Did the carnivore doctor quit the carnivore diet? An Examination of Paul Saladino and Shawn Baker

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

In 2024, physician Paul Saladino, formerly known as 'Carnivore MD', publicly announced health issues that led him to alter his diet. This news raised a critical question for many followers: did the carnivore doctor quit the carnivore diet? Meanwhile, another vocal proponent, Dr. Shawn Baker, has remained consistent in his advocacy.

Quick Summary

This article explores the dietary changes of influential carnivore diet proponents, detailing Paul Saladino's transition away from a strict meat-only diet and confirming Shawn Baker's continued adherence.

Key Points

Dr. Paul Saladino's Dietary Shift: The figure known as 'Carnivore MD' transitioned from a strict meat-only diet to a broader 'animal-based' diet that includes fruit and honey after experiencing negative health effects.
Adverse Health Effects Cited: Saladino reported symptoms such as low testosterone, heart palpitations, and sleep disturbances as key factors influencing his decision to quit the strict diet.
Shawn Baker's Continued Adherence: In contrast to Saladino, Dr. Shawn Baker remains a vocal proponent and follower of the carnivore diet.
Long-Term Evidence Acknowledged as Lacking: Even committed proponents like Baker admit there is limited long-term data on the health effects of the diet.
Beyond Dietary Dogma: The evolution of prominent figures like Saladino and Baker demonstrates the importance of critical thinking and adapting based on personal health and scientific understanding.
Embracing Dietary Diversity: Saladino's inclusion of plants like fruit and honey suggests a move towards a more varied, balanced diet rather than extreme restriction.

The Carnivore MD's Shift: Why Paul Saladino Changed Course

For years, physician Paul Saladino, known to many as 'Carnivore MD', was one of the most visible advocates for a strict meat-only diet. His books and media appearances inspired countless people to adopt this highly restrictive way of eating, which excludes all plant-based foods. However, by 2022, Saladino began reporting health complications that prompted a significant change in his approach to nutrition.

During podcast interviews, Saladino openly discussed experiencing persistent symptoms such as sleep disturbances, heart palpitations, and muscle cramps. Most notably, he reported a concerning drop in his testosterone levels. These issues occurred after several years of strict adherence to the carnivore diet, leading him to re-evaluate his position on long-term, complete dietary ketosis. He famously stated that he began to think, "maybe long-term ketosis is not great for me" and, further, that it's "probably not a great thing for most humans".

Saladino's dietary shift was not a complete abandonment of animal products but rather an evolution towards what he now calls an "animal-based" diet. This new approach still emphasizes animal products, including meat and organs, but also incorporates nutrient-dense plant foods like honey and fruit. His transparency about his personal struggles and decision to adapt his diet represented a pivot away from the uncompromising dietary dogma he once promoted. This public change demonstrates the importance of listening to one's body, even when following a popular diet, and acknowledging that nutritional needs can change over time.

Shawn Baker's Ongoing Carnivore Journey

While Paul Saladino moved on, another key figure in the carnivore movement, Dr. Shawn Baker, has continued to advocate for and follow the diet. Baker, known for his impressive physique and athletic pursuits, has frequently championed the carnivore lifestyle based on his personal experiences and anecdotal evidence from his followers. In a statement from early 2024, Baker reaffirmed his commitment, stating he had been on the diet for over three years and felt "excellent health".

Despite his steadfast adherence, Baker has shown some acknowledgment of the limitations of the current data. In a debate in February 2024, he conceded that he doesn't know the long-term effects of a high-meat diet on people's health and that there is a lack of data on whether it increases or prevents certain diseases. He also maintains that the diet is not for everyone and has highlighted specific individuals who should not attempt it. This slight moderation in his messaging, while still promoting the diet, contrasts with Saladino's more dramatic shift and underscores a different perspective on long-term adherence.

The Evolving Landscape of Diet and Nutrition

The journeys of Saladino and Baker illustrate the dynamic and often complex nature of personal nutrition. Their experiences highlight several key considerations:

Listening to Your Body: Saladino's change was driven by persistent, negative symptoms that were hard to ignore, emphasizing that health is more important than dietary rigidity.
The Problem with Dogma: Relying solely on anecdotal evidence or a single philosophy without acknowledging scientific complexities can lead to poor long-term outcomes.
The Importance of Personalization: As Baker himself admits, no single diet is a perfect fit for every individual. Genetic, lifestyle, and health history factors play a crucial role in determining what works best.
Beyond Restriction: Saladino's inclusion of honey and fruit in his updated diet suggests that some plant foods may provide essential nutrients or benefits that a meat-only diet lacks.
Ongoing Research and Skepticism: The lack of long-term studies on the carnivore diet, as noted by Baker, underscores the need for continued research and a healthy dose of skepticism towards extreme dietary claims.

