My son is 2. He was born big and has been big ever since- always not even on the charts for height and weight; he is the size of 5 years old. People who see him are always joking, “what do you feed this kid” meanwhile, he LOVES fruits and veggies, so when I say that, I think they think I’m joking. We got him into pouches at a young age, bc it was easy. He now obsessed with these; I almost think addicted. The dr. Says that’s great he’s getting all his fruits and veggies- thing is they are expensive because he has to go through almost 15 a day to feel full. I’ve tried making my own, but he is very into the specific package it comes in and will turn his nose up to ones he doesn’t like. He wakes up in the middle of the night crying for “a pouch” so here is my question- do anyone else’s kids not eat like a “typical toddler” he doesn’t get any protein, and won’t even eat chicken nuggets or Mac and cheese- or really anything. I need some ideas, and hoping someone can give me advice!
I’d honestly cut them out, it might take some time for him to get used to eating regular food, but those puches will make him a lazy eater
Does he have any other underlying issues? Autism? SPD? Etc
I would request a referral for a feeding therapist. Are pouches the only things he eats? I would offer other things first. Keep pushing for fresh fruits and veggies. Those pouches are not good for him in the excess he is eating them. 
They sell reusable pouches on Amazon. Maybe you could make your own and introduce more protein into the mixtures? Then slowly cut back? Just a thought
My son is exactly the same. Although he will eat chicken nuggets, cheese, and eggs. The eggs are key because they fill him up, they are cheap, and quick to make. Will he eat eggs?
Eggs, cheese, nuts, beans. All good protein sources. Let him pick something new out at a grocery store next time? Good luck!!
What about making protein shakes for him?!
my son hates meat!
I would talk to someone. Maybe cut them cold turkey. If hes a big boy obviously he will not starve. He knows you will give in eventually but will probably get the picture after a day or so.
Mine is almost a vegetarian and eats mostly fruit and veggies as well but most of the time only wants them fresh. He went through a pouch phase bit bot that bad.
He sucks on them the same as a bottle. I say no more
My son is 7 and barely eats anything. Started about his age. His doctor says as long as he stays on his curve (meaning no drastic gain or loss in weight) he is good. Took my son a while to try new things but I don’t force him when I do he pukes everywhere.
Girl you need to shop at aldi. And also I agree cut out the fruit pouches he needs to eat vegetables too! Feed him beans, high fiber vegetables, do research on the vegan/ vegetarian diet. Try different types of squash and roast them. Spaghetti squash, butternut, yams, pumpkin. Get experimental. Make zucchini noodles. Try anything!! The pouches are full of sugar, and they are as good as feeding him candy!
My four yr old loves sweet bell peppers and raw onions…he wont eat candy or ice cream… he does eat meat and loves stir fry…
Try a stir fry… mix it together… or a pot pie… protein is important for brain development.
I’ve seen so many of those with mold in them my kids never got them. My daughter is a huge veggie and fruit kid but always fresh and never a pouch. No added sugar that way
Puree your own protein and mix it into his pouches
Thinking there might be underlying issues, autism, spd??
Just cut them out and left him throw at fit…not normal to eat just pouches of baby food…he will get over it in a short amount of time…
Leave him alone! My daughter would not eat any meat until one winter when she was 2.5…I would put the meat on her plate, and it was up to her, to whether she tried it or not. One winter, I made stew…she was a…she loved the meat
…children do need to at least try a bite, and if they are not happy or do not like it, leave them alone. It will work out.
He is eating sweet bell peppers.
Learn what protein is. There is more protein in fruits and veggies than in meat.
mine eats like this .but with protein its peanut butter for my younger one dont eat chicken nuggetts either. i dont worry to much because of fruits and veggies and she is 7 and weighs 45lbs doctor not worried to much.and gets dairy she was on pedia sure for awhile.
Get rid of them, they are full of sugar and other crap. 15 in one day is excessive… Way to much… Needs real food
Aldi pouches!!! I have a 9yr old with stomach problems so we go through lots. They are good & cheap.
Have you looked into feeding therapy? They could do an evaluation and see if there’s something sensory going on or work with him on eating. I see nothing wrong with very healthy eating (I have one that mostly eats fruits & veggies) but it’s important he be expanding his pallet a bit as he gets older.
