The Power Of Protein
Why Animal Protein Matters for Healthcare and Senior Living
In healthcare settings, meeting nutrition needs can be challenging—especially for individuals with reduced appetites, chewing or swallowing difficulties, or calorie-restricted diets. Animal-based proteins offer a nutrient-dense solution, delivering high-quality protein and essential micronutrients in smaller portions.
Protein plays a vital role in maintaining muscle strength, immune function, and wound healing. For older adults, who often experience muscle loss and reduced appetite, ensuring adequate high-quality protein intake is essential to maintaining independence and quality of life.
Nutrient Density
in Every Bite
Compared to many plant proteins, animal proteins provide a complete amino acid profile and are highly digestible. This makes them especially valuable when food intake is limited and every bite needs to count.
Key Nutrients Found in Animal Proteins
Animal-based foods naturally supply several nutrients that are difficult to obtain in adequate amounts from plant sources alone:
Vitamin B12
Essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and nervous system function. Vitamin B12 occurs naturally only in animal-based foods.
Heme Iron
Found in meat, fish, and
poultry, heme iron is more
easily absorbed by the body
and supports oxygen
transport, energy levels, and cognitive function.
Zinc
Highly bioavailable in animal foods and critical for immune function, wound healing, and protein synthesis.
Other Important Nutrients
Including high-quality protein, selenium, choline, B vitamins, and (in some animal foods) omega-3 fatty acids.
Animal vs. Plant Proteins: A Practical Comparison
Both animal and plant proteins can play a role in a balanced diet. However, in clinical and senior care settings, animal proteins offer distinct advantages:
Animal Proteins
Animal proteins provide highly absorbable iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, supporting energy, immunity, and nerve health.
Plant Proteins
Plant proteins contribute beneficial nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, magnesium, and phytochemicals, but iron and zinc are less readily absorbed, and vitamin B12 must be obtained through fortified foods or supplements.
Supporting Health Outcomes
By delivering more nutrition in smaller volumes, animal-based proteins help support:
- Muscle maintenance and strength
- Energy and cognitive function
- Immune health and recovery
This makes them a valuable and practical choice for healthcare menus focused on nourishment, function, and quality of life.
A practical, nutrient-dense choice when nutrition matters most.
Why Protein Matters for Seniors
Builds and preserves lean
muscle mass
Supports immune health
and wound healing
Reduces malnutrition risk
and hospital readmissions
Helps maintain mobility and independence
Nearly half of seniors in care settings are at risk
of malnutrition due to lower appetite and muscle loss.
Protein Needs Increase with Age
1.0–1.2 g/kg body weight/day for healthy older adults
1.2–1.5 g/kg/day during illness, injury, or recovery
Serving protein-rich foods throughout the day helps optimize absorption and support strength. Healthcare organizations can offer high-protein menu items as part of your patient/resident wellness and recovery strategy.
Why Meat Protein Delivers More
High-quality meats are rich sources of protein — providing over 14 g of protein per serving — and deliver unmatched nutritional benefits.
- Complete & High-Quality — all essential amino acids
- Highly Digestible & Bioavailable — ideal for patients/seniors
- Naturally Nutrient-Rich — iron, zinc, and vitamin B12
- Texture-Modified Friendly — adaptable for IDDSI diets
Meat delivers more protein per serving — helping care teams support patient/resident strength, recovery, and satisfaction.
Protein-Rich Menu Options (>14g per serving)
Animal proteins deliver higher-quality, more digestible protein than most plant sources.
| Protein Source | Serving Size | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast (cooked) | 75 g | 23 g |
| Ground Beef (cooked) | 75 g | 22 g |
| Pork Loin (cooked) | 75 g | 22 g |
| Turkey (cooked) | 75 g | 21 g |
| Canned Salmon | 75 g | 18 g |
| Eggs (2 large) | 100 g | 13 g |
| Lentils (cooked) | 125 mL | 9 g |
Partnering for
Better Outcomes
At Maple Leaf Foods, we support healthcare and senior living operators with:
- Nutrient-dense meat products for every menu
- Recipe and menu development for high-protein and IDDSI-compliant meals
- Educational tools to help meet protein targets and support resident wellness
Fueling Strength with Quality Protein — One Meal at a Time.
