What Meat to Eat on a Low Potassium Diet? Best Choices and Cooking Tips

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

For those with kidney concerns, controlling blood potassium levels is a serious health priority. Navigating what meat to eat on a low potassium diet is a critical step in managing this dietary restriction and can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being.

Quick Summary

Selecting specific meat types and cuts is vital for a low potassium diet. Lean poultry, certain types of fish, and controlled portions of red meat are suitable choices, along with proper cooking techniques.

Key Points

Choose Lean Poultry: Opt for skinless chicken breast and roasted turkey breast for lower potassium content.
Favor Low-Potassium Fish: Canned tuna in water (drained), cod, sole, and flounder are excellent low-potassium options.
Control Red Meat Portions: Enjoy smaller, controlled portions of red meat like tenderloin steak or braised pork chops to manage potassium intake.
Avoid Processed Meats: Deli meats, sausages, and cured meats contain high levels of potassium and sodium additives and should be limited.
Be Mindful of Cooking: Cooking methods and portion sizes are as important as the meat type itself; always practice moderation.
Steer Clear of Organ Meats: Offal like liver and kidneys are particularly high in potassium and not recommended for a restricted diet.

Understanding Potassium in Meat

Potassium is an essential mineral, but for individuals with kidney disease, managing intake is crucial to prevent serious health issues. Most animal proteins contain some level of potassium, and the amount can vary significantly by animal, cut, and preparation method. Understanding these differences allows for informed choices that don't compromise flavor or nutritional needs.

The Importance of Portion Control

Even meats considered low in potassium can contribute to a high overall intake if portions are too large. For most people on a potassium-restricted diet, a standard serving size for meat is typically around 3 ounces (or the size of a deck of cards). By consistently practicing portion control, you can enjoy a variety of meats without exceeding your daily potassium limits.

Best Poultry Choices

Lean poultry is often a top recommendation for low-potassium diets due to its relatively low potassium content compared to other meats. The specific cut and preparation are important factors.

Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless): A 3-ounce serving of roasted, skinless chicken breast contains approximately 218 mg of potassium, making it an excellent choice. Grilling or baking is preferable to frying or using heavy sauces which can add unwanted sodium or other high-potassium ingredients.
Turkey Breast (roasted): Similar to chicken breast, roasted turkey breast is a lean, low-potassium protein. A 3-ounce serving has around 212 mg of potassium.

Choosing Low-Potassium Fish

While some fish are higher in potassium, many options are safe for a restricted diet. Cooking method is key; avoid high-potassium sauces or breading.

Canned Tuna (light, in water, drained): A convenient and low-potassium choice, a 3-ounce serving of drained canned tuna provides approximately 153 mg of potassium.
Cooked Flounder or Sole: A 3-ounce serving of cooked flounder or sole has about 167 mg of potassium.
Cooked Atlantic Cod: With around 207 mg of potassium per 3-ounce serving, cooked cod is another good option.

Navigating Red Meat on a Low Potassium Diet

Red meat generally contains higher levels of potassium than poultry, but it doesn't need to be entirely avoided. Small portions and choosing the right cuts can make it a viable option.

Braised Pork Chops: A 3-ounce portion of braised pork chops contains around 220 mg of potassium.
Grilled Tenderloin Steak: A 3-ounce portion of grilled tenderloin provides about 270 mg of potassium.

How to Prepare Meat for a Low Potassium Diet

Cooking methods can significantly impact the potassium content of your meal. Here are some tips:

Boiling and Draining: For some high-potassium foods like vegetables, boiling and then discarding the water can leach out some of the potassium. While meat doesn't have the same dramatic effect, rinsing meat before cooking can help remove some surface potassium.
Avoid Processed Meats: Deli meats, sausages, and cured meats are often loaded with sodium and potassium-containing preservatives. It's best to limit or avoid these.
Make Your Own Seasonings: Instead of pre-made mixes, use fresh herbs, spices, and low-sodium broth to control your seasoning. Avoid salt substitutes, which are typically potassium-based.

Low Potassium Meat Comparison Table


Meat Type (3 oz serving)	Potassium (mg)	Suitability for Low Potassium Diet
Chicken Breast (skinless, roasted)	~218	Excellent
Turkey Breast (roasted)	~212	Excellent
Pork Chops (braised)	~220	Good
Light Tuna (canned in water, drained)	~153	Excellent
Cod (cooked)	~207	Excellent
Tenderloin Steak (grilled)	~270	Good (in moderation)
Salmon (Atlantic, cooked)	~326	Moderate (limit portion)

Meats to Limit or Avoid

Processed Meats: As mentioned, avoid deli meats, bacon, sausage, and ham, which have added potassium and sodium.
Organ Meats: Liver, kidneys, and other organ meats are typically high in potassium.
Larger Portions of High-Potassium Meats: While a small portion of steak may be acceptable, larger cuts like a 6-ounce steak can contain as much as 468 mg of potassium.

Sample Low-Potassium Meat Meal Ideas

Lemon Herb Chicken Breast: Season a skinless chicken breast with lemon, oregano, and black pepper. Bake or grill and serve with a side of steamed white rice and low-potassium vegetables like green beans.
Tuna Salad Sandwich: Use drained canned tuna in water with a small amount of mayonnaise or low-potassium dressing. Serve on white bread with lettuce.
Pork Chop with Apple: Prepare a braised pork chop with low-potassium spices and a small side of apple slices instead of high-potassium fruits.
Cod with Garlic: Sauté cod fillets with olive oil, garlic, and parsley. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Conclusion

Successfully navigating a low potassium diet involves careful selection and preparation of meat and fish. By prioritizing lean poultry and lower-potassium fish, controlling portion sizes, and avoiding processed or organ meats, individuals can maintain a healthy protein intake while managing their potassium levels. Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. For more resources on renal diets, visit the Kidney Community Kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all red meat is excessively high in potassium, but it generally contains more than poultry or certain fish. Cuts like tenderloin steak and braised pork chops can be included in a low-potassium diet in controlled, small portions, such as a 3-ounce serving.

Yes, canned tuna is a suitable choice for a low potassium diet. Opt for light tuna canned in water and be sure to drain the liquid before consuming to minimize potassium and sodium content.

A standard recommended portion size for meat on a potassium-restricted diet is typically 3 ounces. This is roughly the size of a deck of cards and helps ensure you don't overconsume potassium even from lower-potassium foods.

Processed meats should be limited because they are often high in potassium and sodium additives used as preservatives and flavor enhancers. Fresh, unprocessed meats are a safer choice for managing your intake.

While cooking methods can affect the potassium content of some foods (like boiling vegetables), the main concern with meat is the seasoning and portion size. Avoiding high-potassium marinades, heavy sauces, or salty seasonings is important.

Generally, chicken breast is lower in potassium than many cuts of beef. A 3-ounce serving of roasted chicken breast contains about 218 mg of potassium, whereas a comparable serving of grilled tenderloin steak has around 270 mg.

Yes, organ meats such as liver and kidneys are concentrated sources of potassium and should be avoided on a low-potassium diet.