Complete Carnivore Diet Food List - Beginner Friendly - Clean Keto Lifestyle (2024)

The Carnivore Diet is a way of eating that restricts the foods that you eat to mainly animal meats and fats. It acts as an elimination diet and is also extremely low in carbs. Knowing what to eat on a Carnivore Diet is the key to a successful implementation so we have created a comprehensive Carnivore Diet Food List.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Different Versions of the Carnivore Diet

There are several different versions of the carnivore diet ranging from the most restrictive to a little more lenient on what foods you can eat. Let's walk through each version in detail:

  • Hardcore Carnivore - The most strict version in which you would only eat animal meat and animal fats. This version is zero carbs.
  • Intermediate Carnivore - The version adds in low-carb dairy products.
  • Keto Carnivore - This is a combination of ketogenic diet and carnivore diet in which you would eat animal meat and animal fats for the majority of your diet, but also add in some low-carb vegetables and non-animal fats.

To keep everything straight, we have created a carnivore food list for each version to make trying out the diet as easy a possible.

Carnivore Diet Food List

In all versions of the carnivore diet, these foods are the cornerstone of the diet. Here is a food list for your reference:

Meats

  • Beef (all cuts - steak, ground beef, chuck roast, beef ribs, etc.)
  • Chicken (all cuts - breasts, thighs, wings, legs)
  • Pork (all cuts - sugar-free bacon, ribs, tenderloin, chops, shoulder, etc.)
  • Lamb (all cuts - shank, breast, chops, ribs, etc.)
  • Seafood (all varieties - oysters, salmon, tuna, shrimp, sardines, etc.)
  • Organs (liver, heart, tongue, etc.)
  • Eggs
  • Bone Broth

Fats

  • Beef Tallow
  • Lard
  • Chicken or Duck Fat
  • Butter
  • Ghee

Stop here if you want to do Hardcore Carnivore. For seasoning, stick to just salt. We like pink Himalayan Salt, Redmond's Real Salt, and Celtic Sea Salt, which are all rich in minerals.

Here is a easy reference guide for the Carnivore Diet Food List.

Complete Carnivore Diet Food List - Beginner Friendly - Clean Keto Lifestyle (1)

Foods to Eat on Intermediate Carnivore

For the Intermediate Carnivore diet, which allows for a small amount of carbs, you can add in dairy. Stick to full-fat versions of dairy, which are lower in carbohydrates. That means skipping on skim milk or other low-fat cheeses. Also, make sure you are buying real butter and not margarine or other butter substitutes.

Here is a food list of acceptable dairy products:

Dairy

  • Butter
  • Ghee
  • Full-fat milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Cheese

Foods to Eat on Keto Carnivore

For Keto Carnivore, you will center your diet around animal meats and fats, but can add in small amounts of high-quality plant-based fats and some low-carb vegetables.

Here is a food list of some Keto Carnivore low-carb plant options:

Plant Based Fats

  • Avocado oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Extra-virgin olive oil

When it comes to fats - only opt for unrefined, whole food fats. Avoid anything processed like vegetable oils, sunflower oil, canola oil, and soybean oil.

Low-Carb Vegetables (small portion)

  • Asparagus
  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Cucumbers
  • Celery
  • Zucchini
  • Cauliflower

For Keto Carnivore, these vegetables should just be used a small side to your meal rather than be the main dish. Fill most of your plate with animal based foods and use these sparingly.

Food Quality on the Carnivore Diet

The quality of the foods you are eating on the carnivore diet is very important.

For the animal meat, it is worth the extra effort to find and purchase quality protein. It is important for your health to eat the most nutrient dense, clean protein available with a healthier fat profile (aka more omega-3’s) and more Vitamin E, beta-carotene, Vitamin A, zinc, iron and potassium. Look for labels like grass-fed beef, pastured poultry & eggs, and wild-caught seafood. Butcher Box is our favorite website to buy quality meats.

When it comes to fats, these should have no added ingredients and always opt for organic and grass-fed versions when available to limit your exposure to GMO’s, pesticides, herbicides, and other toxins.

What to Drink on the Carnivore Diet

When implementing the carnivore diet, water is the main drink of choice. Opt for filtered water and add a pinch of salt to your water to provide minerals and keep you hydrated.