Mainstream Scientific Perspective vs. Anecdotal Experience


Feature	Carnivore Doctor Advocates (Early Views)	Mainstream Scientific Consensus
Nutrient Intake	All necessary nutrients from meat/organs; no need for plants.	Potential deficiencies in fibre, Vitamin C, magnesium, and other micronutrients.
Saturated Fat/Cholesterol	High intake is not a concern; often improves lipid markers.	High intake is associated with increased LDL ('bad') cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
Long-Term Health	Anecdotal reports of significant health improvements.	Significant unknowns and potential long-term risks, including heart disease and cancer.
Fibre	Unnecessary or even harmful.	Crucial for digestive health, gut microbiome balance, and preventing constipation.
Dietary Sustainability	Adherent and satisfying for dedicated individuals.	The restrictive nature is difficult to sustain and can lead to regain of lost weight.

Key Takeaways from the Carnivore Doctor's Evolution

The differing paths of Paul Saladino and Shawn Baker offer a valuable case study in the evolution of dietary philosophy. For Saladino, his personal health issues ultimately outweighed his theoretical commitment to a strict carnivore diet, prompting a public reassessment. His shift to an "animal-based" approach, which adds back certain carbohydrates, highlights the potential risks of extreme dietary elimination over extended periods, particularly concerning nutrient deficiencies and hormonal balance.

Baker's continued advocacy, alongside his admission of lacking long-term data, showcases a different reality. He represents those for whom the diet appears to work well, at least in the medium term, while also cautiously acknowledging the scientific void concerning prolonged health effects.

Their stories serve as a potent reminder for anyone considering a restrictive diet. First and foremost, a singular, universally perfect diet does not exist. Second, it is crucial to remain adaptable and critically evaluate your own body's signals, rather than adhering blindly to a dogma championed by a charismatic influencer. The long-term health implications of the carnivore diet remain understudied, and the mainstream medical consensus still points towards a more varied and balanced intake of nutrients from both animal and plant sources as the most evidence-based approach to overall well-being. For more information on the potential risks of the carnivore diet, Healthline provides a comprehensive overview.

Conclusion

The question, did the carnivore doctor quit the carnivore diet, is answered differently depending on which figure you reference. Paul Saladino, the 'Carnivore MD', did indeed move away from strict carnivory due to personal health challenges. Meanwhile, Shawn Baker has continued his advocacy, albeit with some acknowledgment of the scientific limitations. This dichotomy reveals that even the most dedicated proponents of restrictive diets can have their perspectives altered by real-world health outcomes. For the public, the key takeaway is to approach all dietary trends with caution and prioritize a personalized, evidence-based approach to nutrition rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term 'Carnivore Doctor' most frequently refers to physician Paul Saladino ('Carnivore MD') who gained popularity for promoting the strict carnivore diet, although other advocates like Dr. Shawn Baker are also associated with the title.

Yes, Paul Saladino publicly announced that he shifted away from the strict, meat-only carnivore diet and now follows a more inclusive 'animal-based' diet that incorporates certain plant foods like fruit and honey.

Saladino cited adverse health effects, including low testosterone levels, heart palpitations, and sleep disturbances, that persisted after years of following a strict carnivore diet.

As of his most recent public statements, Dr. Shawn Baker is still following the carnivore diet and reports positive health outcomes from his personal experience.

Paul Saladino now follows an 'animal-based' diet, which is primarily composed of meat and organs but also includes select plant foods like honey and fruit.

Potential health risks include deficiencies in fibre, vitamins, and minerals (like Vitamin C), high intake of saturated fat and sodium, and increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Yes, after experiencing adverse health symptoms, Saladino concluded that long-term ketosis is 'probably not a great thing for most humans'.

The key difference is the inclusion of plant-based foods. A strict carnivore diet excludes all plants, while Paul Saladino's animal-based diet incorporates select plant foods such as fruit and honey.