The rise of ‘carnivore babies’—and the real risks parents need to know

When The Wall Street Journal recently profiled parents raising so-called “carnivore babies,” the story sparked widespread conversation. In the piece, parents described feeding infants rib-eye, raw egg yolk, and even bone broth popsicles, crediting the diet with everything from better sleep to calmer temperaments.

On TikTok, YouTube, and in Facebook groups like “Carnivore Motherhood,” parents also share recipes for rib-eye, bone broth popsicles, and raw egg yolks. For some, the approach feels like a refreshing alternative to a baby food aisle filled with pouches and processed options.

But while these stories capture attention online, pediatricians caution that the reality is more complicated. Feeding babies only animal-based foods may seem like a simpler way forward, yet experts warn it leaves out critical nutrients that developing bodies and brains need.

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Why experts are raising red flags

Pediatricians and dietitians warn that such restrictive, meat-only approaches leave out critical nutrients:

• Vitamin C, needed for growth, cartilage, and immune function, is absent from meat-heavy diets.
• Fiber, crucial for digestion and gut microbiome development, is also missing.
• As WSJ reported, Steven Abrams, professor of pediatrics at Dell Medical School, emphasizes that while meat offers iron, zinc, and protein in highly absorbable forms, a broader diet is essential:
  “Eating a broad diet when young makes it more likely kids will eat that way when they’re older. And children need the fiber, antioxidants and polyphenols in fruits and vegetables.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends introducing solid foods around 6 months and exposing babies to a wide variety of healthy foods and textures to foster long-term healthy eating habits,  rather than relying on one category alone.

Nutrition gap: What science tells us about fiber and variety

Research shows that a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains significantly improves young children’s intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 

While social media often elevates protein as the nutrient parents should prioritize, pediatric dietitians note that most toddlers already get enough from everyday foods like milk, eggs, and grains. What many children actually fall short on is fiber — the nutrient that supports digestion and a healthy gut microbiome. That’s why national health guidelines emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains alongside protein-rich foods.

Why parents are drawn to carnivore-style approaches

1. Concerns about processed foods: Many parents are wary of sugary purees and shelf-stable pouches. 
2. Influencer influence: Doctors and wellness personalities online promote meat-heavy diets as “ancestral” or “biologically appropriate.”
3. The appeal of simplicity: Ideas like “animals eat meat, so babies should too” feel straightforward when parents are overwhelmed by conflicting feeding advice.

This isn’t happening in a vacuum. From Instagram-friendly protein muffins to toddler shakes, a wider “protein-first” culture has taken hold online, making parents feel pressure to keep up. Carnivore-style feeding is one extreme expression of that larger trend.

What every parent needs to keep in mind

Related: 3 baby food hacks recommended by a registered dietitian

The bigger picture for parents

The conversation around “carnivore babies” reflects something real: parents’ desire for straightforward, nourishing choices in a confusing food landscape. Social media trends and mainstream coverage may make meat-only feeding look appealing, but pediatricians stress that babies thrive on variety.

Meat can play an important role in a baby’s diet, but experts agree it must be offered alongside fruits, vegetables, grains, and other foods to give little ones the full range of nutrients they need for healthy growth.