Bone broth is also a good option. Bone broth is liquid made from animal bones and connective tissue. It is full of collagen and nutrients and is great for hydration as well. Our favorite brands that are available in the grocery store are Kettle & Fire and Bonafide Provisions.

If you are doing Intermediate Carnivore, you can add full-fat milk to your diet. If possible, raw milk is the best option as it is full of beneficial probiotics and enzymes.

Carnivore Diet Food Guidelines

When it comes to eating on the carnivore diet, there are no specific macros to follow. You should just eat each meal until you are satiated and there is no need to count calories. This means you don't have to overthink your meals, which takes a lot of stress out of the "what's for dinner" question. Just roast, grill, or sear some protein in animal fat and top it with some salt.

The one tip that we have is to make sure you are eating enough fat. Fat is a crucial macronutrient that is a source of essential fatty acids, which the body cannot make itself. Fat also aids in the absorption of vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E. To ensure you are consuming enough fat, opt for fattier cuts of meat or make sure to cook a leaner protein (like most seafood) in fat. Think shrimp cooked in lots of butter!

If you are looking for a meal plan you can easily follow, check our our Carnivore Diet Meal Plan. Like anything new in your diet, check with your doctor before beginning this way of eating.

Carnivore Diet Food List Common Questions

Can I have coffee on a Carnivore Diet?

Technically, no. Coffee beans comes from the coffee plant and since the Carnivore Diet is a only animal-food based, coffee would not be considered carnivore since it is a plant food.

Can I use spices and seasonings on a Carnivore Diet?

Most spices and seasonings are derived from plant leaves or seeds. As a result, these would not be permitted on the Carnivore Diet. Salt would be the only carnivore-friendly seasoning.

How do you get vitamins and nutrients on a Carnivore Diet?

Animal meat is actually very nutrient dense. It is full of vitamins such as vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K2, vitamin B6, zinc, selenium, iron, niacin, and vitamin B12. In fact, vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that's only found in animal foods. By filling your meals with animal protein, you are actually getting a significant amount of nutrients.

Other Low-Carb Resources

  • High Protein Ketogenic Diet Explained
  • Keto for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide
  • The Importance of Food Quality
  • Intermittent Fasting Explained
Complete Carnivore Diet Food List - Beginner Friendly - Clean Keto Lifestyle (2024)

FAQs

Complete Carnivore Diet Food List - Beginner Friendly - Clean Keto Lifestyle? ›

How does the carnivore diet work? The diet is a form of ketogenic diet, and works by eliminating all plant-based foods and solely eating meat, fish, eggs and small amounts of low-lactose dairy foods. Chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, beef, organ meats, oily and white fish, hard cheese, butter and cream are all allowed.

What can you eat on the keto carnivore diet? ›

How does the carnivore diet work? The diet is a form of ketogenic diet, and works by eliminating all plant-based foods and solely eating meat, fish, eggs and small amounts of low-lactose dairy foods. Chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, beef, organ meats, oily and white fish, hard cheese, butter and cream are all allowed.

What should I eat the first week of the carnivore diet? ›

Week 1
  • Day 1. Lunch: Ribeye Steak. Dinner: Pork Chops.
  • Day 2. Lunch: Burger Patties. Dinner: Salmon.
  • Day 3. Lunch: NY Strip Steak. Dinner: Pork Ribs.
  • Day 4. Lunch: Beef Ribs. Dinner: Chicken Wings.
  • Day 5. Lunch: Ribeye Steak. Dinner: Eat Out *
  • Day 6. Lunch: Burger Patties. Dinner: Shrimp.
  • Day 7. Lunch: NY Strip Steak. Dinner: Chuck Roast.

What is the entry level carnivore diet? ›

Your main calorie source should come from fatty cuts of grass-fed meat like NY strip steak, porterhouse, ribeye, 80/20 ground beef, t-bone, bacon, pork chops, and flank steak. Since you're restricting carbohydrates, meats with more fat content are preferred so your body can use those fats as a source of energy.

What does Dr. Ken Berry eat in a day? ›

Dr. Berry himself has been a pure carnivore since 2020. His approach is straightforward and entails eliminating plant foods, focusing on ruminant meats, feasting on 1-3 meals a day, and boosting your fat-to-protein ratio by choosing fatty meats and liberally applying animal cooking fats.

