What is a meat and dairy diet called?

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 1.5 million Americans follow a ketogenic diet, which often includes meat and dairy. A meat and dairy diet is most commonly referred to as the carnivore diet, though some variations exist depending on what is included and excluded. This restrictive eating plan focuses exclusively on animal products while eliminating all plant-based foods.

Quick Summary

The carnivore diet is the most precise name for an eating plan consisting of only meat and dairy products. It is a highly restrictive and low-carbohydrate approach that excludes plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

Key Points

Carnivore Diet: A diet of exclusively meat and dairy is most accurately called the carnivore diet, which restricts food intake to only animal products.
No Plants Included: The carnivore diet excludes all plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Variations Exist: Some followers are more strict (just meat and water), while others include low-lactose dairy like butter and hard cheeses.
Potential Risks: Major health concerns include the risk of nutrient deficiencies due to the lack of plant foods and potential for high saturated fat and sodium intake.
Limited Evidence: Many claims of health benefits, such as reduced inflammation and weight loss, are based on anecdotal reports rather than controlled scientific studies.
Not Recommended for Everyone: The diet is considered unbalanced by many experts and is not recommended for certain populations, including those with kidney issues.
High in Protein and Fat: The diet is extremely high in protein and fat and contains almost no carbohydrates, which can lead to a state of ketosis.

What Defines the Carnivore Diet?

At its core, the carnivore diet is a highly restrictive regimen that includes only animal-based foods. While some adherents follow an extremely strict 'nose-to-tail' approach that allows only meat, water, and salt, many versions permit the inclusion of dairy products. This makes the carnivore diet the most accurate term for an eating plan based exclusively on meat and dairy.

Core components of a meat and dairy diet

The staples of a carnivore-style diet are simple and consistent: animal products. This means that a person on this diet would consume:

Meat (red meat, pork, poultry)
Fish and seafood
Eggs
Animal fats (lard, butter, ghee)
Certain low-lactose dairy products (hard cheeses, heavy cream)

These foods are the primary sources of energy, protein, and fat for adherents. Followers often prioritize fattier cuts of meat to meet their daily energy requirements, since carbohydrates are completely eliminated.

Is there another term for a meat and dairy diet?

While the carnivore diet is the most direct answer, other dietary labels can sometimes overlap or be confused with it. It is important to distinguish between these to accurately describe the specific eating pattern.

Comparison Table: Carnivore vs. Related Diets


Feature	Carnivore Diet	Ketogenic Diet	Paleolithic (Paleo) Diet
Meat and Fish	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dairy	Often included (low-lactose)	Often included (high-fat)	Excluded
Eggs	Yes	Yes	Yes
Plant Foods (e.g., vegetables, fruit)	Excluded	Limited	Included
Grains/Legumes	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded

As the table illustrates, the inclusion of dairy is a key distinguishing factor among these animal-centric diets. A core Paleo diet, for instance, strictly excludes dairy, making it an unsuitable label for a diet that includes both meat and dairy. The ketogenic diet, while also low-carb and including meat and dairy, differs because it permits some plant-based foods, unlike the pure carnivore approach.

What are the potential health impacts?

Adopting a highly restrictive diet, such as one consisting only of meat and dairy, raises a number of nutritional considerations. The exclusion of entire food groups can lead to both benefits and drawbacks, though the long-term effects of the carnivore diet are not yet fully understood due to limited robust research.

Lack of fiber and micronutrients

One of the most significant concerns is the complete absence of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health. The diet also eliminates many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some followers attempt to counteract this by eating organ meats, which are more nutrient-dense than muscle meat, but nutrient gaps may still occur.

Potential for high saturated fat and sodium

Depending on the cuts of meat and types of dairy consumed, a meat and dairy diet can be very high in saturated fat and cholesterol. While the impact of saturated fat is still debated, excessive intake can raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. Processed meats and some dairy products also contain high levels of sodium, which can elevate blood pressure.

Anecdotal reports vs. scientific evidence

Many proponents of the carnivore diet share personal success stories, citing benefits like weight loss, improved mental clarity, and reduced inflammation. However, much of this evidence is anecdotal and comes from observational studies that lack the rigor of controlled clinical trials. Health experts often advise caution and a balanced approach to nutrition, pointing out that initial weight loss can often be attributed to water loss and high satiety from protein intake, rather than a uniquely beneficial metabolic effect.

Who follows a meat and dairy diet?

People who follow a diet of meat and dairy are often seeking solutions for various health issues or are part of a larger movement that questions modern dietary guidelines. Influencers and proponents, such as Shawn Baker and Mikhaila Peterson, have popularized the carnivore diet on social media, drawing in followers who report improvements in autoimmune conditions and other chronic ailments. Some adopt it as an elimination diet to identify food sensitivities. However, health experts frequently caution against such a restrictive approach without proper medical supervision, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions like kidney disease or high cholesterol.

Conclusion

A diet consisting of exclusively meat and dairy is best described as a carnivore diet. While some variants exist, the inclusion of both animal products and low-lactose dairy is characteristic of this eating plan, which deliberately excludes all plant-based foods. It is a highly restrictive approach with potential for short-term weight loss and anecdotal benefits, but it also carries significant risks related to nutrient deficiencies, high saturated fat, and sodium intake. As a result, it is not widely recommended by health professionals for long-term use. Anyone considering such a drastic dietary change should consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to ensure their nutritional needs are being met. More information on diet and nutrition can be found on reputable sites like the British Heart Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The carnivore diet is considered by many health experts to be potentially unhealthy in the long term due to its restrictive nature and elimination of entire food groups. Risks include nutrient deficiencies, high cholesterol from saturated fats, and a lack of dietary fiber.

Yes, many followers of the carnivore diet include certain dairy products. Options typically include low-lactose items like hard cheeses and heavy cream, while high-lactose products like milk are often limited or excluded.

The main difference is that the carnivore diet completely eliminates all plant-based foods, aiming for zero carbs. The ketogenic diet, while low-carb and high-fat, still allows for some plant-based foods, including low-carb vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

The 'zero carb' diet is another term often used to describe the carnivore diet, as it emphasizes the complete elimination of carbohydrates from all food sources. The focus is exclusively on animal products.

Eliminating all plant foods means a complete absence of dietary fiber, which can negatively impact gut health and lead to constipation. It also removes many sources of crucial vitamins, minerals, and protective antioxidants.

While it has gained recent popularity through social media, the idea of an all-meat diet has existed for centuries. Historical versions and similar dietary approaches have been documented, with modern proponents like Shawn Baker bringing it into the mainstream.

Due to its high lactose content, standard milk is often excluded from the carnivore diet. Some adherents may consume small amounts of high-fat, low-lactose dairy products like heavy cream or opt for raw dairy, but milk is typically avoided.