What Is a Ketovore Diet? Meal Plan, Food List

The Ketovore Diet is a mix of the Keto and Carnivore diets; a low-carb, high-fat approach that helps you enjoy the fat-burning benefits of ketosis while eating mostly animal-based foods. Ketovore is also seen as a transition phase between Keto and Carnivore for those who want to go zero-carb gradually without giving up all plant foods at once. So, let’s learn about the Ketovore Diet, its similarities and differences with Keto and Carnivore, and the Ketovore food list, to see if it is worth trying.

What Is a Ketovore Diet? Meal Plan, Food List
Highlights

What Is the Ketovore Diet?

As its name suggests, the Ketovore Diet is a mix of the Ketogenic (Keto) and the Carnivore diets and includes features from both these dietary approaches.

Ketovore can also be a transition from Keto to Carnivore. Individuals who go on a Primal Diet from high-carbohydrate diets can start with a Low-Carb Diet to get used to reducing carbohydrates, then move to Keto to induce ketosis.

Then, go for Ketovore to get ready for minimizing carbohydrates and increasing fat and protein, and finally go Carnivore, remove carbohydrates, and maximize health results.

[cta-gocarnivore-plans]

The Ketogenic Diet aims to induce and maintain ketosis by decreasing the intake of carbohydrates and increasing the fat intake, so the body uses fat, instead of carbohydrates, to provide energy.

To induce ketosis, Keto dieters consume healthy fats, meat, moderate protein, and low-carbohydrate vegetables.

The Carnivore Diet excludes plant-based foods and allows only animal products, including meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, animal fats, and other animal-based foods.

Combining the best features of these two diets, the Ketovore Diet tries to create ketosis by following the keto diet’s rules while consuming mainly animal products rather than plant-based foods like most fruits and vegetables.

The Ketovore Diet provides the dieters’ macronutrient needs from fats and proteins while minimizing carbs. You can use this free Carnivore Diet Macro Calculator to find the right ratio of macros based on your age, gender, and activity level.

Let’s get into the details and find the differences between a Keto and Ketovore diet.

Learn More: Carnivore Diet vs Keto Diet: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?

Dr. Paul Saladino:

"The Ketovore Diet combines the metabolic benefits of ketosis with the nutrient density of animal foods. By minimizing carbohydrate intake and focusing on high-quality animal products, some individuals experience improved energy levels, weight management, and overall health."

The Differences Between a Keto and Ketovore Diet

The main difference between a Keto Diet and a Ketovore Diet is that Ketovore prioritizes animal products and includes fewer vegetables than Keto.

The Ketovore Diet tries to induce ketosis by consuming animal products and minimizing carbohydrates and plant-based foods.

A Ketovore Diet includes meat, fish, eggs, and other animal-based foods while excluding or limiting carbohydrates and plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

While a Keto Diet allows many foods and provides protein and fat from various sources, a Ketovore Diet provides daily macros from animal products and removes most or all plant-based foods.

Simply put, the Ketovore Diet takes the concept of ketosis from the Ketogenic Diet and merges it with the animal-based approach of the Carnivore Diet. However, Ketovore differs from the Carnivore Diet in different ways.

Learn more: All Meat Diet: Is It Healthy? Benefits and Result [Meal Plan]

[cta-meetings]

The Difference Between a Carnivore and Ketovore Diet

The main difference between a Carnivore diet and a Ketovore diet is that Ketovore allows minimal carbohydrates, while Carnivore is almost zero-carb and provides the daily macros from only the animal-based foods.

A Carnivore Diet excludes plant-based foods and focuses on increasing fat and protein intake and avoiding carbohydrates.

The Ketovore Diet, as a mix of the Ketogenic and Carnivore diets, tries to create ketosis to burn fat instead of carbohydrates, but also small carbohydrates, which helps those who are not yet ready to omit carbohydrates.

Now that we know how the Ketovore Diet differs from Keto and Carnivore, let’s get to know its details. Ketovore can have different types; one of the most common ones is Ketovore OMAD.

