What kind of meat to eat with kidney stones and which to avoid

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

Over half of all people who have experienced a kidney stone will have another recurrence within three years if dietary changes are not made. Modifying your diet, especially your meat intake, is a crucial step in preventing future stones and managing your condition.

Quick Summary

Eating a healthy amount of protein and choosing the right types of meat can reduce kidney stone risk. Limiting high-purine meats like organ meat and red meat is vital. Lean options and plant-based alternatives are often safer choices for kidney stone prevention.

Key Points

Moderate Animal Protein: Excessive animal protein, especially red meat, can increase your risk of kidney stones by raising urinary calcium and uric acid levels.
Avoid High-Purine Meats for Uric Acid Stones: If you have uric acid stones, strictly limit high-purine meats like organ meats, red meat, and shellfish to manage uric acid levels.
Choose Leaner Meats: Opt for skinless chicken, lean ground turkey, and white-fleshed fish in moderation. Adhere to recommended portion sizes of around 4 ounces.
Embrace Plant-Based Proteins: Incorporate legumes, lentils, peas, and tofu as safe and healthy protein alternatives that are generally low in purines and oxalates.
Prioritize Hydration and Low Sodium: No single dietary change is more important than drinking plenty of water and limiting high-sodium processed foods to prevent stone formation.

The Connection Between Meat and Kidney Stones

Meat and other animal proteins can significantly impact your risk of developing kidney stones. High protein intake, especially from animal sources, creates several metabolic byproducts that promote stone formation. It increases the excretion of calcium and uric acid in the urine, while also decreasing the level of citrate, a natural inhibitor of stone formation. The specific dietary recommendations for meat depend heavily on the type of kidney stone you are prone to forming. Consulting a doctor to determine your stone type is the most critical first step.

Uric Acid Stones: Limit High-Purine Meats

For individuals with a history of uric acid stones, the primary focus is on limiting high-purine foods. Purines are natural chemical compounds found in many foods, and their breakdown produces uric acid. High levels of uric acid can lead to stones forming in overly acidic urine.

High-Purine Meats to Avoid or Limit:
- Organ meats (e.g., liver, kidney, sweetbreads)
- Red meat (e.g., beef, pork, lamb)
- Shellfish (e.g., shrimp, crab, mussels)
- Oily fish (e.g., sardines, anchovies)

Calcium Stones: Focus on Moderation and Balance

Calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones are the most common types. While calcium gets a bad reputation due to the stone's name, a diet too low in calcium actually increases stone risk. The key is moderation with animal protein and a focus on balancing calcium and oxalate intake. Excessive animal protein can increase urinary calcium, contributing to stone formation.

What Kind of Meat to Eat (in Moderation)

If you have kidney stones, you don't necessarily have to eliminate meat entirely. The key is to select leaner options and practice portion control. Health-conscious eating plans like the DASH or Mediterranean diet can help guide appropriate meat intake.

Lean Meats and Portion Control:
- Skinless Chicken and Turkey: Lean poultry is generally a safer choice, provided you remove the skin and consume it in moderation.
- Lean Ground Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey and stick to recommended portions, typically no more than 4 ounces per serving, or the size of a deck of cards.
- Fresh Fish: Non-oily, white-fleshed fish can be a good option. Fish high in omega-3s, like salmon, can be included in moderation and may even offer protective benefits. Avoid high-purine shellfish.

Plant-Based Protein Alternatives

Replacing some animal protein with plant-based alternatives is an excellent strategy for reducing kidney stone risk, especially for those with uric acid stones. Plant-based proteins generally do not have the same acid-forming effects as animal protein.

Safe Plant-Based Protein Sources:
- Legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, peas, beans)
- Tofu and other soy foods
- Quinoa and other whole grains

Beyond Meat: Other Crucial Dietary Factors

Limiting meat is only one part of a comprehensive stone prevention strategy. Other factors are just as important:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, aiming for 2 to 3 liters per day, to dilute urine and prevent crystal formation. Water is best, and adding fresh lemon juice can be beneficial.
Reduce Sodium: A high-sodium diet increases calcium in your urine. Avoid processed foods, fast food, and excessive table salt.
Maintain Calcium Intake: Don't drastically reduce calcium. It helps bind with oxalate in the gut, preventing its absorption. Aim for 1000-1200 mg daily from food, not supplements, unless directed by a doctor.
Be Mindful of Oxalates: For calcium oxalate stones, moderate your intake of high-oxalate foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate. Pairing high-oxalate foods with a calcium source can reduce risk.

Comparison of Protein Sources for Kidney Stone Risk


Protein Source	Purine Level	Oxalate Impact	Typical Sodium	Recommendation
Red Meat	High	Neutral	Varies (often high)	Limit to a few servings per week. Avoid for uric acid stones.
Organ Meats	Very High	Neutral	Varies	Avoid, especially for uric acid stones.
Poultry (Skinless)	Moderate	Neutral	Low	A good lean choice in moderation. Stick to small portions.
Fish (White Meat)	Low to Moderate	Neutral	Varies	Generally safe in moderation. Avoid high-purine shellfish.
Lentils & Beans	Moderate (Plant-based)	Low	Low	Excellent plant-based alternative. Contains fiber.
Tofu	Moderate (Plant-based)	Varies by preparation	Varies	Useful protein source; check for added calcium in preparations.

Conclusion

Managing kidney stones through diet requires a thoughtful approach to protein. While most meats are not completely off-limits, limiting red meat and organ meats is particularly important for those prone to uric acid stones. For all types of stones, focusing on leaner options, controlling portion sizes, and embracing plant-based alternatives can significantly lower your risk. Combined with a strong emphasis on hydration and reducing sodium, these dietary adjustments can pave the way for better kidney health and fewer stones. To learn more about a balanced diet for stone prevention, consult the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Frequently Asked Questions

Lean meats are the best option, including skinless chicken breast, lean ground turkey, and some types of white-fleshed fish like cod. These should be consumed in moderation and in controlled portions.

Red meat should be limited, especially if you have a history of uric acid stones. It is high in purines, which can increase uric acid production. Even with calcium stones, moderation is key.

Yes, plant-based proteins like legumes (lentils, beans, peas) and soy products (tofu) are excellent alternatives. They do not increase urinary acid and are generally lower in purines.

A recommended portion of meat is about 4 ounces, or the size of a deck of cards. Sticking to this and limiting overall intake of animal protein can help reduce stone risk.

No, you don't need to avoid all fish. Lean fish is generally fine in moderation. However, you should avoid shellfish and oily fish like anchovies and sardines, as they are high in purines.

Yes, they do. For uric acid stones, the focus is on limiting high-purine meats. For calcium stones, moderation of all animal protein is important, along with careful management of calcium and oxalate intake.

Not necessarily. It is important to maintain a healthy calcium intake (around 1000-1200 mg/day), but it is best to get this from food sources rather than supplements. Drastically reducing calcium can increase stone risk.