Make the pouches a treat if he eats his food also try squeezing the content of the pouch in a bowl and give him a spoon to eat it
My daughter isn’t a big meat eater right now & we don’t force it. She’s eats pretty much everything elze.
Don’t make your own. Give him regular fruits and veggies, and try other food. When he turns his nose up don’t give in. U get what u get and u don’t throw a fit. 2 or 12, u get what I feed u
Amazon sales reusable pouches
So much added sugars etc in. Them. 15 a day is insane period even for an adult. He needs to be cut off asap.
Stop giving him pouches…
He NEEDS solid food
I never made my kids. My son didn’t eat meat til he was like 3 or so unless it was a burger or chicken nuggets he wouldn’t touch it. Maybe even til he was 4. Wasn’t a big deal to me. He loves it now at almost 7. My daughter is almost 4 and barely eats anything. Both very healthy kids though 
Sounds like meat isn’t the problem. Sounds like he is addicted to the pouches. Honestly sounds incredibly unhealthy for him to eat that many a day. My son isn’t huge into meat bcuz of texture and a lot of parents have similar issues. But the concern here is him not eating anything else. Regardless if he is eating fruits and veggies that isn’t exactly the healthy you want for him
My son just went through this I fed him what hed eat and always offered meat with every meal and he held iut for a good 11 months and just started eating meat just recently when we had a pheasant fry my doc said just feed him and he will eventually come around it could just be a phase
I don’t force her, age 3, she eats meat sometimes and I give her multi vitamin everyday, she’ll eat it when she’s ready because I can’t force her to eat meat. (fruit/veggies is mostly what she eats)
Honestly, they won’t starve. They get hungry enough they will eat. You just have to stay strong. You can always ween him off, start off with telling him he only gets 2, or really just 1. Only put 1-2 where he can see them, hide the rest. Have veggies, or fruit, sitting out where he can access them. Maybe some crackers, granola bars, like a little snack area. Then you don’t have to constantly ask him, which may reinforce his stubbornness.
My daughter had a textural issue. I think she still does. She wont eat hamburger meat or hamburgers itself. She eats white meat and will eat ham and shrimp. I agree that the pouches have a ton of sugar in them. My daughter LOVES her fruits and veggies. And she will eat tomatoes, whole. So I have to be careful because she can eat all of them. I know it also has a lot of sugar, but try almond milk. Meat has protein, but like others have said, there are other sources of protein. Peanut butter, beans/legumes, etc
Omg…as a Mom of 7 kids, this is something I have never heard of before. My youngest are 11yrs old. What are pouches?
My son didn’t eat meat from 2-4 then she started eating chicken now at 6 he’ll eat any meat I put in front of him… it’s a phase… but don’t just let him eat pouches, give him more solid food…
I had to insist on offering our food, I stick to the same routine, and kept offering them what we eat. I had to be patient, very stern & determined about it, also there were much tears involved, I knew it’s for their good, now both my kids 2 and 3 eat same as us. The trick is there is no trick, it’s a matter of picking up habit, when they will see that’s all there is, they will adopt pretty quickly. Good luck!
I’d cut him off. There’s so much added sugar in that stuff. He won’t starve. When he gets hungry, he’ll it. 15 of those a day is ALOT. He needs solid food.
What’s his dr say about him eating 15 of those a day?
I have a son who is 11 and has never eaten meat. Dont force it. Just offer it and let him figure out if he wants it or not. A toddler will not starve them self. Cut the pouches in half at LEAST. Offer real solid food.
Meat isn’t necessary. Most meat we eat are vegetarians
Yes, dont feed him for 4-5 days, I guarantee he’ll eat whatever you put in front of him.
Make him eat what everyone else eats its that easy
My advice is continue to offer the food you eat. Let him watch you prepare the food and eat the food. If he is growing normally and the Dr is not concerned with malnutrition, that’s great! The pouch may be more of a soothing “device” like a binky or bottle. Perhaps try weaning the night time pouch, mostly because of teeth decay problems.