Learn More: Carnivore Diet vs Keto Diet: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?

FeatureKeto DietKetovore DietCarnivore Diet
Main Goal Achieve ketosis by reducing carbs and increasing fat Combine Keto and Carnivore to achieve ketosis with mostly animal-based foods Eliminate carbs completely and eat only animal products
Carbohydrate Intake Very low (about < 50g/day) Extremely low (about < 10–20g/day) Nearly zero (0g/day)
Primary Food Sources Animal and plant-based (meat, fish, dairy, low-carb veggies, nuts, oils) Mostly animal-based (meat, eggs, dairy, minimal low-carb plants) Exclusively animal-based (meat, fish, eggs, animal fats)
Plant Foods Allowed (low-carb vegetables, nuts, seeds) Minimal (some berries or greens) Not allowed
Fats High, includes both animal and plant fats (olive, avocado, coconut oils) High, mainly from animal fats (tallow, butter, ghee) Very high, exclusively from animal fats
Protein Intake Moderate Moderate to high High
Ketosis Central goal Central Goal May or may not remain in ketosis depending on fat/protein ratio
Micronutrients Comes from both plant and animal sources Mostly from animal sources, some from limited plants Only from animal sources (risk of certain deficiencies)
Flexibility Most flexible (wide food variety) Moderate flexibility Most restrictive about food variety and simplest to do
Transition Purpose Starting point for low-carb eating Bridge between Keto and Carnivore Final stage of low/no-carb diets
Example Foods Eggs, butter, cheese, salmon, spinach, avocados Steak, eggs, butter, cheese, a small amount of berries Beef, lamb, eggs, butter, liver, bone broth
Best For Long-term fat loss and a balanced low-carb lifestyle Transitioning to Carnivore or fine-tuning fat metabolism Eliminating inflammation or food sensitivities
Potential Side Effects Keto flu, nutrient imbalance if not properly planned Keto/Carnivore flu, digestive changes Constipation, nutrient deficiencies, adaptation fatigue

What Is Ketovore OMAD?

Ketovore OMAD is a mix of the Ketovore Diet with the OMAD (One Meal a Day) method. In the OMAD approach, you eat only a single meal every day and fast before and after the meal.

Mixing the rules of the Ketovore Diet with OMAD means that you go on a Ketovore Diet and eat only one meal each day. On that meal, you can get all your daily calorie and nutrient needs from the foods allowed in the Ketovore Diet.

Ketovore OMAD is a more restrictive version of the Ketovore Diet, including longer fasting periods to improve insulin sensitivity and burn fat.

Starting a Ketovore Diet is easy. People usually go on a Ketovore Diet after trying Low-Carb and Keto, and use it as a transition phase to enter zero-carb Carnivore.

Learn More: Carnivore Diet Fasting: Types, Food List & Meal Plan

How to Start the Ketovore Diet?

Here are the main steps you need to take when you want to start a Ketovore Diet.

  • Learn about Ketovore: Find the right balance of macronutrient ratios and learn about foods allowed and the potential benefits and risks of the diet.
  • Set Realistic Goals: Decide what health and fitness goals you want to achieve and plan accordingly. Your Ketovore goals can include weight loss, improved energy levels, or better metabolic health.
  • Get a Meal Plan: Use different sources and plan meals according to your goals and favorite foods, but based on the foods allowed in the Ketovore Diet. Keep carbohydrates to a minimum, include various foods, and consume moderate protein and high fat to have a balanced diet.
  • Gradual Transition: If your current eating habits are different, you need to enter Ketovore gradually. Study the rules of the Primal, Keto, Carnivore, and Ketovore diets to start from the most suitable level. You should start by decreasing carbohydrate intake over a few days or weeks to let your body adapt to changes and minimize side effects.
  • Track Your Macronutrients: Use this free Carnivore Diet Macro Calculator to find the right ratio of macros based on your age, gender, and activity level. You can also get a GKI Blood Glucose and Ketone Meter with a special discount for the 5MB community to track your daily macronutrient intake.
  • Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated is essential, as the Ketovore diet can have diuretic effects. Also, keep your electrolytes in balance. You can get LMNT electrolyte drinks with grapefruit salt specifically discounted for the 5MinuteBody community.
  • Listen to Your Body: Watch your body's signals and monitor your progress to adjust your eating habits based on them.

