What Kind of Seafood Can You Have on the Carnivore Diet?

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2021 study, the carnivore diet often includes seafood to provide essential nutrients and culinary variety. A wide array of fish and shellfish is not only permissible but encouraged, offering a range of flavors and crucial fatty acids that can complement a meat-heavy regimen. Incorporating various types of seafood can ensure a more balanced intake of vitamins and minerals.

Quick Summary

This guide details the types of seafood compatible with the carnivore diet, from fatty fish rich in omega-3s like salmon and mackerel to diverse shellfish options like shrimp and oysters. Learn about the nutritional benefits and how to select the best seafood for a strict animal-based eating plan.

Key Points

Fatty Fish Provide Omega-3s: Incorporate salmon, mackerel, and sardines for essential omega-3 fatty acids vital for brain and heart health.
Lean Fish Offer Protein: Cod, haddock, and tilapia provide a high-protein, lower-fat alternative for dietary variety.
Shellfish Boost Minerals: Shrimp, oysters, and crab are excellent sources of minerals like zinc, selenium, and iodine.
Mind Mercury Levels: Choose smaller fish and limit consumption of larger predators like swordfish and some tuna to minimize mercury intake.
Check Canned Goods Carefully: When buying canned seafood, ensure it's packed in water and contains no problematic additives like seed oils or sugar.
Simple Cooking is Best: Utilize animal fats like butter, tallow, or lard for pan-searing or grilling to align with the carnivore diet principles.

Essential Seafood Choices on the Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet, while primarily focused on red meat, permits the inclusion of fish and other aquatic animal life to provide a broader nutritional profile. Seafood is particularly valued for its high-quality protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and a rich assortment of vitamins and minerals. While the options are plentiful, some stand out as particularly beneficial for those adhering to this strict regimen.

Fatty Fish: A Rich Source of Nutrients

Fatty fish are a cornerstone of many healthy diets, and for carnivores, they are especially important for their dense omega-3 content.

Salmon: A top choice for its high fat content and exceptional levels of EPA and DHA omega-3s, which support brain function and heart health. Wild-caught salmon is often preferred for its superior nutrient profile.
Mackerel: This oily fish is another fantastic source of omega-3s, providing a different flavor and texture to your meals.
Sardines: Often canned in water, sardines offer a convenient and budget-friendly way to get a powerful dose of omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D.
Herring: Similar to sardines and mackerel, herring is a small, oily fish that delivers essential fats and nutrients.

Lean Fish: High-Protein, Milder Flavor

For those who prefer a less oily taste or want to balance their fat intake, lean white fish can be a great addition.

Cod: Known for its flaky texture and mild flavor, cod offers a lean protein source that can be grilled, pan-seared, or steamed.
Haddock: Another mild, white fish that is an excellent source of protein.
Tilapia: This freshwater fish offers a very mild flavor and is widely available, making it a simple and accessible option.

Shellfish: Diverse Flavors and Minerals

Shellfish bring a unique set of textures and a rich mineral content, including zinc, iodine, and selenium.

Shrimp: A versatile and popular choice, shrimp is a lean protein that cooks quickly. Ensure it is pure and not coated in anything that violates carnivore rules.
Crab and Lobster: These crustaceans are a luxurious way to add protein to your diet. The fat in crab and lobster is lower than in fatty fish, but they offer distinct flavors.
Oysters: Packed with zinc and vitamin B12, oysters are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.
Mussels and Clams: These bivalves provide iron and other minerals and can be steamed with water or bone broth.

Potential Concerns: Heavy Metals and Additives

While seafood is a valuable part of the carnivore diet, it's crucial to be mindful of potential issues. Larger, longer-lived fish like swordfish and certain types of tuna can accumulate higher levels of mercury. To mitigate this, opt for smaller fish lower on the food chain, such as sardines, mackerel, or salmon. When consuming canned seafood, always check the ingredients list to ensure no non-carnivore ingredients like vegetable oils, sugar, or other additives have been included. Look for options canned in water with only salt added.

Comparison Table: Popular Carnivore Seafood


Seafood Type	Primary Nutrient	Fat Content	Typical Flavor	Sourcing Consideration
Wild-Caught Salmon	Omega-3s, Vitamin D	High	Rich, distinct fish flavor	Wild-caught preferred for fatty acid profile and fewer contaminants.
Sardines (Canned in Water)	Omega-3s, Calcium	High	Strong, pronounced fish flavor	Choose canned in water with only salt; check for seed oils.
Cod	Lean Protein	Low	Mild, flaky	Generally considered a safe, low-mercury option.
Shrimp	Lean Protein	Low	Mild, slightly sweet	Quick-cooking and versatile, just ensure purity.
Oysters	Zinc, B12	Moderate	Briny, mineral-rich	Excellent source of hard-to-find minerals.
Tuna (Canned in Water)	Lean Protein	Low	Pungent, meaty	Opt for light tuna in water to reduce mercury exposure.

Cooking Methods for Carnivore Seafood

Simple, fat-based cooking methods are best for maintaining the integrity of seafood on the carnivore diet.

Pan-searing: Use animal fats like tallow, lard, or butter to pan-sear fish fillets or scallops, creating a delicious, crispy exterior.
Grilling: Grilling works well for fatty fish like salmon, enhancing its natural flavor.
Steaming or Poaching: These methods preserve the delicate texture of shellfish and white fish. Use bone broth or water to keep it simple.

Conclusion: Making Seafood a Staple

Including seafood in the carnivore diet provides vital nutrients that can be harder to source from other animal products, such as omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and zinc. By choosing a variety of fatty fish and shellfish and being mindful of contaminants and added ingredients in processed products, you can make seafood a delicious and healthy staple of your animal-based eating plan. Whether you prefer the richness of salmon or the mineral kick of oysters, seafood offers a wealth of options to support your journey. For more on optimizing your animal-based diet, consider exploring nutritional information from sources like the Washington State Department of Health, which provides valuable insights into the benefits of fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most pure seafood, including fish and shellfish, is permitted. The main consideration is avoiding any processed seafood with added non-animal ingredients, such as breading, sugar, or vegetable oils.

Yes, but with caution. You must read the label to ensure the only ingredients are the seafood, water, and salt. Avoid products that use seed oils, sugar, or other additives.

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring are among the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, essential for heart and brain health.

To reduce mercury exposure, opt for smaller, shorter-lived fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, which tend to have lower levels than larger predatory fish such as swordfish and shark.

Yes, shellfish are excellent choices for the carnivore diet, providing high-quality protein and crucial minerals like zinc and iodine. Ensure they are prepared without any non-carnivore ingredients.

Stick to simple cooking methods using animal fats. Pan-searing with butter or tallow, grilling, or steaming are all excellent ways to prepare seafood while staying within the dietary guidelines.

While not strictly required, including seafood can provide nutritional diversity. It's especially beneficial for obtaining high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are less abundant in most red meat.