Our rule is my son has to at least try new foods. One good bite. Taste, chew, swallow. The he’ll give it a thumbs up or thumbs down. If he doesn’t like it, that’s ok. I don’t force him to eat whatever that item is. But he does have to try it and give it a chance. It’s how me and my siblings were raised and it worked well for us and is working for him so far. I know it can be hard to not give in and just give him the pouch if he’s throwing a fit or something, but those are full of sugars. My suggestion would be to make him try something else before he gets the pouch at first, and start wheening him off of them. When you find something solid he likes, tell him he has to eat a certain amount before he gets a pouch. He needs solid food and I’m sure there will be tears and tantrums in the process, but it’s for the best.
The juices, at night, are bad for his teeth.
Stop buying it. It’s that easy. He’ll drink what’s in front of him. Lol. He starts acting crazy, put him in his room. He can scream by himself.
He eats what you cook or he can go to bed hungry.
I’m old school like that. Unless there’s an allergy or a true dislike, ie Liver, my son hates spaghetti, onions, etc, that’s diff.
Kids eat what we introduce. Be the parent honey.
My son’s were big babies just like yours. I had a similar issue with my youngest. He won’t eat meat. I weaned him off the pouches. I stopped buying them. I started cutting up fruits, veggies, meats and giving him dips. Ranch dressing, peanutbutter, all sorts if things. He eventually switched over to real food.
Sounds healthy to me and the doctor is ok. When he gets to puberty, save up because he will be eating you out of house and home. Good luck.
You control WHAT your son can eat. He controls HOW MUCH he eats. So say no to pouches and give him other things. He may say no for awhile but that’s ok. He won’t starve.
My 3 year old came to me 6 months ago as a foster child. She would ONLY eat chips, mac and cheese fruit snacks and hot dogs. She would make herself throw up if I made her try anything. I started instituting the take it or leave it. I didnt jump right in with sushi or anything crazy, but pb&j, chicken nuggets, cereal, chicken and rice, mashed potatoes… very easy kid-friendly meals. She stood her ground and we had a couple nights where she woke up crying and hungry and those were the nights she would try pb&j or cereal. When she tried dinner or ate something new, I would reward her with her beloved fruit snacks. Might be an idea for you and the pouches… use them as motivation for “after.” It isnt easy but they really will come around if they get hungry. I just got her to eat pork chops and a burger last week. She still won’t eat pizza… weirdo, lol.
Actually google food for blood types. I’m A+ and I do well with vegan diet, I’ve naturally rejected a lot of red meat…
Just don’t buy them. EASY
Give regular veggies and fruits. He doesn’t need to eat meat but he needs to be getting regular food. Juices and the pouch crap at night is horrible which is probably one reason he’s over weigh. Poor kid
My kids are 11 an 4 an barely eat meat but they both drink Ensure an 1 eats beans the other 1 doesnt soooo its tricky
15 a day?!?! You are letting him overeat! He isn’t eating to feel full hes eating for comfort! You are allowing something that is going to cause obesity and an unhealthy relationship with food!
Pouches are a big no for me.
Cottage cheese has a ton of protein. You can use that as a substitute until he starts eating meat
Try pedicure it has protein and vitamins and gradually introduce other foods
We never had a choice it was dinner, don’t want the meat? That was fine made more for the others.
Sounds bad but don’t give him the option to eat what he wants. If kids get hungry they’ll eat. I’ve seen it so much where parents give in and cook their picky kids whatever they want/only eat. Gotta explain that if he’s hungry he will eat what you made him. If he refuses, put it in the fridge and try again later.
Try some black beans. Leafy greens are full of protein too. Nothing wrong with not wanting to eat meat.
Eggs porridge for breakfast
He’s headed fir diabetes if he’s that addicted to the pouches. Have him tested
What is a pouch? My kids must be to old , I don’t remember them. My youngest is 16.
Give him some food if he doesn’t eat it and says he hungry later then try again with the same plate of food. I promise you the kid won’t starve himself!
