Different Types of Carnivore Diets: Which One Is Right for You?

The carnivore diet has gained massive popularity in recent years, thanks to its simplicity, effectiveness, and ability to radically transform health. But while the basic premise is clear—eat only animal-based foods—there’s actually more nuance and flexibility within the carnivore space than many people realize.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic inflammation, autoimmune issues, digestive problems, or just looking to simplify your nutrition, there’s likely a version of Carnivore that can meet you where you are.

Here’s a breakdown of the main types of carnivore diets, how they differ, and how to know which one might suit you best.

1. Strict Carnivore (AKA Zero Carb)

This is the most hardcore version—and the one many people start with when trying to heal serious health issues.

What it includes:

• Ruminant meat (beef, lamb, bison)
• Animal fat (tallow, suet)
• Organs (optional)
• Eggs (if tolerated)
• Salt and water

What it excludes:

• All plant foods
• Dairy (in most cases)
• Spices, sauces, and artificial sweeteners

Best for:

• Autoimmune conditions
• Severe gut issues (IBS, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
• Mental health challenges
• Total elimination protocols

This approach is promoted by doctors like Dr Anthony Chaffee, who argues that humans are obligate carnivores and thrive best when completely removing plant toxins from the diet.

2. Nose-to-Tail Carnivore

This version expands on strict carnivore by emphasizing nutrient diversity through consuming all edible parts of the animal.

What it includes:

• All meat, fat, and connective tissue
• Organ meats (liver, heart, kidney, brain)
• Bone marrow and bone broth
• Eggs, fish, shellfish

Best for:

• Nutrient optimization
• Long-term sustainability
• Replenishing deficiencies (iron, B vitamins, retinol)

Advocated by people like Dr Paul Saladino (originally), this version honours ancestral eating and maximizes vitamin and mineral intake from food sources alone.

3. Dairy-Inclusive Carnivore

Some people tolerate dairy well and enjoy the extra calories, flavour, and fat that it provides.

What it includes:

• Meat, fat, and organs
• Eggs
• Full-fat dairy: cheese, heavy cream, sour cream, butter

What it excludes:

• All plant foods
• Sugars, seed oils, and processed carbs

Best for:

• Those transitioning from keto
• People who need more variety or calories
• Muscle-building goals

Be cautious if you experience inflammation, acne, or weight loss stalls—dairy can be problematic for some.

4. Ketovore

This is a hybrid of keto and carnivore. It maintains a strong focus on animal-based eating while allowing limited low-toxicity plant foods.

What it includes:

• Meat and animal fats
• Eggs, seafood
• Avocados, olives, leafy greens
• Herbs and spices
• Occasional low-carb sauces or dressings

Best for:

• Beginners easing into carnivore
• People who enjoy more variety
• Those who don’t have autoimmune or digestive issues

Ketovore is less about strict rules and more about finding balance while keeping carbs very low and prioritizing animal nutrition.

5. Carnivore-ish (or Animal-Based)

This is the most flexible form of carnivore and leans more into the “meat-based” lifestyle than strict elimination.

What it includes:

• 80–90% animal foods
• Occasional fruit, honey, coffee, or dark chocolate
• Herbs, spices, fermented foods
• Occasional treats (while maintaining discipline)

Best for:

• Long-term lifestyle eaters
• Those with no major health conditions
• Social eaters who need some flexibility

Popularized by influencers and wellness figures, carnivore-ish is focused on real food, not perfection.

How to Choose the Right Carnivore Approach

Choosing a version of the carnivore diet depends on your goals, sensitivities, and starting point. Here’s a general guide:

Your Goal	Best Version to Start With
Heal autoimmune or gut issues	Strict Carnivore
Correct nutrient deficiencies	Nose-to-Tail
Transition from keto or low-carb	Ketovore or Dairy-Inclusive
Long-term, flexible lifestyle	Carnivore-ish
Maximize mental clarity & fat loss	Strict or Nose-to-Tail

What to exclude:

On the carnivore diet, the guiding principle is to eliminate anything that is not animal-based, nutrient-dense, or supportive of healing. That means removing anything that introduces plant toxins, processed chemicals, or unnecessary carbohydrates.

Here’s a clear list of what to exclude from a carnivore diet:

1. Plant-Based Foods

• Vegetables (broccoli, spinach, kale, etc.)
  — Even “healthy” ones contain oxalates, lectins, and fibre that can irritate sensitive guts.
• Fruits (bananas, apples, berries, etc.)
  — High in sugar; even low-sugar fruits can cause insulin spikes.
• Legumes (beans, lentils, soy, peanuts)
  — Contain anti-nutrients like phytic acid and lectins.
• Grains (wheat, oats, rice, corn)
  — Highly inflammatory and carb-dense.
• Nuts and Seeds
  — Often causes digestive or autoimmune flare-ups due to oxalates and seed oils.

2. Processed Foods

• Anything with a long ingredient list
  — Even if it says “keto” or “low-carb,” avoid anything with preservatives, fillers, or synthetic ingredients.
• Packaged snacks, protein bars, shakes
  — Almost always contain sweeteners, gums, and emulsifiers.

3. Vegetable and Seed Oils

• Canola, soybean, sunflower, corn, safflower, grapeseed oils
  — These are high in omega-6 linoleic acid, which promotes inflammation and oxidative stress.

4. Sugar and Sweeteners

• Refined sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, high-fructose corn syrup
• Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin)
• Natural sugar substitutes (stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, xylitol)
  — Some carnivores allow these in moderation (especially in a Ketovore approach), but strict carnivore excludes them.

5. Dairy (For Some People)

• Milk (even whole milk) – Contains lactose, which can spike insulin.
• Low-fat or flavoured yoghurts and cheeses – Often contain added sugars and starches.
• Soft cheeses and creamers – May cause inflammation or bloating if not well-tolerated.

Note: Some people thrive on full-fat dairy (butter, hard cheese, heavy cream). If you’re healing from autoimmune or gut issues, it’s best to remove dairy for 30 days, and then reintroduce it to test tolerance. If you are ok with RAW milk, choose the unpasteurised milk products.

6. Alcohol

• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits with mixers
  — Contain carbs, sugars, and gut irritants. Even dry spirits like vodka or whiskey can impair fat loss and recovery.

7. Beverages to Avoid

• Fruit juices, smoothies, plant milks (almond, oat, soy)
• Soda, energy drinks, sweetened coffee or tea
• Flavoured waters with additives or artificial sweeteners

What to Focus On Instead

• Ruminant meat (beef, lamb, venison)
• Animal fats (tallow, suet, butter, lard)
• Eggs
• Seafood and shellfish
• Organ meats (liver, heart, kidney)
• Salt and water
• Optional: Bone broth, black coffee, unsweetened tea, or full-fat dairy (if tolerated)

Final Thoughts

Carnivore isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re going full lion-diet strict or enjoying a bit of cheese and avocado, the core remains the same: eliminate processed foods, focus on animal nutrition, and listen to your body.

Many people start strict to reset their systems and later experiment with reintroducing certain foods. Others feel best keeping it ultra-clean long term. The key is finding what works for you and staying consistent.

As Dr. Ken Berry puts it: “Progress, not perfection. Just eat like a human.”

I would suggest adding some form of electrolytes and multivitamins when you start. Use the correct vitamins! I would recommend Solal. It is a bit more expensive, but it is well worth it. Read more here about how to choose vitamins.

Worried about Cholesterol? Don’t be. Watch this video from Dr Berry that explains that high cholesterol is not a death sentence. Here is the study that was conducted.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have preexisting conditions or are on medications.