A Complete Animal Based Diet Food List for Easy Transition

Animal-based diets are usually low-carb, medium-protein, and high-fat to induce a ketosis fat-burning state and bring about various health effects.

As you can guess by its name, an animal-based diet focuses on consuming primarily animal-derived foods while minimizing or eliminating plant-based foods.

This is because animal-based diets want to simplify eating, eliminate unnecessary and toxic foods, and address chronic health issues such as 

• diabetes,
• autoimmune conditions,
• heart disease,
• obesity,
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS),
• brain and cognitive issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s,
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD),
• depression and anxiety,
• and even cancer

by improving metabolism, digestive system, hormonal function, and insulin resistance, as well as reducing inflammation, which are all the root causes of various chronic diseases.

Some versions of an animal-based approach allow small amounts of fruits, honey, and dairy products, generally simple carbohydrates, so you can gradually transition into a low-carb animal-based diet.

Animal-based diets generally follow ancestral eating habits that include eating quality protein, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients found in animal products while avoiding processed foods and anti-nutrients in plants.

To learn all about the animal-based diet, its benefits, side effects, and meal plan, read this Animal-Based Diet Ultimate Guide.

What Foods Are Allowed on an Animal Based Diet?

The foundation of an animal-based diet is high-quality animal proteins and fats. This means various types of meats, poultry, seafood, and animal products like eggs and dairy.

Some versions of the diet also allow raw honey and low-carb fruits, but the primary focus remains on nutritious animal foods.

High-quality, minimally processed, grass-fed, pasture-raised, and wild-caught animal sources are the best. Let’s start with meat, the main food source of animal-based diets, and then go for a detailed animal based diet food list.

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The Best Meat on an Animal-Based Diet?

The best meat for an animal-based diet is ruminant meat, such as

• Beef,
• Lamb, and
• Bison.

These meats are nutritious, with high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, B12, and zinc.

Ruminant animals’ digestive system lets them convert grass into nutritious meat, making their meat a good source of bioavailable nutrients.

Grass-fed beef is the best due to its higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and antioxidants than grain-fed beef. These nutrients help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and boost metabolism.

Lamb is another healthy meat with high levels of selenium, zinc, and high-quality fats.

Bison is leaner than beef and a good choice for those who want a protein-rich meat with slightly less fat.

In addition to these three, you can eat other kinds of meat, plus poultry, fish, seafood, low-carb dairy, and other animal-based foods.

Learn More: Is Lamb Healthier than Beef? Which Is Better: Lamb vs Beef

Animal Based Diet Food List

This animal based diet food list is general, and each version of the animal-based diet allows special kinds of food. Some allow low-carb veggies and plant-based foods, such as the Low-Carb Diet, Keto Diet, and Paleo Diet.

But as you gradually get fat-adapted, you can move on to more professional levels of an animal-based diet, such as the Carnivore Diet, where only animal products are allowed and carbohydrates are almost zero.

Meat

• Beef
• Lamb
• Bison
• Pork
• Venison
• Elk
• Goat

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Poultry

Pasture-raised poultry has protein and nutrients like B vitamins and selenium. The most common poultry on an animal based diet is:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Duck
• Quail

Seafood

Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help brain and heart health. Shellfish such as shrimp, oysters, and mussels contain minerals like zinc and iodine.

These fish and seafood are most common on an animal-based diet:

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Mackerel
• Tuna
• Shrimp
• Oysters
• Mussels
• Cod

Other Animal Products

Organ meats and bone broth are other animal products with various nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. So, don’t forget to include them in your animal based diet food list.

Liver, for example, is one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet, loaded with vitamin A, B12, and iron. Bone broth is great for gut health, skin, and joints.

You also need animal-based oils like lard and tallow. So, the other animal products list includes:

• Eggs
• Organ meats
• Bone broth
• Tallow
• Lard

Dairy Products

Some versions of the animal-based diet allow low-carb dairy products like raw milk, aged cheese, butter, and Greek yogurt, which provide beneficial probiotics and essential fats.

However, not everybody consumes dairy because some are sensitive to lactose, the sugar in dairy products. So, check the foods allowed on your special version of the animal-based diet and see if you can tolerate dairy before adding them to your meal plan.

The most commonly used dairy products on an animal based diet are:

• Raw milk
• Aged cheese
• Greek yogurt
• Butter
• Ghee

So, based on this food list, you can make your meal plan. If you are new and don’t exactly know how to make one, use this free Meal Planner and get started.

After getting your hands on a proper meal plan, you just need to know when and how to eat meals to make the most of your animal-based diet.

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When and How Much to Eat on an Animal Based Diet?

There is one general rule in animal-based diets: eat until you’re full!

You don’t need strict calorie counting or portion control; just keep an eye on your body’s reaction and adjust your plan if needed. Most people do fine with eating two to three meals per day.

Eating when and how much is also very personal because some people do better on intermittent fasting and eating one or two big meals of high-fat and high-protein foods.

However, other people’s metabolism is more active if they consume smaller, more frequent meals. The key is to adjust based on your energy levels, activity levels, and hunger cues.

Doctors suggest at least 1lb of meat daily for every 100 lbs of your weight. You can also calculate your optimal range using this protein and fat calculator. The following tips also help you get the best results out of your animal based diet.

Tips for an Easy Transition into an Animal-Based Diet

If you are used to high-carbohydrate or plant-based diets and now want to try animal-based diets, remember the gradual transition to let your body adapt to the new eating habit and minimize side effects.

So, just find the right macronutrient balance, choose the proper animal-based diet based on the macros, check the animal based diet food list for your specific version of the diet, get a proper meal plan, and consider the following tips.

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Keep It Simple

Start with the basics—meat, eggs, (and low-carb dairy if it’s allowed). You don’t need to overcomplicate things with fancy recipes. Stick to whole, minimally processed animal foods and build from there.

Consistency and Gradual Transition Are Key

It is okay if you cheat once in a blur moon! But consistency is key. If you choose to include some plant-based foods like fruit or honey, make sure they’re high-quality and don’t overeat them.

Get Enough Sleep

Adequate sleep is more important than you think, especially when starting a new diet. Sleep 7-9 hours every night.

Stay Hydrated and Balance Electrolytes

Animal-based diets can be low in sodium and potassium, which means pushing your electrolytes off balance. So, add some sea salt to your meals and drink bone broth and water to keep the balance and stay in tip-top shape!

Practice Meditation and Manage Stress

Stress is the cause of many problems in today’s life. It can negatively impact digestion, energy levels, and many more organs and body functions.

Try stress-reducing activities like meditation, breathwork, or spending time outdoors to help your body easily transition into the new eating style.

Exercise Regularly

Regular movement completes an animal-based diet. You can do strength training or light exercises like walking, jogging, and cycling.

Final Remarks

Starting an animal-based diet can be easy if you choose high-quality animal foods, keep an eye on your body’s reactions, and adjust regularly.

Gradually, your body gets used to low-carb eating, and you’ll likely experience better energy, digestion, and health.