Have you ever heard of Proder Willie Syndrome? Maybe look into it. My friends daughter has it. I could be totally wrong but wouldnt hurt to educate yourself to look for signs just in case. Or have they tested for thyroid issues or diabetes? Or even endocrine tests? I know someone who her daughters are big like yours but she had to have her youngest tested and sees an endocrine specialist. Im by no means a doctor but just giving you info from people I know. Knowledge is power…
Maybe try yogurt w fruit and granola? My daughter doenst like meat and would rather eat fruit too. They go through phases. They will eat when they are hungry.
Thats ridiculous mumma
Cut the pouches and only offer normal food. The fact his the size of a five year old indicates his having way too many calories for his age.
Cut them Cold turkey he’ll eat I promise mum!!
No reason to really eat meat. Other ways to get your protein.
Quit buying them and start replacing with fresh fruit and veggies instead. Granola and yogurt. Cheerios makes a apple and cinnamon flavor as well as strawberry that my son likes. Healthy food options that have a good taste. Then gradually try to introduce chicken nuggets and such after he gets used to solids. I would say it’s time to eliminate pouches all together and start with solid foods only. Sometimes you have to put your foot down, like breaking a child from a bottle or paci. Not trying to judge either so please don’t take my comment that way. Just my honest opinion. Hope this helps 
It sounds like your child may have some sensory issues. Please talk to your dr about this…its not just …oh they dont like it they dont eat …old school…crap .if he is that obsessed with pouches he may have sensory processing disorder or something else…there is a reason other than him being stubborn…please join SPD groups on fb and they will help you either way
My son is 5 and he hates pretty much any meat. He is so picky. He lives off of waffles, chicken nuggets, fries, cereal and cheese sandwiches. He wont even let me out lunch meat on his sandwiches. Hes only in the 16th percentile for height n weight… hes always been on the low end but doctors said they arent concerned at all… once in a blue moon I can get him to eat ham but it’s not often I make ham. And he loves them rib oncore meals. Other than that he refuses to try anything else. If doctors arent concern then I try not worrying about it much either… their little yet and their taste buds will change as they age. I’ve struggled with this since hes been 2-3 years old.
Maybe get some kids protein shakes. My kids are both very picky but they are older. Btw what is a pouch?
Why are you still giving baby food to a child that age? Be a parent and put your foot down. 15 a day??? I dont even blame the kid. I blame you for ever letting it get to that point!
My daughter is 2 1/2 and she eats at the table with all four of her older siblings. Eats everything they eat and uses a regular fork. I’ve never really babied them when it comes to food you get what I cook or don’t eat. Maybe I’m mean 
Cut back on pouches significantly, save them as an after lunch snack or a desert for finishing his dinner. At his age he can eat cut up veggies and fruits, introduce those. Consider the pouches are basically the equivalent of jarred baby food, so you can guess why he is going through so many. Pediasure has a good amount of protein in it if he doesnt want meat. Peanut butter and beans do as well, introduce peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Do Not Give In On The Pouches. Make them a reward if he loves them so much but do not allow a 2 year old to determine his only food source.
Think of these pouches as dessert. He has to at least try everything on his plate to get one (ONE!). Give him a couple days warning the pouches will stop, Mark it on a calendar page where you cross out the days, & hold a celebration of his becoming a big boy when there are no more pouches. Either reduce the number each day or just stop them cold turkey. Every day for the first week he goes without he gets a reward at each meal for eating anything but. Mark those days on a calendar too, so he can see when that stops.
In general, prepared, processed food is terrible for you, full of chemicals, preservatives, dyes, and sugars.
Do you know why he likes this? Feels comforting like a bottle? Give him a blanket, stuffed animal, rock him while eating, play soothing music—whatever as an anxiety soother. Has trouble chewing or swallowing? Mouth or teeth sensitive/painful? Tongue tie? Check w pediatrician or other medical/dental pro. Sensitive to strong flavors? Check for acid reflux or other digestive issues. Only wants familiar things & has a fit when anything changes? Hates the feel of utensils in his mouth? Could be autism or sensory issue.
Keep introducing & reintroducing old & new foods at meals & snacks. Kids change their minds hourly it seems! If it’s a texture thing, creamy peanut or other nut butters, tofu (soak or cover in juice or sauce to give it flavor), homemade creamy soups (blend any combination of vegs with milk, cream, evaporated milk or silken tofu), hot cereal (oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat/rice/rye/barley), soft cheeses in moderation (no spray cheese or Velveeta—pretty empty calories). Or he might like deviled ham or roast beef in a can as its spreadable.