[cta-meal-plan]

So, if you have decided to start the Ketovore Diet and have consulted your healthcare professional, you need to know the rules of the Ketovore Diet to get started.

Learn More: Carnivore and OMAD Diet | Results In 2 Weeks!

Ketovore Can Improve Metabolism

Some studies on the Keto Diet and the Carnivore Diet separately have shown benefits such as weight loss, improved metabolic health, and better blood sugar control, which are principles that the Ketovore Diet incorporates.

What Are The Keto Carnivore Rules?

Generally, the rules of Keto, Ketovore, and Carnivore are similar. However, the macronutrient ratio and the foods allowed make all the difference. Here are the main rules of the Keto-Carnivore or Ketovore Diet:

Consume Animal Products

Eat high-quality, nutrient-dense meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy.

Avoid Carbohydrates

To minimize carbs, you need to limit or exclude grains, legumes, fruits, and starchy vegetables.

Eat Healthy Fats

Consume high amounts of healthy animal fats to create a state of ketosis and provide enough energy.

Learn More: Ground Beef Diet: Meal Plan, Benefits, and Side Effects

[cta-gocarnivore-plans]

Consume Protein in Moderation

Consuming too much protein can hinder ketosis. Consider the daily macros and keep the balance between fat and protein.

Drink Enough Water

It is necessary to drink plenty of water during the day to avoid dehydration and keep your electrolytes balanced.

Consider Supplementation

Consult a healthcare professional and take supplements to meet your body’s needs if needed.

Another important step before starting a new diet is learning about its benefits and side effects. Let’s see if Ketovore is really healthy to try.

Is the Ketovore Diet Healthy?

The Ketovore Diet combines the rules of the Keto and Carnivore diets, so its benefits and side effects somehow include the pros and cons of these two diets. Let’s dig in!

Learn More: 40-Hour Fast: Does It Work? [Benefits and Side Effects]

[cta-meetings]

The Benefits of the Ketovore Diet

Individuals have reported the effectiveness of the Ketovore Diet on weight loss and health, but limited research has been conducted on this diet, and most of the evidence is related to the Ketogenic and Carnivore diets. Anyhow, the potential benefits of the Ketovore Diet include:

  • Ketosis and Weight Loss
  • Improved Blood Sugar Control
  • Enhanced Brain Function and Mental Clarity
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects
  • Decreased Food Cravings
  • Cancer Treatment
Ketovore Can Improve Health

Personal reports from individuals following a Ketovore Diet suggest improvements in weight management, mental clarity, and overall well-being.

Ketosis and Weight Loss

Limiting carbohydrates and using fat for energy can help create ketosis, which is linked to reduced appetite, better fat burning, and weight loss [1].

Blood Sugar Control

Lowering carbohydrate intake can help stabilize blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, which helps patients with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, or similar conditions. How Can a Carnivore Diet Cure Diabetes Type 1 and 2?

[cta-meal-plan]

Better Brain Function and Mental Clarity

Some individuals report that the Ketovore Diet can boost mental clarity and performance and help with epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

As you consume less processed and inflammatory foods on the Ketovore Diet, you can be relieved from inflammatory symptoms.

Decreased Food Cravings

Minimizing carbs and sugar in the Ketovore Diet can help reduce cravings for these foods, resulting in better control over food consumption.

Cancer Treatment

A Ketovore diet may help treat cancer by slowing down tumor growth [4].

