Your body needs protein to build and repair muscles and bones and recover from injury. As the body uses protein, a waste product called blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is made. If your kidneys can’t filter waste from your blood well, the BUN level in your blood goes up. If the level gets too high, you can become sick. Because of this, you need to control the amount of protein you eat each day. Use this handout to help you.
You may know how many grams of protein to eat, but most food portions are measured in ounces. Use the chart below to help see the protein content of some common foods.
Protein source
Amount in ounces
Amount in grams
Chicken breast
3 to 4 ounces
21 to 28 grams
Chicken thigh
2 to 2.5 ounces
14 to 18 grams
Fish
3 ounces
21 grams
Pork chop
Roast beef
Steak
Hamburger
Eggs
1 egg
7 grams
Cheese
1 ounce
Most beans
4 ounces
7 to 10 grams
Tofu
2 ounces
5 grams
Most nuts
5 to 8 grams
Eating too much protein may cause:
Nausea or vomiting
Tiredness (fatigue)
Mental confusion
Increased potassium levels
Increased phosphorus levels
Increased time on hemodialysis
Risk of speeding the loss of kidney function
Eating too little protein may cause:
Muscle loss and weakness
Tiredness
Weight loss
Slower wound healing
If you’re having trouble getting the right amount of protein, ask your provider to refer you to a dietitian. They can help you learn ways to stay on target.