Carnivore vs. Keto: Which Low-Carb Diet Is Right for You?
Keto and carnivore are often mentioned in the same breath—but they’re not the same.
Both are low-carb. Both can help with fat loss, energy, and mental clarity.
But when it comes to how they work, what you eat, and who they’re for, the differences matter.
Let’s break them down so you can choose the right approach for your body and goals.
What’s the Keto Diet?
The ketogenic diet focuses on reaching a state of ketosis, where your body burns fat instead of carbs for energy.
What You Eat on Keto:
- High-fat foods: avocados, olive oil, butter
- Moderate protein: beef, eggs, fish
- Low-carb veggies: spinach, zucchini, broccoli
- Small amounts of nuts, seeds, berries
Keto allows more variety, especially from plant foods. But some of those can trigger cravings, bloating, or inflammation in sensitive people.
What’s the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet takes things further:
It’s a zero- or ultra-low-carb way of eating based on animal foods only—especially red meat, eggs, fish, and some dairy.
There are more flexible versions (like animal-based) that include small amounts of fruit, raw honey, or herbs—but the core idea stays the same: fuel your body with foods it’s biologically designed to digest.
Carnivore vs. Keto: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Keto Diet | Carnivore Diet |
Carbs | 20–50g net carbs/day | 0–10g (or none) |
Food Variety | High (plants, dairy, oils, nuts) | Limited (animal foods only) |
Ketosis | Required goal | Often happens naturally |
Plant Foods | Encouraged (low-carb only) | Excluded or limited |
Anti-inflammatory | Yes, but can vary | Strong (especially for autoimmune conditions) |
Simplicity | Moderate (requires tracking) | Very simple (just meat, eggs, salt, water) |
Digestion | Depends on food tolerance | Often improved (less fiber, no anti-nutrients) |
Cravings | May persist due to sweet foods allowed | Usually eliminated completely |
Which Diet Is Better for You?
- Choose Keto if:
You want flexibility, enjoy variety, and tolerate low-carb plants well. - Choose Carnivore if:
You struggle with gut issues, inflammation, food cravings, or autoimmune symptoms—and want total simplicity. - Choose Animal-Based if:
You want the healing power of animal foods with the sustainability of small amounts of clean carbs like fruit or raw dairy.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. What matters most is how you feel, how your body responds, and whether the diet is sustainable for your lifestyle.
FAQ
Q: Can I do keto without plants?
A: Yes, but at that point you’re basically doing carnivore.
Q: Is carnivore harder than keto?
A: It depends. Some find the simplicity easier, others miss variety. Try both and compare how you feel.
Q: Can I switch between them?
A: Absolutely. Many people start with keto and later move into carnivore—or use carnivore short-term to reset.
Keto and carnivore both work—but in different ways.
If you’re seeking deeper healing, fewer cravings, and max simplicity, carnivore may be your next step.
Want help getting started? Download our The Balanced Carnivore Method and see what your body is truly capable of.
