My daughter refuses to eat meat: Advice?

I haven’t ate meat for 25 years, appx., but I do have dairy products…I’ve been fine.

I think most kids go through this same thing at one point. It’s more of a texture thing and they don’t like eating chicken off the bone

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I wouldn’t force her but would certainly make sure she gets protein from other sources.

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I had a niece that wouldn’t eat meat when she was around 8. On her on she chose to start eating meat around 12. She eats very little meat now, but she does eat some.

Do research and find away to balance her diet. If she eats dairy and eggs, I would not worry about her. Just make sure she gets the necessary nutrients.

I have a 13 yr old boy that’s been the same since birth. Now that he is 13 he will try a few things but not much but it’s funny cuz his twin is opposite and will eat all things meat but no veggies. I do not force my child to eat meat. If hes willing to try what I make everyone, awesome, if he does not, I always have a back up that I cook just for him

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I think it’s a teeth/ chewing thing … Once my kids got a little older and their molars came in they started eating more meat.

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Don’t fight her respect her try to find dishes she likes while still feeding the rest of the family. I don’t mean nightly just try to make sure she gets a multi vitamin and hang in there

She doesn’t need it and she shouldn’t be forced to eat it, plain and simple

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No meat is fine my little boy is the same way he is also small for his age but doctor said he is just as healthy as any other child his age he is just a petite guy but I also give him the pedia sure just to make sure he gets enough vitamins and stuff

There was no allergy medicine when I was a kid so my ears bothered me a lot. Chewing meat was a struggle for me. Fish I loved.

This isn’t a battle that I would pick! I have one that is picker eater. I let her what she wants of what I make. You just need to make sure she is getting protein. I have several friends that are vegetarians and they are healthy.

Don’t make her eat it. It will just come up in therapy later. If you decide you want her to eat it, just tell her she can’t have any, no matter how hard she cries.

It can take children up to 10 times trying one specific food before they decide if they like it or not…I would keep trying it in different ways and different tastes and possible mixed in with different things not just a chunk of meat. My son dislikes chicken because of the texture…so I have to make sure it’s not a chunk of chicken but mixed in or have a different meat for him…he like most beef but mostly ground…could try fish, or other proteins…it could be a texture issue not a taste issue…just have her keep trying it but not force a whole serving…good luck we all try to do whats best for our kids!

My granddaughter won’t eat pork. She didn’t want meat at all for a while but now she does. If she doesn’t want it don’t force her.

My kids didn’t ear meat for several years when they were growing up. I left them alone and they grew out of it

She will grow out of it. Don’t force her as long as she eats an gets her protein. Ask the Doctor to check her blood for any deficiency in her blood, she may need some vitamins too.

Don’t make her. Is it really the end of the world? U can get the same vits and things from other sources. If u try and make her eat it then you will push her further away from it!

It sounds like she takes after you… Buy veggie burgers, at the store, and have her eat them.

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I wouldn’t make her eat meat. I would speak to her pediatrician about other healthy alternatives, but it sounds like she’s getting her protein from good sources

I’m like my Mother was with us, no special meals. You eat what I cook or starve.

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Greens are rich in iron and she can get her protein, healthy fats and vitamins D & K from other sources like milk and dairy products (don’t bother with the low fat options, full fat options are fine for healthy kids). If you’re still concerned, there are meal replacement shakes that are sold for elderly people or those that need extra nutrients. Give her one a day. They’re actually pretty good. I had to be on a liquid diet once for 3 months, they kept my vitamins in check (was verified by bloodwork).

Not worth the fight. I’d hate to see her hate food and dinnertime because of the constant conflict. Sometimes when you say you “don’t like” a food its because you subconsciously know that it makes your body react in some way. When I was a child, I didn’t like ice cream or milk. Turns out that my body is intolerant to the protein in dairy products (casein). It gives me violent digestive reactions, if you know what I mean…As a child, I couldn’t verbalize it, I just knew.

Is there any kind at all what about hot dogs? I never had much meat growing up and I felt cheated but I wouldn’t force it on her.

As long as she’s eating something and is healthy let her eat what she wants you don’t like certain things do you get forced to eat it probably not it’s the same thing if you don’t like it you just don’t like it

I would let her be. Something in her body is telling her it’s not good for her. It took me years to figure out what I could and couldn’t eat. It can’t hurt as long as she’s getting the proper nutrients from other food sorces. Help her to learn how to prepare some easy dishes so she can help you at meal time!