How do you satisfy sweet teeth on carnivore diet? ›

The best ingredients for no-carb, no-sugar desserts are dairy foods like cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Its subtle sweetness and velvety mouthfeel make dairy the perfect secret ingredient for carnivore desserts.

How long does it take for your body to go into ketosis on a carnivore diet? ›

The time it takes to enter ketosis varies from person to person ( 6 , 7 ). In general, it can take 2–4 days if you eat 20–50 grams of carbs per day. However, some people may find it takes a week or longer to reach this state ( 6 , 7 , 8 ).

How many eggs a day on a carnivore diet? ›

More eggs can support muscle gain, while fewer may be better for weight loss. You can also consider just consuming egg whites to lower your calorie and fat intake. In general, though, many on the carnivore diet consume between 2 to 6 eggs daily as part of their meal plan.

Can I drink coffee on a carnivore diet? ›

Yes, you can drink coffee on a carnivore diet. Despite its plant origin, many followers of the carnivore diet still consume coffee, considering caffeine's stimulating properties. However, caution must be taken as excessive intake of caffeine may add stress to the body's metabolism and disrupt sleep patterns.

What does a carnivore meal plan look like? ›

Following the diet involves eliminating all plant foods from your diet and exclusively eating meat, fish, eggs, and small amounts of low-lactose dairy products. Foods to eat include beef, chicken, pork, lamb, turkey, organ meats, salmon, sardines, white fish, and small amounts of heavy cream and hard cheese.

What is a carnivore menu? ›

The carnivore diet, created by Dr. Shawn Baker, revolves around animal products — especially meat, eggs and a little dairy — as its only component. Following the carnivore diet means no vegetables, grains or any plant-based foods.

What to drink on a carnivore diet? ›

The short answer to the beverage question is that on a strict carnivore plan, only water and bone broth are allowed. If you're including dairy, milk would also be allowed. Those who subscribe to more lenient versions of a carnivore diet may also include plain, unsweetened tea and coffee in their regimen.

What is an example of a first level carnivore? ›

Following this we have carnivorous consumers: animals that are considered “meat eaters” because their energy comes directly from other animal products. The carnivores are broken into tiers; the first level carnivores consist of crustaceans, small fish, jellyfish, and others that generally consume small herbivores.

What diet does Oprah use? ›

The 69-year-old wowed all with a slimmed physique and as revealed from her diet it is not far from being attainable. She consumes 1,700 calories daily. Her diet comprises 20 percent protein, 30 percent fat, and 50 percent carbohydrates. Here are a few diet secrets of Oprah that help her stay fit.

What is the key to the carnivore diet? ›

🥩 Key Principles of the Carnivore Diet: Animal-Based Nutrition: The carnivore diet focuses on obtaining nutrients from animal-based sources, emphasizing the consumption of meat (especially red meat), which provides essential proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and other bioactive compounds.

What is the Bbbe diet for carnivores? ›

What is the BBBE diet? Beef, butter, bacon and eggs — or BBBE, as Dr. Berry has coined it — is a shortcut version of the increasingly popular carnivore diet. Like a traditional keto diet, it works by replacing carb-rich foods with protein and fat.

What did Joe Rogan eat on his carnivore diet? ›

Joe Rogan's daily intake, while on the Carnivore Diet, primarily consisted of meat. He often mentioned consuming elk, bison, and other game meats, along with more traditional meats like beef. Organ meats, particularly liver, were also a part of his diet.

How to stay in ketosis on carnivore? ›

The key to a healthy and sustainable keto carnivore diet is to focus on fatty animal foods. The most nutrient-rich and complete keto carnivore foods are ruminant meats, including fatty cuts of steak, and lamb, preferably from grass-fed sources.

What is the zero carb carnivore diet? ›

Unlike keto, which limits carbs to a certain number per day, the carnivore diet aims for zero carbs per day. You eat only meat, fish, eggs and some animal products; you exclude all other food groups — including vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

What is the best food to eat on a carnivore diet? ›

The short list of foods considered acceptable in the carnivore diet includes:
  • Beef.
  • Lamb.
  • Pork.
  • Chicken.
  • Organ meats (such as kidneys, liver and intestines)
  • Fish.
  • Bone broth.
  • Dairy, including eggs, butter, hard cheese and heavy whipping cream (though some purists don't allow dairy at all)
Apr 12, 2024

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