He really should be eating solid foods. Let him fuss. He will eat them if he’s hungry enough. He might like vegetarian Indian food. You can even buy it in colorful pouches you just heat in the microwave! Nuts are good—you can give them whole or grind them in a blender to add to other things. Quinoa is tasty & a complete protein, and soft and easy to eat. If he’s vegan/vegetarian ask his pediatrician whether vitamins or other supplements might be needed.
If he won’t eat meat, it’s healthy for him, the planet & certainly the animals! Don’t stress about it, but put your foot down & don’t cave on the pouches or your child will learn whining and crying excessively gets results. You are a concerned mom and that’s a very good thing.
My 3 year old refuses about 80% of meats. He won’t eat anything other than a cheese burger, and he has to be in the mood for it. However, he loves cheese and eggs and peanut butter. What i do is give him healthy options. Would you like celery and peanut butter or strawberries and yogert ect. As long as he’s eating healthy foods and not mcdonalds or junk food i think he will be okay. As for saving money, start by showing him what is in the pouch by squeezing into a bowl and make it a game with eating it with a spoon maybe? I always buy the big jars of applesauce because it’s cheaper.
He is 2 and should be on solid food by now hon. Time to cut the pouches. A couple rough days ahead but then it will be done…rip it off like a bandaid. He needs to develope skills to chew and feed and swallow…those pouches besides not being an appropriate diet will also eventually lead to delayed speech and motor skills because he is not working his mouth and jaw and fingers and hands the way he should be
How doesn’t he get protein? Veggies are high in protein and a better source of it as well and also they make the pouches you fill your self
Is there any possibility he has an underlying health issue such as thyroid or undiagnosed diabetes? Or vitamin deficiency of some sort?
I would cut down the pouches as much as possible start making your own in the reusable pouches with less sugar.
Think about having him on a multi vitamin regiment to ensure he’s getting everything he needs. See what your pediatrician thinks about it all if maybe he needs some bloodwork just to make sure he’s getting what he needs and has good levels overall. Kids are picky though no denying good luck
My one year old isn’t even eating those pouches anymore… All the food we eat… Fruits veges meat bread pasta you name it… By 2 a kid should be able to eat normal food… Those pouches contain fruit and veges but there is alot of other crap in them and a lot of nutrients that aren’t… Step up mumma and give the kid proper food
I’d start by squeezing the pouch into a bowl with him watching and giving him a spoon. It’s going to be tough but you need to get rid of the pouches first
Sounds like he’s not eating anything at all but drinking those pouches 🤦 fruit has a lot of sugar in them so that dont help. Cut the pouches out and give him normal food.
There are many plant based proteins he can eat if he doesn’t like meat.
I am a vegetarian and I get tons of protein. It’s a myth that only meat contains protein.
How about some yogurt? Mashed potatoes? Heck even making smoothies with a scoop of protein powder. There are tons of healthy children in this world who don’t eat meat now if he’s living on fruit and veggie pouches, that’s an entirely different issue. He needs a balanced diet containing healthy fats, protein and carbs. But it’s just a misconception that he can’t get those things from a plant based diet.
What are ‘pouches?’ 
My girls don’t really like meat either, they eat hot dogs, they eat nuggets, my one year old she eats meat just not my other ones they will eat meat when they want to, I buy my kids nuggets, they will eat lunch meat sandwiches.
Pouches? He definitely should be eating proper food now they are intended for babies. Did the doctor not mention this 
Why are you letting him call the shot’s and run the household? Toughen up with him, yes you may have a few screaming matches and tantrums but better now than when he is older and becomes seen as a spoilt individual. Your choice…
Stop giving them to him. Start feeding him real food. He’ll get the point once he’s hungry enough 
All my kids went through a no meat stage and there all healthy they went through it for about a year. Right now my youngest is 7 years old and is going through this no hamburger faze luckily its just hamburger she will eat anything else!
You need to cut the pouches, and maybe speak to your paed .