Maple Leaf Proteins: the perfect menu option
These products below deliver 14 g or more of high-quality protein per serving, qualifying as a “rich source of protein” making them ideal for: healthcare & senior living menus focused on muscle maintenance and recovery, high-protein entrées and centre-of-plate options, texture-modified or IDDSI-compliant recipes when prepared appropriately.
Chicken
| Product Name | Brand | Maple Leaf Product Code | Serving Size | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Thick Carved Chicken Breast Strip | Maple Leaf Grilled & Ready | 64313 | 60 g | 14.3 |
| Boneless Chicken Bites (Chicken Dippers) | Maple Leaf | 64004 | 90 g (3 pieces) | 16.0 |
| Healthy Selections Grilled Chicken Thigh | Maple Leaf | 21355 | 90 g (1 thigh) | 16.6 |
| Prime Southern Fried Drum | Maple Leaf | 64236 | 117 g (1 drumstick) | 18.7 |
| Chicken & Leek Pot Pie | Schneiders | 43002 | 125 g (1 pie) | 14.1 |
| Chicken Breast Chunk Meat (Uncooked) | Maple Leaf | 57044 | 100 g | 22.7 |
| Chicken Thigh, Boneless Skinless (Uncooked) | Schneiders | 55344 | 105 g (1 thigh) | 20.7 |
Turkey
| Product Name | Brand | Maple Leaf Product Code | Serving Size | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey Burger | Maple Leaf | 55692 | 85 g (1 burger) | 14.7 |
| Sliced Roast Turkey Breast | Maple Leaf Healthy Selections | 21363 | 60 g (2 slices) | 14.6 |
| Turkey Dinner Sausage (Roller Grill) | Schneiders | 25191 | 114 g (1 sausage) | 16.0 |
Pork
| Product Name | Brand | Maple Leaf Product Code | Serving Size | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oktoberfest Smoked Dinner Sausage | Schneiders | 24563 | 114 g (1 sausage) | 15.1 |
| Italian Sausage | Schneiders | 63185 | 114 g (1 sausage) | 14.1 |
| Debrazzini Sausage | Schneiders | 38954 | 114 g (1 sausage) | 14.0 |
| Original Sliced Roast Pork | Maple Leaf Healthy Selections | 21354 | 60 g (2 slices) | 16.0 |
| Pork Loin Chop | Maple Leaf Healthy Selections | 21364 | 90 g (1 loin) | 24.0 |
| Country Kitchen Deli Smoked Ham | Maple Leaf | 21669 | 90 g | 14.4 |
| Easy Carve Bone-In Smoked Ham | Maple Leaf Burns | 64696 | 90 g | 15.8 |
| Slow Cooked Pork Drummies | Maple Leaf | 30298 | 114 g (1 drummie) | 27.8 |
| Breaded Pork Cutlette | Schneiders | 45751 | 113 g (1 cutlette) | 15.3 |
| Slow Cooked Pork Wing | Maple Leaf | 30299 | 112 g (2 wings) | 27.3 |
| Tourtière Pie | Schneiders | 20126 | 125 g (1 pie) | 16.0 |
Deli
| Product Name | Brand | Product Code | Serving Size | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaved Beef | Maple Leaf Healthy Selections | 01188 | 92 g | 19.2 |
Plant-Based
| Product Name | Brand | Product Code | Serving Size | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Roast Italian Crumble | Maple Leaf Healthy Selections | 31435 | 60 g | 17.4 |
| LightLife Original Tempeh | LightLife | 00237 | 100 g | 20.0 |
| Lightlife Plant Based Burger | Lightlife | 00082 | 99 g (1 each) | 17.2 |
| Field Roast Italian Sausages | Field Roast | 31235 | 92 g (1 each) | 27.0 |
Ready to Taste the Difference?
Need a customized protein menu solution?
Connect with your Healthcare Mapleleaf Representative as we your trusted solutions for healthcare and senior living.