Toddlers and young children require 1g of protein for every two pounds of body weight per day. This means that a 30-pound toddler needs 15g of protein daily, or the equivalent of two tbsp. of peanut butter or two cups of low-fat milk. Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters, and one of the first food groups to be rejected is often meat. If you are worried about your toddler's protein intake, there are ways to sneak meat into his diet or meet his protein needs through other sources. Consult your pediatrician if you are very worried about your toddler's diet or if he fails to grow or meet developmental milestones.
Step 1
Try protein-rich soy products if your child cannot or will not eat meat. Beans, fish and nuts are other substitutes for meat.
Step 2
Offer toddler-friendly meats and fish, such as chicken nuggets, fish sticks, mini hamburgers made from lean ground beef, rolled deli meats or pulled pork sandwiches. Buy pre-packaged meats, such as chicken nuggets, that are made with quality meat and are low in fat and sodium.
Step 3
Experiment with different sauces to make meat more appealing to your toddler. Encourage your toddler to help in the cooking process by having her add pepper, garlic or other herbs and spices to sauces and meat.
Step 4
Serve macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, and offer eggs for breakfast. Most toddlers obtain enough protein from non-meat sources to meet the minimum intake requirements.
Step 5
Add whey protein powder to fruit smoothies or applesauce to increase your toddler's protein intake. Read the package carefully to avoid giving your toddler too much.
Step 6
Provide healthy, high-protein snacks for your toddler, such as low-fat yogurt, cheese and peanut butter crackers. Cut cheese into stars or cubes or get your child involved in decorating his snacks to ensure he eats them.
Step 7
Add meat to stews, pasta and rice dishes, salads and soups. Your toddler may accept small pieces of meat added to his favorite dishes.
Step 8
Give your child milk or chocolate milk to drink instead of fruit juice, soda, or tea. Older toddlers should consume low-fat milk.