Don’t stress over it. I had a son that only ate cereal for over 2yrs

My brother never liked beef. Even as a baby. He eats chicken though

My Dad worked at a beef plant and I HATED meat. My Dad would get mad and force me to eat it which just made me hate it more. If my Dad would have just let me not eat the meat then I probably would have just gotten over it myself. But as an adult im still not too fond of ground beef because of him forcing it on me.

i havent ate meat since i was 5 and threw the hambuger down my mom said ,and i am fine iv had 5 kids they eat meat and etc …im healthy never sick and i do fine

I’ve been against eating it since I was little. I refused it around the same age as her. I still won’t eat it, I’m 42. Healthy, no issues. I’d give up the fight

My oldest child did not eat meat so I just made sure to fortify her diet with things that she liked that did provide that iron and protein that your body really does need like eggs cheese peanut butter and thankfully those things she liked

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I wouldn’t make her eat it if she got her protein from other sources.

There’s a group called Vegan Recipes to Share, if you join that or a vegetarian recipe group you’d get all kinds of non meat protein and meal ideas :slightly_smiling_face:

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I mean most kids don’t eat vegetables, but you have to work around that.

If she likes nuts, eggs, beans, etc. , she can get protein from those sources. You can get all that info by just googling it. Also, make sure she eats iron rich foods too.

Why would you fight it, unless she eats nothing but candy or pasta. Put it in front of her but if she does not eat it,. Big deal.

Some are finding they are allergic to foods they have eaten all their lives. Maybe, if they eat it later in life they will not be as sensitive and protein powder is protein. Combine beans especially pinto beans with rice and one gets a complete protein.

She needs protein…not necessarily meat.

I had children that went thru that also. Gave them a small number 3 or 4 had them take that many bites of meat They still eat minimal meat but have learned to eat enough protein otherwise

At some point it becomes a power struggle and you are losing. Just let it go. Make sure she is getting protein from other sources. She will
Either grow out of it or not, but the bigger deal you make if it will be the longer you deal with it.

OTC vitamins have iron if a parent is that concerned

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One thing I’ve learned is that you can’t force kids to eat what they don’t like, but my rule is, (and I’ve stuck to it for years): “You can’t say you don’t like it unless you’ve actually tried it.” (Mostly for my oldest, who doesn’t like a lot of foods).

I would talk to your Doctor but from past experiences if she isn’t going to eat it don’t force her do you like everything? Sometimes I don’t want to eat meat sometimes that’s all I want. I had several unnecessary stressful meals because he didn’t like whatever. Huggs :heart:

As most are saying- there are alternatives that allow good nutrition and as it was with me - as I got into my late teens and twenties I developed a taste for some lean meats - but force feeding things a child is adamant about not eating can and will cause a lifetime of avoidance and that you don’t want for your child!

As long as she will eat other stuff I wouldn’t worry to much. I mean like potatoes, gravy vegetables stuff like that

Veggies are great for her. If she doesn’t like meat don’t make her eat it. Put it on her plate and if she wants to try it she can. If not leave her alone.

As long as she is getting the correct nutrients - who cares what she eats?

Try not making a big deal about it. Lots of peanut butter and anything high is protein. Making a big deal about it makes them rebellious about it. She will eat it sooner or later

Simple don’t force her to eat it, if your momma didn’t make you eat then why are you? If you love your kid then respect that, maybe it could be a texture thing or something else. However she could get protein from other stuff have fun exploring.

She can also have cheese instead of meat

Look up vegan meals recipe r try to see if she tofu

If the doctor says she’s healthy then leave it alone… Don’t force her to eat anything she doesn’t like.

Let her be my son use to say hated steaks would eat any other meat but that now he eats steaks it’s really just a thing as long as she gets her protein and it’s not a health issue

I wouldn’t personally force my child to eat meat. My brother and I both only eat boneless skinless chicken breast as far as meat is concerned. However we did eat a lot of vegetables. There are so many options for her to eat that she doesnt have to eat the meat but can still enjoy the same meal ad the rest of the family. I also agree with checking with the pediatrician because she might just be small in general and they could possibly recommend pediasure or something similar.

My daughter is 10 and doesn’t really eat meat either. I’ve learned to pick my battles. She isn’t going to starve to death so if she doesn’t eat it, I don’t force the issue.

If you force her might might not eat it ever but I believe ever is ok as long as she is healthy

She’s eight, so she’s old enough to know what she does and doesn’t like…if you force her at her age she’ll hold a grudge over it, because she feels that your not letting her be who she is…being a non meat eater. I say it’s ok…your already making sure she’s getting her protein. Good on you…I think she’ll be fine.

why fight it? if she doesn’t care for meat make sure she gets plenty of protein from other sources

Does she eat dairy and eggs? If so, there’s definitely no need to worry :blush:

Pick your battles, and I don’t think this one is worth the fight.

