If you're looking to get a list of foods you can eat carnivore diet, we're here to provide basic info and to give you a free carnivore diet food list PDF of over 50 foods to download!
Most of our readers follow a low carb or keto health plan, or they are eating high protein. Many are trying to lose weight and/or build muscle or are looking to improve their health.
My husband lost 30 lbs following a keto diet, and we're both currently eating high protein low carb while sticking to whole foods and avoiding processed foods.
While we aren't a carnivore of no carb dedicated site, we're here to provide help and resources to our readers looking to get a printable food list or to just get more information!
No carb foods info
Popular resources on our site to provide more info! These are not carnivore diet specific, but they'll still be helpful since carnivore foods to eat are also no carb.
- 150 No carb foods list
- 50 no carb snacks list
- 50 no carb recipes (all from our website!)
- No carb diet
Snag our free PDF!
Whether you're trying to lose weight, build muscle, or you are under doctor orders to reduce your carbs and eat more pure foods, our list can help!
1. Meat: Your Diet’s Foundation
It might seem obvious to just eat meat if you're following a carnivore plan or trying to get more protein. But sometimes we get stuck and need more meal ideas for inspo.
Beef: The star of the carnivore diet, beef is rich in protein, iron, and essential fats. From ground beef to steaks, roasts, and ribs, you have plenty of options to mix things up.
Pork: Bacon, pork chops, pork tenderloin, pork belly, and sausages (made without sugar or fillers) are excellent sources of fat and protein. Pork is super versatile and is a great option for getting more protein!
Lamb: Known for its rich flavor, lamb is a great addition to your diet. It’s packed with nutrients like zinc and B vitamins. Not as common in the US but it's one of most popular protein sources in the world.
Chicken: Whole chicken, thighs, breasts, and wings are perfect for a leaner option while still providing enough fat to keep you feeling satisfied.
Turkey: Similar to chicken but with a slightly different flavor profile, turkey is another go-to for those on the carnivore path.
Organ meats: Beef liver, pork liver, chicken liver, beef heart, pork heart, lamb kidneys, beef kidneys, chicken gizzards, duck liver.
Game meat: Venison, bison, rabbit, pheasant, quail, duck, and elk are some of the options.
2. Fish and Seafood: Full of Omega-3s
Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is excellent for heart and brain health. Try to get wild-caught salmon whenever you can. We love to buy it in bulk and cook it in our air fryer from frozen.
More popular fish options: cod, tilapia, red snapper, sea bass, and trout
Sardines: Small, nutrient-dense, and often affordable, sardines are packed with omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D. We usually buy them smoked and sold in cans with oil.
Mackerel & Tuna: These fatty fish are high in protein and healthy fats, canned options make them cheaper and easier to find.
Shrimp, Lobster, mussels, and Crab: Seafood provides high amounts of lean protein and important minerals like iodine.
3. Chicken Eggs
While the egg prices currently suck, they're still probably cheaper than most meat options. Chicken eggs are the most popular of course. We love to cook a bunch at a time in our Instant Pot or wrap them in bacon to make bacon egg cups when we're feeling fancy.
Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, and contain vitamins like B12 and choline. Choose free-range or pasture-raised eggs for the best quality.
If you can tolerate them, duck eggs or quail eggs are another great option, known for their richer flavor and higher fat content.
4. Dairy (Optional)
Some people on the carnivore diet include dairy, while others don't and avoid it because to lactose intolerance or sensitivities.
If you choose to eat some dairy, here's what's recommended:
Cheese: Go for full-fat, low-carb cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, cottage cheese, goat cheese, and cream cheese. Avoid cheeses with added sugars or starches, like pre-shredded cheese in a bag.
Butter & Ghee: Butter (preferably grass-fed) and ghee (clarified butter) are great fats that can be used for cooking or adding extra flavor.
Heavy Cream: Full-fat heavy cream can be added to recipes, coffee, or even used in sauces.
Fun ways to eat cheese:
5. Animal Fats: Fuel for Your Body
Tallow (Beef Fat) and Lard (Pork Fat) are great for cooking or as a source of pure animal fat. These fats are rich in nutrients and can help keep you full during the day.
Ghee is a clarified form of butter that’s great for high-heat cooking and digestion-friendly.
6. Bone Broth: A Healing Powerhouse
Bone broth is an excellent way to get extra nutrients like collagen, gelatin, and minerals. It’s super beneficial for joint health and gut healing too. You can make it at yourself or buy it pre-made.
You can buy bone broth in bulk at a grocery food club like Costco or Sam's club to save money. Likewise with the meats, eggs, and cheeses.
Carnivore diet tips
- Eating a variety of these animal-based foods helps to make sure you’re getting a balanced intake of protein, fat, and essential nutrients.
- While the carnivore diet is restrictive, you can still enjoy a wide variety of meals and flavors by getting creative with how you prepare your food.
- Even changing up the cooking method really adds variety whether you're baking food, pan frying it, using your air fryer, grilling, or perhaps using a pressure cooker.
- Consider making a beef steak one night, and then switching things up with a simple shrimp stir-fry the next. Add organ meats like liver and kidney to your meals for extra nutrients, and don’t forget to sip on bone broth to keep you nourished and hydrated.
Download our free printable carnivore diet foods list!
More Carnivore info we recommend
We're not claiming to be medical experts by any means. Here's a list of reputable medical sources to give you more info about going carnivore.
- What is the carnivore diet? - by Harvard Health
- Behavioral Characteristics and Self-Reported Health Status among 2029 Adults Consuming a “Carnivore Diet” - National Library of Health (A US government site)
- Carnivore Diet: Can you have too much meat? Cleveland Clinic
More recipes and lists
- 150 No carb foods list
- 50 no carb snacks list
- 50 no carb recipes (all from our website!)
- No carb diet
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