Carnivore Diet Seasonings

The carnivore diet is an extremely low‑carbohydrate, high‑fat way of eating that restricts foods to animal products. It emphasises red meat, poultry, fish, offal, eggs and small amounts of low‑lactose dairy such as butter and cheese. Plant‑based foods – fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and plant oils – are excluded. This makes the diet very high in saturated fat and protein and virtually devoid of fiber. Self‑described carnivores often use a fat‑to‑protein ratio around 70–80% fat and 20–30% protein, with almost no carbohydrate. Some follow a high‑fat version where 80% of calories come from fat and 20% from protein.

Sources: bhf.org.uk, healthline.com, theprimal.com

Dirty carnivore: A less strict version that allows about 10% of daily calories from non‑animal foods. The Primal article explains that this version permits small servings of fruit, vegetables and processed meats but warns that too many plant foods can introduce antinutrients. It advises limiting plant foods to roughly 10% and focusing the remaining 90% of calories on meat, fish, eggs and animal fats. Allowed foods include low‑sugar fruits, leafy greens and fermented vegetables, while starchy vegetables, high‑sugar fruits, grains and legumes should be avoided.

Ketovore vs carnivore: Ketovore is an off‑shoot of ketogenic carnivore. Ketovore eaters focus on meat and animal protein but include small amounts of dairy, low‑carb vegetables, herbs, spices, nuts and seeds. This extra “wiggle room” makes the diet more sustainable and allows occasional low‑carb fruits or berries. Carnivore, by contrast, is more meat‑heavy and relies almost exclusively on animal foods like fish, meat, eggs, bone marrow, dairy and salt. Both approaches are high‑fat and low‑carb and maintain ketosis, but ketovore includes more fibre and variety.

Sources: theprimal.com, ketogenic.com

Strict carnivore approach: Advocates such as Dr Robert Kiltz argue that spices and herbs are plant products and may contain contaminants like heavy metals or salmonella. He recommends avoiding seasonings entirely and letting a buttery, salty cut of meat provide flavor.

Moderate approach: Many carnivores want variety without breaking the rules. Noble Origins lists animal‑friendly seasonings – salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper – which add flavor and may provide benefits (black pepper aids digestion, garlic powder adds aroma and nutrients). Herbs such as rosemary and thyme can offer earthy or fresh notes and antioxidants. The same article cautions that commercial spice blends may contain fillers, sugar or wheat and that strict carnivores avoid plant‑based seasonings altogether.

Sources: doctorkiltz.com, nobleorigins.com

Commercial condiments like ketchup, soy sauce and store‑bought mayonnaise are made from plant ingredients and are therefore off limits on a strict carnivore diet. Primal’s guide suggests using animal‑based sauces: melted butter or ghee, pan drippings, bone‑broth gravies and cream‑based sauces made with dairy. For those following a relaxed version, soy‑based sauces or hot sauces can be enjoyed occasionally if modified using bone broth and salt.

Source: theprimal.com