[cta-gocarnivore-plans]

Ketovore Diet Side Effects

As the Ketovore Diet contains some benefits of the Keto and Carnivore diets, it can include some of the temporary side effects of these two diets, such as:

  • Keto Flu
  • Digestive Problems
  • Nutrient Deficiencies
  • Increased Cholesterol

Keto Flu

Many dieters have reported flu-like symptoms in the first days or weeks of going on the Ketovore Diet, including fatigue, headache, brain fog, irritability, and nausea, which is known as Keto or Carnivore Flu.

Digestive Problems

Overconsuming animal products can cause digestive issues, including constipation, diarrhea, or changes in bowel movements in sensitive individuals.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Excluding some plant-based foods can result in nutrient deficiencies in individuals with underlying health issues. Learn how to get Vitamin C on a Carnivore Diet.

[cta-meetings]

Increased Cholesterol

Going on a high-fat diet like the Ketovore can raise the risk of temporary high cholesterol levels. But these changes are often due to a boost in HDL (the good cholesterol) and become normal gradually.

Now that we know the pros and cons of the Ketovore Diet, the next step is to learn about the Ketovore food list and grocery list.

Learn More: What Is The Dirty Keto Diet? Food List and Free 7-Day Meal Plan

Ketovore Diet Food List

Here are the main foods we can eat and must avoid on a Ketovore Diet, and a full Ketovore grocery shopping list.

[cta-meal-plan]

Foods to Eat

  • Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, veal, organ meats, etc.
  • Poultry: Chicken, turkey, duck, etc.
  • Fish and seafood: Salmon, trout, sardines, shrimp, crab, etc.
  • Eggs: Including whole eggs and egg yolks
  • Dairy: High-fat dairy products like butter, ghee, cheese, and heavy cream
  • Fats and oils: Animal fats like lard, tallow, duck fat, etc.
  • Bone broth: Made from animal bones and connective tissues
  • Fruits: Low-carb fruits and veggies like berries.

Learn More: Free Ultimate Carnivore Diet Food List

Foods to Avoid

  • Carbohydrates: Grains (wheat, rice, oats, etc.), legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas, etc.), and high-carbohydrate fruits (bananas, grapes, mangoes, etc.)
  • Sugary foods and beverages: Soda, fruit juices, candies, cakes, etc.
  • Starchy vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc.
  • Processed foods: Processed and packaged foods with additives, preservatives, and added sugars
  • Sauces: Ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, etc.
  • High-carbohydrate snacks: Chips, crackers, cookies, etc.

[cta-gocarnivore-plans]

Ketovore Grocery Shopping List

  • Beef (steaks, ground beef, roasts)
  • Pork (chops, bacon, sausage)
  • Lamb (chops, ground lamb)
  • Chicken (breasts, thighs, wings)
  • Turkey (breasts, ground turkey)
  • Duck
  • Organ meats (liver, heart, kidney)
  • Salmon
  • Trout
  • Sardines
  • Shrimp
  • Crab
  • Tuna
  • Mackerel
  • Eggs
  • Butter
  • Ghee
  • Cheese (cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, etc.)
  • Heavy cream
  • Tallow
  • Lard
  • Bacon fat
  • Low-carbohydrate vegetables and fruits
  • Bone broth
  • Bone marrow

To get started, you also need a Ketovore Diet meal plan. You can tweak the following sample meal plans with the foods you like, but ensure you choose from among the foods allowed in Ketovore.

Learn More: Is Sour Cream Keto? The Best Sour Cream to Buy

[cta-meetings]

Ketovore 1-Day Meal Plan

Breakfast

  • 3-4 scrambled eggs cooked in butter or ghee
  • 2-3 slices of bacon
  • Bulletproof coffee: Coffee blended with 1-2 tablespoons of butter

Lunch

  • Grilled steak (6-8 oz.) seasoned with salt
  • Water
  • Hard-boiled eggs

Dinner

  • Baked salmon (6-8 oz.)
  • 2 small chicken thighs

Snack

  • Cheese slices or cubes

Learn More: Can You Eat Cheese on a Keto Diet? How Much?

