My 2-year-old won't eat meat?

Question

My son refuses to eat any type of meat. I think, at first, he didn't care for the texture, but now just has convinced himself that if it's meat, he doesn't like it. My husband and I have resorted to hiding small shredded pieces of meat in his other food. I'm worried that he isn't getting enough protein. If he sees any type of meat on his plate, he just pushes it away and says, "I don't like it!" We can't force feed the kid - any suggestions?

Answer 1

Who cares...the fact that you are upset makes the child more apt to give you a response.  I and my children do not eat meat...not because we have a "Peta thing" against it...none of us like the texture.....  so we replace it with tofu...you can put that in anything you would put meat in to.  and if you cut it small enough and stick it on pretzel sticks it could be protien enriched finger fun foods.

Answer 2

fix him a meal, set it in front of it and if he doesn't eat remove him from the table.  Let him go to bed hungry, missing a meal or two won't starve him.  Or you can look into other foods that supply protien, but that will mean cooking seperate meals for yourself and your child and will teach your child that anywhere he goes he can expect people to cater to his whims.

Answer 3

Sure you can.  Give him the meat and if doesn't eat it then he doesn't eat at all.  He will not let himself starve. I know it sounds cruel but it works.  You have to show him early who the boss is.  If you cater to him now, what's next?

Answer 4

he will come around, just keep offering it to him, and he may not eat it, but maybe you can find some other ways to get him protein, like peanut butter, eggs, things like that

here is a great website too

http://www.highproteinfoods.net/

Answer 5

My daughter (3) has always hated meat. Now she will tolerate it if she puts BBQ sauce on it. But she will still take 5 minute's to eat one piece of meat no matter how small I cut it for her.  I use to hide it too.  It doesn't work,  try putting some BBQ sauce on his plate, or something he will like and have him dip his meat in it.

Answer 6

probably its just a stage he'll break out of it but for now just try other things that will give him enough protein

Answer 7

I've seen chewable fruit flavored protein supplements for kids. Maybe try those? Maybe he has found out that it comes from animals? Hope this helps.

Answer 8

why not let dam

Answer 9

My daughter will not eat any meat but fish (she will be two next week).  Give him peanut butter.  My daughter loves it, and it gives them plenty of protein.

Answer 10

Don't worry about it. One of my kids wouldn't eat meat from about age 2 until she was 8 or 9 and found out about Happy Meals. It is a texture thing, you're right about that.

Make sure your son is getting enough milk, cheese, eggs (whites) and yogurt, beans and lentils, and good quality peanut butter. If you can get him interested in tofu, that's a great source of protein, though my kids would never eat it.

He won't suffer for the lack of meat protein. He'll make it up in other foods.

Don't stress over it.

Answer 11

that is the same problem i have with my brother my mom just told him that he would get super powers if he ate it so know he is waiting for his super powers

Answer 12

I think you should leave it alone. It might just be a phase.

My niece was like that too and she only ate veggies and fruits.

She likes meat now. =D

If you're worried about his protein, why not peanut butter sandwiches? Peanut butter's a good source of protein.

Answer 13

Kids go through funny little stages. My son did the same thing for quite a while. I just started trying new recipies. Turns out that my son isn't a big fan of chicken Parmesan, but he definitely likes chicken enchiladas. He absolutely refuses to eat ground beef tacos, but he is a BIG fan of sloppy joes.

Answer 14

Just let him grow out of the phase, my son doesnt like certain meat either and hes three almost four. you have to tell him that its good for him and will help him grow up stronger. but yes its hard i was there with sum of the veggies. but you have to just keep trying, tell him its good, maybe make sure its softer and sumthing a little sweet on it, try that?

Answer 15

nuts give protean.

Answer 16

As long as your child is getting enough of the fluids and enough other foods it should not be a concern. If you can get your child to eat eggs any type of nuts (my guy is allergic) vegatables, fruits, and grains. He is still getting what he needs. It's a good idea to hide a little bit in certain foods. (we hide gerber veggies in our mac and cheese) If your child is getting about 6-10 ounces of food a day it shouldn't be a problem. It never hurts to ask your pedatrician if you can use a vitamin supplement or if maybe there is an allergy that should be tested for. Some children are allergic to beef and pork. Some children naturally pull away out of instinct if they are allergic or have an intollerance. (Luckily my guy is not) It never hurts to find out and it could be one less worry to sleep on.

Answer 17

Peanut butter is high in protein. Eggs are extremely high in protein.

Answer 18

I'd say you're doing the right thing so far.  And he doesn't have to get his protein needs from meat.  You can substitute beans, peanut butter, tofu, eggs or nuts.  Have you tried fish?  He might like fish since it looks so much different than meat.   Hopefully this is just a stage he's going thru - asserting his independence and he'll eventually start to try new foods.

Answer 19

Some people just don't like certain things.  If you're worried about protein there are other ways to get it.  Beyond the obvious protein shakes and supplements, you could try nuts, peanut butter, any kind of beans, cheese, dairy, etc.

Answer 20

when he is hungry put only the meat on his plate, your husband's plate, and your plate...and then don't bring out the other sides until he eats some.  

The best way to help your child development healthy eating habits is by example, consistency, and not being lenient.  

It is good that you recognize the need to address this.  GOOD LUCK!  I also have a picky 19 month old, but I have two excellent eaters that are 7 and 9.  So, it will turn around.

Answer 21

eggs?  peanut butter..  soy products...

Answer 22

Find other ways for him to get his protein. The kid just doesn't want it, so don't force the issue.

Answer 23

There is no nutritional reason for your son to eat meat.  Vegetarians and vegans have perfectly healthy diets without meat.

This is one fight not worth having.

Answer 24

Ah yea my little brother is like that too

( he's 2 years old as well) I baby-sit him alot and he just will not eat meat

I'm not really sure why? but I just don't worry about it to much as long as he eats most of the other food thats on his plate.

he will probably grow out of it i've been around kids alot! ( i volunteer at a kids daycare center) and i've seen alot of them hate a certain food for months at a time and then one day they just pick it up and eat it..... a few more are a bit stubborn then others haha,,

but just have patience.

some people just don't like things others do

i'm sure he's getting enough protein if your still concerned about it then ask his doctor and he will tell you what other kinds of food to give him that have plenty of protein