Can You Eat Any Steak on the Carnivore Diet?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

According to advocates, the carnivore diet is an all-animal-based eating plan that eliminates plant foods entirely. So, can you eat any steak on the carnivore diet, or are there specific rules to follow? While all steaks are technically permissible, the best choices depend on your goals and the specific variation of the diet you follow.

Quick Summary

This guide explains which cuts of steak are most suitable for the carnivore diet, emphasizing the importance of fat content for sustained energy. It covers different diet variations, cooking methods, seasoning options, and nutritional considerations for beginners seeking optimal results. It also explores the benefits of varying your meat sources beyond just steak.

Key Points

High-Fat Cuts Are Preferred: Fatty cuts like ribeye and wagyu are ideal for energy and satiety on the carnivore diet.
Leaner Cuts Are Acceptable: Lean steaks like eye fillet are fine but need added animal fats (like tallow) to meet energy needs.
Fat is the Fuel: With carbohydrates eliminated, dietary fat from steak becomes the primary energy source, helping to induce and maintain ketosis.
Quality Matters: Opt for grass-fed, ethically sourced beef, as it offers a superior nutrient profile and fat quality.
Variety is Crucial: Don't rely on steak alone; incorporate organ meats, fish, and eggs to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients.
Seasoning Varies by Strictness: While some stick to only salt, others use minimal spices. Quality animal-based fats are a safe bet for flavor.
Cook with Care: Avoid overcooking tender cuts and use animal fats for cooking to maximize flavor and nutritional value.

Navigating Steak Choices on the Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet focuses on consuming only animal products, with steak often serving as a dietary cornerstone due to its high protein and fat content. However, not all steaks are created equal, especially when nutritional density and macronutrient ratios are considered. The ideal choice of steak largely depends on whether you prioritize high fat for energy or leaner protein for muscle maintenance.

The Importance of Fat in the Carnivore Diet

For many on the carnivore diet, especially those transitioning from a standard high-carb diet, focusing on fatty cuts of meat is crucial. When carbohydrates are eliminated, the body switches to using fat as its primary fuel source, a metabolic state known as ketosis. Consuming ample fat helps provide sustained energy and satiety, reducing cravings and helping the body adapt. Fatty cuts like ribeye are often preferred because they contain both protein and a high proportion of healthy fats in a single package.

A Comparison of Popular Steak Cuts for the Carnivore Diet


Steak Cut	Fat Content	Primary Benefit	Best for...
Ribeye	High, with significant marbling	Rich flavor and high-calorie density	Maintaining satiety and energy
Wagyu	Very High, exceptional marbling	Luxurious taste and very high fat	Indulging in a premium, high-fat option
T-Bone/Porterhouse	Medium-High (part tenderloin, part strip)	Combines lean and fatty portions	A balanced, flavorful meal with variety
Chuck Roll/Short Ribs	Medium-High, rich in collagen	Supports joint and gut health	Slow-cooking for maximum tenderness
Eye Fillet (Tenderloin)	Low	Very tender texture, high protein	Balancing protein intake with added animal fats
Beef Mince (80/20)	High (ground beef with 20% fat)	Versatile, affordable, balanced fat/protein	Everyday meals, burger patties, convenience

Seasoning and Preparation

While purists on the carnivore diet stick to meat, salt, and water, many followers allow for some basic seasonings. The general consensus is that salt is essential for replenishing electrolytes, especially during the initial transition period. Some also permit black pepper, while others avoid it due to its plant origin. The choice of seasoning is often a personal preference, and many discover that quality steak needs very little to taste incredible. When cooking, avoid plant-based oils and use animal-based fats like tallow, lard, or butter. Proper cooking techniques, such as pan-searing or grilling, help retain the steak's natural juices and flavor. For fattier cuts, cooking to a medium-rare temperature can maximize both flavor and tenderness.

The Importance of Variety Beyond Steak

While steak can be a staple, the carnivore diet encourages a nose-to-tail approach to maximize nutrient intake. Incorporating other animal products ensures a broader spectrum of vitamins and minerals. Examples include organ meats like liver, heart, and kidney, which are nutrient powerhouses. Adding seafood like salmon provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, and eggs are an excellent source of protein and fat. This variety prevents nutrient deficiencies and keeps the diet from becoming monotonous.

Different Variations of the Carnivore Diet

It's also worth noting that there are variations of the carnivore diet, each with slightly different rules regarding which animal products to include.

Traditional Carnivore: Consumes meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and animal-based fats like tallow and butter.
Lion Diet: A highly restrictive version consisting only of ruminant meat (beef, lamb, goat, deer), salt, and water. This is often used as a deep elimination diet to identify food sensitivities.
Keto-Carnivore: Includes animal products but may also incorporate some keto-approved plant foods, such as certain nuts or non-starchy vegetables.

Conclusion: Choose Your Steak Wisely

Ultimately, you can eat any steak on the carnivore diet, but the savvy dieter chooses strategically. Fatty cuts like ribeye and wagyu are excellent for providing sustained energy and ketosis. Leaner cuts like tenderloin are great for protein but should be supplemented with added animal fats. Varying your meat sources to include organ meats, seafood, and eggs is key for comprehensive nutrition. The best approach is to listen to your body, experiment with different cuts and seasonings, and prioritize nutrient density and quality. By focusing on high-quality, ethically sourced beef and other animal products, you can maximize the benefits of this unique dietary approach.

Source for grass-fed beef sourcing and benefits (Note: This is an example, should be replaced with a real link).

Frequently Asked Questions

For beginners, a fatty cut like the ribeye is often recommended. Its high fat content helps provide consistent energy and satiety, making the transition to a zero-carb lifestyle smoother.

Yes, you can eat leaner steaks such as tenderloin, but it's important to supplement them with extra animal fat, like butter or tallow, to meet your energy requirements. Without enough fat, you may feel less satiated.

While strict carnivores only use salt, many find that a minimalist approach with some spices, like black pepper or garlic powder, works fine. It's a personal preference, and many discover they don't need much flavor beyond quality meat and salt.

The Lion Diet is a more restrictive version of the carnivore diet that focuses solely on ruminant meat (beef, lamb), salt, and water. The general carnivore diet includes all animal products, such as pork, poultry, fish, and eggs.

Avoid plant-based oils. On the carnivore diet, you should use animal-based fats like beef tallow, lard, or grass-fed butter for cooking your steak. These fats align with the diet's principles.

Sourcing high-quality beef is crucial on the carnivore diet, as meat is your primary food source. Grass-fed, pasture-raised options generally offer a better nutritional profile, with more omega-3s and fewer potential additives than grain-fed varieties.

Yes, incorporating a variety of meats is highly recommended. Including organ meats like liver, along with poultry and fish, helps ensure you receive a wider range of essential vitamins and minerals that muscle meat alone may not provide.