Goat

Goat meat may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. 

Prized in cuisines across the globe, goat has fed families across cultures for thousands of years and is central to countless traditional dishes and celebrations. In the Caribbean, it is slow-braised into rich curries; in Mexico, it is slow-roasted as birria or barbacoa; and across South and Southwest Asia, it is the foundation of beloved dishes like rogan josh, nihari, and mansaf. Also known as chevon (adult goat) or cabrito (young goat), goat meat has a savory, slightly sweet flavor that is often described as richer than lamb and leaner than beef.

• Braising, stewing, or using a slow cooker or pressure cooker are great methods for getting goat meat tender enough for babies to eat. Collagen-rich cuts like the shoulder, neck, and shank are ideal for these methods and become deeply flavorful and fall-apart tender with low-and-slow cooking.

• Use the cooking liquid. The braising liquid or stewing broth left after cooking goat is rich in flavor and nutrients. Serve it alongside the meat, spoon it over rice or cooked vegetables, or offer a small amount of cooled broth in an open cup for baby to sip.

• Don't skip the spices. Many traditional goat recipes call for aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and ginger. These spices are safe for babies from 6 months and add nutritional value alongside flavor—there is no need to make a bland, unseasoned version for baby. 

• Freeze cooked goat in portions for convenient future meals. Braised or stewed goat freezes well and can be thawed and reheated with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

Yes. Depending on the cut and how it is prepared, goat meat can be tough, fibrous, and chewy, which are qualities that pose an increased risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve goat in an age-appropriate way as described in How to Serve. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals.

Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

No. Goat is not a common food allergen, although goat allergy has been reported.^{[1] [2]} Certain tick bites (mainly the Lone Star tick in the continental United States, but other ticks in different parts of the world), are associated with the development of an allergy to galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose (“alpha gal”), a sugar which is present in many red meats. This results in a delayed allergic reaction 3-8 hours after the consumption of red meat, such as goat.^[1] However, some individuals with alpha gal allergy also react to small amounts of the sugar present in dairy products, gelatin, or organ tissues from mammals.^[3] Alpha gal allergy is more prevalent in the southeastern United States but is starting to become more common in other areas as the geographic distribution of the Lone Star tick expands.

Yes. Goat meat is a protein-rich food that provides the building blocks baby needs to fuel their rapid growth. It is also packed with other essential nutrients for baby, such as iron, zinc, selenium, choline, and vitamin B12. Together, these nutrients work to prevent anemia, ensure a healthy metabolism, support growth and development, and build a strong immune system. Babies need increasing amounts of iron starting at the 6-month mark, when their reserves become depleted, and goat meat offers a great source of dietary iron at this stage of baby’s life.

Goat has a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor that is often described as somewhere between lamb and beef—more robustly flavored than beef, but milder and less fatty than lamb. Young goat (cabrito) tends to have a more delicate, mild flavor, while meat from older animals is more intense.

Yes. Goat curry is a great way to introduce goat meat to babies who are ready for solid food, as the slow, moisture-rich cooking process produces tender, shreddable meat in a flavorful sauce that is easy for babies to manage. Shred the meat for baby and offer on its own, or along with soft cooked pieces of vegetable from the curry. If the curry is very spicy, taste it yourself before serving and consider setting aside a mild portion for baby before adding chili or other hot spices.