My son was the same way since birth he still hates it hes 27

My niece is same way. Everybody else eats meat. But she doesn’t eat it. Her mom is ok with it

I didnt eat any.red meat growing up. I had my first burger at 30 yrs old bc red meat grossed me out . its normal

My 5 year old is like this the only meat he will eat is taco meat he won’t eat hamburgers or anything else I have tried to tell him that it’s the same thing but if he try’s anything else meat wise he acts like he’s gonna throw it up

My daughter did the same and yes it was a fight but she didn’t like vegetables either casserole are good

Don’t make her, you can get protein from plants and other foods

I hated meat as a child I’m still. It a big fan of it my parents just found alternatives like seafood I love seafood please fish has protein

We just kept introducing it and made it his choice to eat or not and eventually he did. He still likes chicken and ham better then beef but he isn’t as picky as he once was.

I would say pick your battles. My oldest didn’t really eat red meat until she was like 10… I would just make sure she is getting her nutrients other ways… does she eat any other animal proteins? Eggs, chicken, pork? PB and nuts in general offer good sources for fats and small amounts of proteins ( but the fats are considered healthy fats). Have you asked her why she didn’t like it? Maybe its texture or the way its prepared? You could even have her help u prep meals… if she cooks it… she may want to try it…

My daughter for years would not eat mussels or fresh Dungeness crabs we caught in front of our house on WHIDBEY ISLAND. We would just chuckle to ourselves. Now she has been living in Barcelona for the last few years and eats seafood I would question. Lmao, go figure…

Pick your battles girl. If she is healthy otherwise and doesn’t need it, dont make her eat it. It is probably better for her in the long run.

As long as she’s getting the nutrition from other foods, she’s good. If you just can’t shake it and simply for your need to know, feel free to talk to a nutritionist or her dr and get confirmation and more info if needed. My mom ate little to no red meat (it just wasn’t her thing)and was a special needs pedi nurse for several decades, so i didn’t think twice about it if that helps as basis for my opinion.

Dont fight her on it becuase the more you fight a child on a thing like this the more it makes them feel like you aren’t there to support them.

They have the meat alternative in the vegan section im a meat eater but ive tried them and there pretty good

Grind up what ever meat your planning to have and make patties for her … or as minced beef chicken act.

Don’t fight with her. My daughter came to me at age 13 snd said she was a vegetarian. I said fine, but you are going to do it the right and healthy way, as you are still growing.
I took her to a number of visits with a dietician and nurtitianist. 20 years later, she is now vegan, very healthy, a fabulous cook and helping me to learn the lifestyle.
Ler her be her.

Since there are so many different ways to get protein, iron, healthy fat, etc… I would just try to push more alternatives. She may eventually eat meat. If she is healthy then she is probably better off than some of us :grin:

Absolutely, lots of other ways for her to get protein

Just make sure she gets adequate protein from other sources and let her be.

I would talk to her doctor about it

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Children need parents for a reason! She isn’t old enough to make that decision if you want her to make her own choices buy her a big ass bag of candy and just give it to her for every meal.

Leave her alone. It’s not needed to be healthy. Smh.

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Check with the doctor said see what is best

Talk to your doctor let them know what is going on. Maybe they can give her a special diet plan. Good luck

Don’t force her find other foods that are full of protein

make sure she sees a nutritionist of family doctor to make sure she is growing properly and is healthy

I don’t like meat and I’ve survived 37 years.

As long as she’s getting all her nutrients, don’t make her eat the meat.

Please don’t force her to eat meat​:pray::heartpulse:

She may be zinc deficient.

I’m a vegetarian so no I wouldn’t force it. You don’t need meat for protein good luck to you.

Don’t make her eat it!! I was the same way,and I still don’t like meat.

Consult a dietician to help her lean to eat properly without meat.

Just make sure she gets enough protein in her diet.

Lol “flesh eating family”!

Make bacon lol mine are all carnivors good luck though

I dont force it as long as they the rest of the meal.

If she’s getting protein from other places then let her be. Forcing her to eat something she hates is going to make her hate it the rest of her life…

Its a life style choice she made it very very early live with it and love her help her there is nothing wrong Ii am carnevoir my daughter is 100% vegan no issue i have even gone to some of her suggestions. Join her for some and enjoy a healthy child

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