Protein for Kids: What if my child doesn't like meat?
As a pediatric dietitian, I am dedicated to supporting families by providing expert guidance on childhood nutrition, helping kids develop healthy eating habits, and offering effective strategies for managing picky eating. With a focus on fostering a positive relationship with food, I equip parents with practical tools to encourage balanced eating and support their child’s growth and development. Whether addressing specific nutrition concerns, crafting meal plans for selective eaters, or nurturing body confidence from a young age, I offer personalized, compassionate care to empower families on their child’s feeding journey.
My Child Won’t Eat Meat
“If my child isn’t eating meat, how will they meet their protein needs?"
Many parents are concerned about their child’s lack of interest in meat. While meat is an excellent source of protein, it isn’t the only one!
Protein is crucial for a balanced diet. It breaks down into amino acids that help build bone, muscle, skin, blood, enzymes, hormones, and more. As a parent, I understand the wish for your child to enjoy meat…it’s a convenient source of protein! However, it’s important to consider your child’s sensory preferences and developmental stage so we can offer protein options that suit their needs.
Eating meat can be challenging for kids with sensory sensitivities or for those still developing chewing skills. Many children also choose not to eat meat at an early age, and that’s perfectly okay! Protein requirements for children are often lower than parents think and can be easily met with various meat-free options. Below is a chart that can help you choose non-meat protein sources that satisfy your child's sensory preferences.
How much Protein Does My Child Need?
It is very likely your child is meeting their protein needs through their favorites like milk, cheese, and yogurt! Below are the recommendations by age for daily protein needs to give you an idea of how many grams your child should be consuming a day.
Infants (0-12 months) - 1.5 g/kg/day
Toddlers (13-36 months) - 1.1 g/kg/day
Children (4-8 years) - 0.95 g/kg/day
Adolescents (14-17 years) - 0.85 g/kg/day
Adults (18+ years) - 0.8 g/kg/day
Non-Meat Protein Sources
Does my Child Need a Protein Supplement?
For most kids, a protein supplement is not necessary, and having a whole-food approach is preferred. This will allow your child to be exposed to various flavors and textures which is important when growing and developing feeding skills!
If you feel your child needs a protein supplement, Nourished Pediatrics can help you navigate these nutrition concerns and create solutions that will best support the growth and development of your child. Click here to schedule your initial evaluation and get support today!
