Keto Carnivore Recipes for an Animal-Based Diet

These keto carnivore recipes are animal-based and low-carb meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks. If you want to lose weight, nutrient-dense animal foods have a place in your meal plan! This page of keto carnivore menu ideas will show you how to enjoy all the best recipes from red meat to dairy products, bone broth to organ meats, and more.

animal based recipes

What is a Carnivore Keto Diet?

A carnivore keto diet goes by many names. Some people also use the terms “ketovore” and “carni-curious”. Overall, the reference is to animal-based nutrition instead of plant-based nutrition.

Typically, keto carnivore macros are moderate to high protein, moderate to high fat, and low to very low carbs. Fat, rather than glucose, is used for fuel and, in combination with carbohydrate restriction, puts the body into a state of ketosis.

Primarily inspired by the health benefits of a carnivore diet, a keto carnivore keto diet allows a low to moderate amount of select plant foods like culinary herbs, aromatics, and low-carb vegetables or fruits.

Since there aren’t technical well defined “dos” and “don’ts” of this diet, it’s very adaptable to individual personal preferences. Focus on eating animal protein and fats, then add in plant-based ingredients you enjoy and do well with.

A keto carnivore diet promotes animal-based nutrition from meat-based meals with sparing use of low-carb vegetables and herbs. Vegetables are never the majority of the meal but do add flavor and variety.

Strict carnivore diet recipes are great if you’re interested in eating only meat, but not everyone is able (or desires) to stick to a restrictive diet long-term.

Keto carnivore diet recipes are a nice middle-ground for those who are slowly narrowing down their food choices and those who have already eaten zero-carb for a while and want to reintroduce plant foods again.

Watch the video below for Tristan’s explanation on the difference between keto and carnivore, plus the pros and cons of each and how to get benefits from both.

Common Carnivore Keto Meal Ingredients

  • Beef: steak, ribs, chuck roast, organ meat 
  • Chicken: breast, thighs, wings, organ meat
  • Dairy foods: butter, cheese, heavy cream
  • Eggs
  • Herbs: rosemary, cilantro, parsley, oregano

All carnivore keto foods will be the same as what to eat on a carnivore diet plus, a unique selection of other ingredients that you digest, tolerate and enjoy.

The lists below give some ideas for what to eat and what to avoid. Then, browse through our collection of recipes below and see the ingredients in action!

Keto Carnivore Food List

  • Zucchini
  • Cauliflower
  • Green cabbage
  • Pumpkin
  • Cucumber
  • Avocado
  • Berries
  • Olives
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Herbs
  • Black pepper
  • Herbal tea

Foods to Avoid in a Keto Carnivore Meal Plan

In general, those on a keto diet should avoid:

  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds
  • Grain: wheat, rice, oats, bran, buckwheat, rye
  • Starches: pasta, corn starch, white bread
  • Tubers: white potato, sweet potato, yam
  • Legumes: lentils, soybeans, chickpeas, peanuts, peas, any bean
  • Sugar: processed white or brown sugar, maple, honey, coconut sugar
  • High carb fruits: pineapple, banana, plantain, mango, melon, apple, pear, peach, apricot, grapes

For a more carnivorous approach, omit the following anti-nutrients as well.

Not everyone has the same sensitivity to these compounds as others. It’s important to know your body and do what is best for you!

Carnivore Keto Diet Recipes FAQ

If you’re new to low-carb meal prep or don’t have much experience with high protein recipes, you might be asking these common queries. Let me help!

How to do carnivore keto?

Start by identifying your goals. Why do you want to start a new diet? Then make a road map to get there by researching recipes, cooking tips, and shopping options. Finally, jot down a meal plan and go shopping! Look for support and stick to it. You’ll soon see positive feedback that will encourage you to continue moving forward.

What is the difference between keto and carnivore?

Both diets will tell you to eat meat and saturated fats. Both diets naturally restrict carbohydrates by emphasizing protein and fat. The main difference is that all plant foods are eliminated on carnivore, while keto allows a variety of plant-based ingredients like nuts, seeds, low-carb vegetables, low-sugar fruits, and many culinary herbs and spices.

Is carnivore diet keto?

Usually, a strict carnivore diet is also a ketogenic diet because it limits carbs, forcing the metabolic switch from glucose to fat for fuel. However, a minority of people source enough carbs from milk and honey to prevent ketosis (the fat-burning state).

Keto Carnivore Breakfast Recipes

Start your day off with a solid breakfast of fatty animal protein seasoned lightly with herbs and a small amount of low-carb vegetables. The ketogenic states thrives with moderate protein and high fat meals. Nourish your brain and body with nutrient-dense foods and enjoy long-lasting energy all day long!

Carnivore Snacks with Keto Add-ins

Choose one of these savory snack recipes when you want something small in between meals.

Keto Carnivore Meals

These savory meal ideas are great for any entree. If there is anything left over, you can eat it for breakfast the next day! Find your favorite recipes and double batch them. Then divide your portions and store in the refrigerator to eat in the next few days or in the freezer for the following week.

Low-Carb Beef Dinners

You can’t go wrong with ground beef, chuck roast, and other cuts in beef for dinner. The best carnivore keto recipes all start with a piece of meat and build up from there. From one-pan skillet meals to baked casseroles, slow cooked stews, and more, each meal is more delicious than the last.

Low-Carb Chicken Dinners

Chicken can fit on any budget. Breast, thighs, and wings are a plain base ready to pair with any variety of fresh or dry herbs, spices, and low-carb vegetables.

Keto Carnivore Desserts

Carnivore-friendly desserts are just the thing you need when you want something sweet without fiber. These animal-based treats will help you stay on track with your goals while still giving you something to enjoy without sugar or carbs.

More Animal-Based Meals

More Nutrient-Dense Recipes