[cta-meal-plan]

Ketovore 7-Day Meal Plan

Don’t settle for anything less than real results, and aim high! Whether you need to have a healthy body, melt fat, lose weight, or find a better mindset and lifestyle, joining an active community of dieters and experts can help you immensely. You can shed many lbs thanks to experts and fellow Carnivores supporting you with success stories, private sessions, workshops, coaching and planning. Don’t hesitate to join the Community of the 5MB Carnivores now.

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs cooked in butter with bacon
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken thighs
  • Dinner: Ribeye steak
  • Snack: Cheese slices or cubes

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Omelette with diced ham and cheese
  • Lunch: Baked salmon with butter sauce
  • Dinner: Ground beef
  • Snack: Hard-boiled eggs

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Sausage links with fried eggs
  • Lunch: Turkey breast slices
  • Dinner: Pork chops
  • Snack: Beef jerky

[cta-gocarnivore-plans]

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Bacon-wrapped chicken thighs
  • Lunch: Tuna salad
  • Dinner: Grilled lamb chops
  • Snack: Ketovore cheesecake

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Steak and eggs cooked in ghee
  • Lunch: Roast beef slices
  • Dinner: Pan-seared halibut with lemon herb butter and roasted cauliflower
  • Snack: Pork rinds

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Ham and cheese roll-ups
  • Lunch: Chicken drumsticks with roasted broccoli
  • Dinner: Bison burger
  • Snack: Ketovore waffles

[cta-meetings]

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Egg salad
  • Lunch: Shrimp skewers
  • Dinner: Prime rib roast
  • Snack: Cheese slices or cubes

The Best Ketovore Snacks

  • Cheese slices or cubes
  • Beef jerky
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Pork rinds
  • Sliced deli meats (turkey, ham, roast beef, etc.)
  • Bacon strips or bacon-wrapped bites
  • Pepperoni slices or sticks
  • Salami or other cured meats
  • Beef or turkey sticks
  • Canned sardines or tuna
  • Deviled eggs
  • Bone broth

Recommended Recipes:

Summary

The Ketovore Diet mixes the Ketogenic and Carnivore diets to induce ketosis and help individuals transition healthily from Keto to Carnivore and reach their health and fitness goals.

Ketovore dieters consume animal-based foods and minimize carbohydrates to promote weight loss, blood sugar control, mental clarity, and anti-inflammatory effects.

But don’t forget that changing eating habits needs careful analysis and consulting with healthcare professionals.

[cta-meal-plan]

FAQ

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Ketovore Diet.

What Foods Are in the Ketovore Diet?

The Ketovore diet includes meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.

Is Carnivore Keto Safe?

The Carnivore Keto (Ketovore) Diet includes some of the benefits and side effects of the Ketogenic and Carnivore diets. Its safety depends on various personal factors, but it is reported to be safe by many individuals.

Which Is Healthier Keto or Carnivore?

Choosing a Keto or Carnivore Diet as healthier depends on various factors. Carnivore is better for the short term, and Keto can be a long-term option.

Similar Posts

Recent Recipes

Meet Rina | Founder Of The Primal

The Primal is your ultimate resource for the ketogenic diet—helping you lose weight, heal chronic disease, and take back your health, all for free!

Founded by Rina Ahluwalia, a health expert with 20+ years of experience and host of The Primal Podcast (on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts), we bring you weekly in depth conversations with board-certified doctors on topics like insulin resistance, cancer prevention, heart disease, and more.

Everything we share is backed by research and published on The Primal Lab, with references, books, tools, and easy-to-follow guides. Plus, you’ll find thousands of free articles, blog posts, recipes, and troubleshooting tips at ThePrimal.com to help you succeed on Carnivore and Keto.
👉 Subscribe to The Primal Podcast on YouTube or join our mailing list using the below form for the latest health insights—straight to your inbox!

Monthly Carnivore Challenges
Join