Last updated: January 2025 | Reading time: 5 minutes
This question gets to the heart of understanding the carnivore diet and how to implement it successfully.
The carnivore diet is built on a foundation of animal foods - primarily meat, but also eggs and sometimes dairy. The specific implementation varies based on individual goals, health conditions, and tolerance.
At its simplest, you're eating muscle meat, organ meats, and animal fats. Many people include eggs. Some include dairy products like butter, ghee, and hard cheeses. The key is that all foods come from the animal kingdom.
There's no single 'correct' way to do carnivore. Some follow the Lion Diet (only ruminant meat, salt, water), others include all animal products, and some add selective items like honey or fruit. Start strict and adjust based on results.
Focus on getting high-quality animal products when possible, but don't let perfect be the enemy of good. Regular grocery store meat works fine for most people. Prioritize fatty cuts and eat nose-to-tail when you can.
Check out our simple ground beef recipes - perfect for beginners. Budget-friendly, easy to make, and delicious.