This is not ok by this age, and sure to lead to an unhealthy situation.
Get him checked for (pride of willie syndrome ) cut a pouch open and see what’s in it and then see if he will eat it.
Either he is pretty much addicted or he has texture overstimulation problems. Try taking most or all of them away for a couple of days and see if he caves. If he caves, then it is the former. If he does not, then get him evaluated asap. High functioning disorders go unnoticed until they hit school age because the red flags cross over enough into the can be excused by age category. My older one has autism, ADHD and speech delay and it was obvious that something was up long before the fight to gwt him assessed ended. My younger one just started kindergarten and I have been recently told that he might have higher functioning versions of at least two of his brother’s diagnosises now that he is in Kindergarten. On the school level, they are saying developmental delay, but some of their tests seems to be showing a possibility of higher functioning autism.
High functioning or not, with both of them the earlier intervention happens, the better off they will be.
Kids with sensory disorders have been known to outwait their guardians for a good couple of WEEKS before the parents cave because at that point, it is cave or their kid literally starves. That is why I am saying a couple of DAYS. A stubborn but otherwise neurotypical kid will give in within one- three, MAYBE four days. One with a disorder however usually will not.
Don’t give him any pouches. Have u tryed putting chicken in a blender with gravy and pouring it on his veg. But as some people say go to doctors and get him assessed
He’s 2, he has literally no choice but to eat what you provide, by the time he was 9 months he shouldn’t have to have had pouches my son is 14 months and he feeds himself everything and he rarely gets something that not solid, your going to have to buck up and have a rough few days and if he goes hungry the first day that’s fine time cut him down to 1 pouch a day, make him soup if you have to, homemade it’s not difficult. It’s not healthy whats happening right now especially considering that they aren’t even actual vegetables they are premade pouches, bring him to the store with you pick up his favourite pouch read the ingredients and go pick them up show him what goes into his pouch and make that for dinner, he’s 2 but 2 year old are smarter than they are given credit for.
My daughter is 3 and rarely eats meat and when she does it can’t be processed meat bc she won’t eat it. She’s tried hot dogs, store bought chicken/beef/lunch meat and she just won’t eat it. If I go to the butchers and get ground beef she’ll eat it but it’s expensive! The Dr has no issued with her. She’s 3 years old 3 feet tall and weighs 33 lbs…Yeah lots of 3s I said the aame thing to the dr. She does eat eggs and loves fruits and vegetables! She gets protein other ways. She’s on soy milk due to having a cows milk allergy. Diary free cheese, yogurt…etc anyways I digress. My mum said I didn’t eat much meat til I was 5. It’s natural around here for kids to kust not be all that into meat, but your child does need proper nutrition to grow and develop. Lack of nutrition can cause development delays and such.
Get rid of the pouches and start doing what’s really best for your son. Be his parent; that’s what he really needs.
There is so much wrong w/your pediatrician RN 
Get a new peds Dr #1, #2 If your 2yr old is measuring on the growth chart as a 5yr old than something is WRONG. Developmental red flags all over this post.
Sounds like it’s time to take the pouches away! He isn’t going to starve himself to death, you’ll have to go through a week or two of crying for a pouch but you really need to put your foot down on this. He is at the age he should be chewing food it’s important for the digestive system. You should probably quit buying those pouches all together so that you’re not tempted to give them to him those pouches are not 100% healthy they have additives ( like sugar) . Just keep offering him normal foods and he will eventually realize that’s what he has to eat. Tell him pouches are for babies and he is a big boy. Good Luck❤
Your son is 2 so by now his defo learn that he can get what he wants with you which is probably why he refuses to eat any other food.
When you start refusing to feed him the pouches and present only other foods in front of him, once hungry enough he will certainly eat.
The fact your doctor knows his solely eating these pouches and hasn’t done anything e.g. dietician referal is quiet concerning for me especially your son being 2.
You are the mother take control and make sure his eating what YOU know he is required to be eating.
Mix it with rice or oatmeal.? You mean 15 pouches as in ones like this? If so that’s a lot
If he’s 2 and the size of a 5 year old something is wrong. Definitely start having him eat regular food and sounds like it needs to be more plant based options. Good luck!