Which meat is best for a carnivore diet? A comprehensive guide

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to anecdotal reports, a vast majority of people who follow the carnivore diet report improved overall health and well-being. To achieve optimal results, understanding which meat is best for a carnivore diet is crucial for nutrient intake and satiety.

Quick Summary

A diverse selection of fatty and nutrient-dense animal products is recommended for the carnivore diet. Key choices include ribeye and ground beef, organ meats like liver, and fatty fish such as salmon to provide essential fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Key Points

Fat is essential: Fatty cuts of meat like ribeye, brisket, and 80/20 ground beef are crucial for providing the primary energy source in a zero-carb, ketogenic state.
Variety is vital: Eating a diverse range of animal products, including beef, lamb, pork, and fatty fish, ensures a broader spectrum of essential nutrients.
Organ meats are a nutrient powerhouse: Incorporating organ meats like liver, heart, and kidney is the most effective way to obtain a wide array of vitamins and minerals on a carnivore diet.
High-quality meat matters: Choosing pasture-raised, grass-fed, and responsibly sourced meat provides a superior nutrient profile, including higher omega-3 levels, and avoids unwanted additives.
Start simple: For beginners, focusing on easily digestible options like ground beef and eggs can make the initial transition smoother while the body adapts.
Avoid processed meats: Highly processed meats and those containing additives should be avoided to adhere to the diet's clean-eating principles.

Understanding the Carnivore Diet and Your Body's Needs

The carnivore diet operates on the principle of a zero-carbohydrate intake, shifting the body's primary fuel source from glucose to fat via ketosis. This means that the quality and fat content of your meat become paramount. A common mistake is focusing solely on lean protein, which can lead to a state known as 'protein poisoning' if not balanced with enough fat. For this reason, high-fat cuts and additional animal fats like tallow or butter are not just recommended, but essential for sustained energy and satiety. Beyond just muscle meat, a nose-to-tail approach is often encouraged to maximize the nutrient profile and ensure a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals.

The Best Meats for a Carnivore Diet

To build a robust and sustainable carnivore diet, variety is key. While beef is a central staple, incorporating other meats ensures a wider range of nutrients and prevents dietary boredom. Here are some of the top choices:

Fatty Cuts of Beef: Cuts like ribeye, brisket, and 80/20 ground beef are rich in fat and flavor, making them ideal for the carnivore diet. Grass-fed beef is often preferred for its superior nutrient profile, including higher omega-3 fatty acids.
Organ Meats: Considered 'nature's multivitamins,' organ meats are nutritional powerhouses. Beef liver, in particular, is packed with vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and copper. Heart, kidney, and tongue also offer unique nutrient combinations.
Fatty Fish and Seafood: Fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain and heart health. Shellfish like oysters and mussels provide zinc and other essential minerals.
Lamb and Pork: These meats offer distinct flavors and a high-fat content that provides significant energy. Cuts like lamb shoulder, pork belly, and pork ribs are particularly satisfying choices.
Poultry: While leaner, poultry like chicken thighs and duck breast can add variety. Choosing fattier cuts like thighs and including the skin helps maintain a higher fat intake.

Comparison of Carnivore Meats


Meat Type	Best Cuts	Key Nutrients	Why It's Best	Fat Content	Cost	Versatility
Beef	Ribeye, Brisket, 80/20 Ground Beef	Iron, Zinc, B Vitamins, Creatine	High in energy-providing fat; a dietary cornerstone.	High	Moderate-High	High
Organ Meats	Liver, Heart, Kidney	Vitamin A, B12, Copper, CoQ10	Extremely nutrient-dense; fills micronutrient gaps.	Variable	Low-Moderate	Low
Fatty Fish	Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines	Omega-3s (EPA/DHA), Vitamin D, Selenium	Excellent source of anti-inflammatory fats and essential minerals.	High	Moderate	High
Lamb	Chops, Shoulder	Healthy Fats, B Vitamins, Iron	Rich, distinctive flavor and good fat content for energy.	High	Moderate-High	Moderate
Pork	Belly, Ribs, Ground Pork	Thiamine, Selenium, Protein	Delicious, high-fat option that adds culinary variety.	High	Low-Moderate	High

Choosing High-Quality and Avoiding Pitfalls

When meat is your sole food source, its quality is more important than ever. Opting for pasture-raised or grass-fed beef is often recommended, as these animals tend to have a better fatty acid profile and superior nutrient levels. Additionally, avoid highly processed meats, such as many sausages or deli meats, which may contain additives or fillers that go against the carnivore diet's principles. Listening to your body is also key. The transition period can involve digestive changes as your body adapts to a fiber-free, high-fat diet. Adjusting your fat-to-protein ratio and ensuring adequate hydration with electrolytes can help manage these effects. For those looking for an authoritative source, Dr. Robert Kiltz provides valuable insights on the benefits of fatty meat, particularly ribeye, for this eating pattern.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single 'best' meat for a carnivore diet, but rather a combination of high-fat and nutrient-dense options that provide all the necessary macronutrients and micronutrients. A foundation of fatty beef, supplemented with organ meats for vitamins, fatty fish for omega-3s, and other meats like lamb and pork for variety, offers a well-rounded approach. By prioritizing high-quality, whole animal products and avoiding processed options, adherents can build a sustainable and nourishing diet. The most successful strategies involve listening to your body's signals and adjusting your meat selection to meet your individual energy and health needs.

What are the best cuts of meat for a carnivore diet? A guide from Dr. Kiltz

For a deep dive into the best cuts of meat for optimal carnivorous eating, including the benefits of ribeye, read Dr. Robert Kiltz's detailed guide on his website.(https://www.doctorkiltz.com/best-steak-for-carnivore-diet/)

Frequently Asked Questions

Fatty cuts are crucial because they provide the primary energy source when carbohydrates are eliminated. On a ketogenic carnivore diet, your body shifts to burning fat for fuel, and a high fat intake prevents issues like 'protein poisoning' from overconsuming lean protein.

While not strictly required, eating organ meats is highly recommended. They are exceptionally nutrient-dense and provide vital vitamins and minerals—like B vitamins, iron, and copper—that are less concentrated in muscle meat.

Fatty cuts of beef are ideal, with ribeye and 80/20 ground beef being particularly popular choices. Some proponents also favor grass-fed beef for its superior fatty acid profile and nutrient content.

Yes, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent additions. They provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health, offering a different nutrient profile than red meat.

Yes, ground beef is a fantastic choice for beginners. It is affordable, versatile, and easily digestible. Opting for a fattier ratio like 80/20 or even 70/30 helps ensure adequate fat intake during the adaptation phase.

It is best to avoid most processed meats, such as sausages with fillers or deli meats with additives, as they often contain ingredients that are not part of the carnivore diet. Look for minimally processed options or make your own.

You can add more fat to your meals by cooking with animal fats like beef tallow or lard, or adding butter or ghee to your finished dishes. Eating fatty cuts of meat and including bone marrow are also effective strategies.