out and get rid of her eczema. But I have to admit, it hasn’t been easy making stock every week, and the formula every day. She’s worth it, though!!
I was making the homemade cow’s milk formula for our adopted daughter. We have our own 100 percent grassfed herd so we had the fresh milk. She started getting eczema, so I switched to goat’s milk, from our own goats as well. The eczema just got worse and worse. I hesitantly decided to try this meat-based formula, and we’re on day six now, and the eczema is CONSIDERABLY better! I was shocked. I’m going to keep her on it until her whole body is clear, and then slowly introduce goat’s milk to see if she can tolerate it again. She was born drug addicted, so I’m not sure how much of the eczema is detox and how much is allergies. We’ll stick with the meat-based if it comes back. You have to be organized to make broth every week, and also have organic liver on-hand, but it’s worth it!!
Thanks for the wonderful videos! I’m wondering if pure fresh, maple syrup can be used instead of the Dextrose, or does the dextrose serve more purpose then sweetening? Thanks so much!
Please do not use maple syrup and be sure to source nonGMO dextrose.
Hi Sarah
I have been trying this meat based formula for the last 2 days to my new born son and he seems to like it. I mainly breastfeed him but decided to use this formula because he is anaemic due to being born 3 month prematurely. (He is now 38 weeks gestational age)
My question is;
Can I blend small amount of cooked liver into my breastmilk to increase the iron level? (I know that eating iron rich food does not increase the iron level of breastmilk.)
Oral iron supplement recommended by the hospital makes him constipated.
I know liver doesn’t. So, instead of making this formula, I am wondering if I could blend liver into my breastmilk.
You thoughts?
Thank!
Did you ever hear back about adding liver?
Sarah – Ive been giving my son the milk formula since birth, he is now 3 months with eczema. I started him on the broth formula thinking that would be better for him & his skin – he seemed to have a harsh reaction to it – very runny stools for at least 2-3 days and black to dark brown with foul smells. He was crying more than i have ever heard him and his bottom burnt. I took him off and started goat milk.
I just read in one of your comments that perhaps I transitioned too quickly? Is this a common reaction or should the transition from one formula to the next be much slower? I had thought that mixing different formulas in the day would be too much for a tiny baby? Any insight?
And lastly- would making whey from organic goat yogurt be a logical match that would work for the goat formula if I end up going with that?
Thanks for your help and your fantastic website.
Yes, transitioning quickly would cause a change in stools that would last until the baby adjusted. If the broth formula still doesn’t work after slower transition, I would try the goat formula. Yes, and make whey from goat yogurt would be a good choice. Are you adding the fermented cod liver oil? A few individuals sometimes get skin reactions from it (the histamines from the fermentation) … perhaps switch to another “Best” brand that is nonfermented and try that too. http://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/cod-liver-oil-basics-and-recommendations/#brands
Thank you. That helps a lot.
What would constitute a slow transition? Something like one bottle of broth formula (of his 4 bottles) a day for a few days and then stepping up from there?
I would mix the two formulas 75-25 for a day or two and then 50-50 for another couple of days and then 25-75 for another couple of days and then finally 100% new formula after about a week of transitioning.
Hello I’m in England and want to make this formula I do not think my baby can tolerate whey so can I just leave that out ? Also he is sensitive to cocanut so is there an alternative to that? How long does this formula last in the fridge and what about if your going out for the day? Can you make batches of it and store in the freezer? Do babies like the taste? Are there any health warnings? Should I add vitamins? Thanks
Hi, what can I use as Lactose replacement for lactose sensitivities?
Thank you
How long do you let the broth/liver cool before adding the other ingredients. It has been 45 minutes and it is still pretty hot to the touch. I dont want to denature anything I add. ie. probiotics. Also, if I freeze should I leave anything out until it is thawed (like the probiotics?)
What about if your raising your baby vegan with no soy products? What type of formula do you have for that?
You said in the video you would post where to find organic grass-fed liver. I’m not finding this. Any suggestions other than googling a local farm? I live in Chicago, IL. Thanks!
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