Are carnivore and animal-based diets the same thing? Both diets favor animal foods, and at first glance, they might seem quite similar. However, they differ in terms of which foods they include and how flexible they are.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what sets them apart.
What Is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet consists exclusively of animal foods, such as meats, organs, poultry, and fish. While some people follow a stricter version consisting primarily of meat, salt, and water, others also include eggs and dairy products. By eliminating plant foods, the diet is naturally very low in carbohydrates, similar to a ketogenic diet.
Some people follow the carnivore diet as a short-term elimination approach, gradually reintroducing foods to identify potential triggers, while others follow it more as a lifestyle.
What Is an Animal-Based Diet?
Like the carnivore diet, the animal-based diet focuses on nutrient-dense animal foods. However, it also allows for certain plant foods, particularly fruit and berries, as well as honey. Some people also incorporate cocoa and spices into their animal-based diet.
Grains and legumes are generally avoided, along with most vegetables. Some plant foods that are botanically classified as fruits but commonly considered vegetables, such as cucumbers and avocados, are often included.
Both the carnivore and animal-based diet generally emphasize nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods, but the animal-based diet allows for greater flexibility when it comes to plant foods.
Carnivore vs. Animal-Based Diet: Key Differences
The main difference between the two diets lies in their approach to plant foods and carbohydrates. While carnivore diets exclude plant foods and are very low in carbohydrates, animal-based diets allow for greater flexibility, particularly with foods such as fruit and honey.
In the table below, you’ll find a quick overview of their main differences.
|
Food group |
Carnivore |
Animal-based |
|
Meat & organs |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Fish & seafood |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Eggs |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Dairy |
Sometimes |
Often |
|
Fruit & berries |
No |
Often |
|
Honey |
No |
Often |
|
Vegetables |
No |
No |
|
Carbohydrates |
Very low |
Variable |
Nutritional Considerations of Each Diet
Because the carnivore diet excludes more food groups than the animal-based diet, the nutritional composition of the two diets can differ considerably.
As mentioned, the carnivore diet is very low in carbohydrates, but it’s also low in fiber. Due to the lack of plant foods, it’s also lower in polyphenols and certain antioxidant compounds that are mainly found in plants. Animal-based diets, on the other hand, can provide carbohydrates, fiber, and various plant compounds via foods such as fruit and berries.
Both diets typically provide substantial amounts of protein and emphasize nutrient-dense animal foods. Meat, organ meats, eggs, and seafood contain a wide range of nutrients, including iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and fat-soluble vitamins. However, the nutritional composition depends on the specific foods included and how frequently they're consumed.
Which Diet Is Right for You?
When deciding which of these diets is right for you, you need to take your individual needs and food preferences into account. The animal-based diet is more flexible and offers more options, which may make it easier to follow long-term. For some people, the carnivore diet may feel more challenging, while others may appreciate its straightforward food rules and limited choices.
The Role of Organ Meats in Animal-Focused Diets
Organ meats are among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet and contain certain nutrients in higher amounts than muscle meat, such as vitamin A and B12. They also tend to be rich in zinc, iron, copper, selenium, and other vitamins and minerals, but the exact content may vary depending on the organ.
Thanks to their nutritional value, people may see them as an important part of both carnivore and animal-based diets, complementing the nutrient profile of muscle meat. However, most people in the Western world didn’t grow up eating organ meats and may not be familiar with their distinct flavor and texture. For those who prefer not to eat them directly, freeze-dried organ capsules offer a convenient way to include organ meats without their taste or texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat fruit on a carnivore diet?
No, the carnivore diet excludes all plant foods.
Is an animal-based diet the same as a carnivore diet?
No, while both diets emphasize animal-derived foods, the animal-based diet also includes fruit, berries, and honey.
Can you eat vegetables on an animal-based diet?
Vegetables are generally excluded on an animal-based diet.
Is an animal-based diet low-carb?
An animal-based diet can be low in carbohydrates, but it doesn't have to be. While it typically includes foods containing carbohydrates, such as fruit, berries, and honey, the overall carbohydrate intake depends on the types and amounts of foods consumed.
Do both diets include organ meats?
Yes, organ meats can be included in both carnivore and animal-based diets. While they're not a requirement for either diet, they're often encouraged for their high nutrient density and variety of vitamins and minerals. For those who don't enjoy their flavor or texture, 100% freeze-dried organ capsules are a convenient alternative, made from whole organ meats that have been freeze-dried to retain many of their naturally occurring nutrients.
Conclusion
Although the carnivore and animal-based diets share a similar foundation, they differ in how restrictive they are. An animal-based diet offers greater food variety which may make it easier to maintain long-term. Whichever approach you consider, it's important to think about your nutritional needs and whether the diet fits into your everyday life.