High-Protein Foods

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture's DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) recommends that children between the ages of 1 and 3 receive 13 grams of protein daily. The foods highest in protein are:
  * Beef, chicken, fish, lamb and turkey
  * Dairy foods such as milk, cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese and yogurt
  * Peanut butter
  * Dried beans and peas
  
  

Meats

• A serving of five chicken nuggets, a toddler favorite, typically contains 14 grams of protein. Other high-protein options your child may enjoy are meatballs, ham, turkey or sausage. Since meats can be hard for toddlers to chew, cut them carefully into small pieces to reduce the risk of choking.
  
  

Eggs

• Once your child is more than a year old, you can introduce eggs into the diet. One egg contains seven grams of protein. Most toddlers prefer this high-protein breakfast food scrambled, but cook your child's eggs in a variety of ways to see which is best received. Use hard-boiled eggs to make your toddler an egg-salad sandwich. You can also toss an extra egg into pancakes, French toast or muffin mixes for added protein.
  
  

Dairy

• An eight-ounce glass of milk will give your child eight grams of protein. Most toddlers love cheese, which is also high in protein. Make sure you cut cheese cubes into small pieces in order to avoid choking. Macaroni and cheese is generally well received by toddlers, and provides nine grams of protein per serving. Another high-protein option is yogurt, especially the kind specifically packaged for kids, which contains higher amounts of protein. Make a protein-packed smoothie by blending fruit with yogurt and whole milk.
  
  

Peanut Butter

• The Academy of Pediatrics warns that peanut butter may be a choking hazard for children under 2. When introducing peanut butter into your child's diet, avoid chunky peanut butter to reduce the risk of choking. Spread a small amount of smooth peanut butter onto a slice of whole-grain bread, or dab it on bite-sized apple slices. One tablespoon of peanut butter contains four grams of protein.
  
  

Dried Beans

• Before you offer your toddler any type of beans or peas, make sure they are fully cooked and soft. Half a cup of chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, will give your child six grams of protein. Mash up some boiled chickpeas to make hummus. Spread it on a cracker or slice of bread for a protein-filled snack.
  
  

Benefits

• If you are successful in feeding your toddler a variety of high-protein foods, the benefits are healthier bones, skin, hair and organs. Protein is also essential for muscle and tissue growth, and is a source of energy for your growing child.