How To Serve Kangaroo For Babies

Kangaroo is a highly nutritious and iron-rich protein that can be a great option for babies starting solids. When prepared correctly, it’s an excellent way to support your baby’s iron needs. It's also very budget friendly compared to other meat options.

Can babies eat kangaroo?

Yes. Babies can eat kangaroo from around 6 months once they are ready for solids. 

Is kangaroo an allergen?

No. Kangaroo is not a common allergen.

Is kangaroo a choking hazard for babies?

Kangaroo can be a choking risk if it is tough, dry or stringy due to its very lean nature.

To reduce risk:

• Cook until very soft and tender
• Use slow cooking methods where possible
• Avoid dry, chewy or undercooked pieces
• Check texture using the “squish test” before serving

Because it is a super lean protein, cooking kangaroo can be tricky! This is probably why many people avoid it and don't think of it a good meat for babies. You can slow cook it- covering it in a liquid and cooking it low and slow will mean the kangaroo is soft enough to pass the squish test (squishing meat between your thumb and index finger is a good test for it before offering it to little gums). Some cuts (like steak) might still be a little stringy though, so taste test it yourself before offering. If you're not feeling confident slow cooking a steak or fillet, then a kangaroo tail is a fattier cut you can try. When slow cooked is more like an osso buco- so it is incredibly rich, tender and delicious! The easiest option is using kangaroo mince. You can use it just like any other mince!

How to serve kangaroo for babies

6–9 months

• Pureed or finely minced kangaroo
• Slow cooked, very soft shredded kangaroo
• Large soft strips of meat (for sucking and chewing). Should be at least 2 finger lengths wide and 1 in length

At this stage, babies may not consume much meat but will benefit from exploring texture and practising chewing. As soon as your little one is able to bite and tear food it is no longer safe to offer steak. It is time to move away from steak, as it has become a choking hazard, until they are able to chew it properly (over 12 months of age).

With any slow cooked meat it is important that you offer pieces that are the right texture and size. Use the squish test to check that is it very soft and easily mashed by little gums.  

9–12 months

• Kangaroo mince (meatballs, patties, bolognese)
• Mixed into meals like shepherd’s pie or pasta

12+ months

• Minced or slow cooked kangaroo
• Very thin slices of tender kangaroo

Avoid large chunks or chewy pieces, as kangaroo can remain tough even when cooked.

Nutritional benefits of kangaroo for babies

Did you know that kangaroo is higher in iron than beef? Beef on average has about 1.7-3.3mg per 100g where kangaroo has 4.1mg per 100g! It has up to 3 times more iron than chicken. It is also a leaner meat (which is a great option for adults) and is a better option environmentally too as there is less methane production than with cattle. Kangaroo also contains B vitamins, zinc and omega 3 fats and omega 6 fatty acid.

Easy ways to offer kangaroo

• Kangaroo mince bolognese or lasagna
• Kangaroo meatballs or patties
• Slow cooked kangaroo in curries or pies
• Shepherd’s pie with kangaroo mince
• Stir fry with thinly sliced kangaroo (for older toddlers)

Frequently asked questions

Is kangaroo good for babies?
Yes, it is a very iron-rich protein that can support healthy growth and development.

Why is kangaroo hard to cook?
Kangaroo is very lean, which means it can become tough if overcooked or not prepared correctly.

What is the best way to cook kangaroo for babies?
Slow cooking or using mince is the easiest way to ensure it is soft and safe.

Can babies eat kangaroo steak?
Younger babies can suck on large soft strips, but once they can bite and tear food, steak becomes a choking risk until they can chew it properly.

Expert tip

If you’re new to cooking kangaroo, start with mince. It’s the easiest way to make sure the texture is soft, safe and baby-friendly.

You may also like

• How to Serve Beef to Babies
• How to Serve Chicken for Baby Led Weaning
• Best Iron-Rich Foods for Babies