Ketovore vs Carnivore: What Makes This Powerful Diet Plan Different?

You’ve heard of keto and carnivore. Now, a new diet plan is gaining traction amongst the low-carb community– called the ketovore diet. Let’s talk about the key differences.

Picture of a steak versus an avocado filled with salmon bits

For the last few years, there have been two camps within the low-carb community: hardcore carnivores, who swear by eating a purely meat diet, and religious keto-ites, whose sole mission is fill up on fats and nix the carbs.

Keto became popular first, taking the internet by storm years ago (changing the lives of countless Americans desperate for a sustainable low-carb diet).

Then carnivore came onto the scene and shocked everyone with its effectiveness and simplicity.

The goals of these diets are the same: lower blood sugar and insulin levels to reduce the effects of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and more.

But now there’s a new group of people emerging– those who don’t want to live strictly by a “meat-only” or “fat-only” diet plan.

Enter– the ketovore diet.

The term is relatively new on social media, and represents people who use the best practices from both carnivore and keto in their overall nutrition.

Before we chat about ketovore vs carnivore, let’s talk about its similarities to the carnivore diet.

Cutting board with a large juicy steak topped with butter

What is the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore (or “lion”) diet tends to involve animal products only– so we’re talking animal meats, eggs, and fish.

Because the diet is limited to animal foods alone, carnivores typically won’t ingest any carbohydrates in a day– solely because they aren’t eating them.

The lion diet has been said to be effective for certain autoimmune disorders and also can be an easy stepping stone for those who are trying to go gluten or dairy-free.

Carnivore is simple– there’s no need to make meal plans and shop for a wide array of foods.

The downside? It’s strict. There’s not a lot of wiggle room for variety, which can be boring for some, if not most, people.

A plate with a t-bone steak, vegetables, and cheese

What is the Ketovore Diet?

The ketovore diet is a fusion of carnivore and keto diet rules.

Ketovores strive for a daily diet high in animal products (protein and fat) but allow for some plant carbohydrates and dairy.

The principles are the same– high-fat, high-protein, and low-carb.

However, ketovore allows for more variety and options when it comes to filling up at mealtimes.

Key Differences between Carnivore and Ketovore

CARBS: Carnivores keep carbs at 0 grams/day. Ketovores aim for 25 grams or less.
VEGETABLES: No veggies on a carnivore diet. Ketovores embrace non-starchy carbs.
DAIRY: Carnivores typically don’t include dairy in their diets. Ketovores incorporate dairy for variety and fat/protein.
PURPOSE: Carnivores aim to heal the body using a narrow range of foods. Ketovores eat to increase metabolic health (with flexibility in their diet).
PRIORITIES: Carnivores– fatty meat, salt, and water. Ketovores– meat, fat, and veggies.

PROS and CONS of Carnivore and Ketovore Diets

CARNIVORE PROS:

Simple to understand
Replicable on a daily basis
Filling and satiating
Eliminates allergens

CARNIVORE CONS:

Lacks variety
Potentially expensive
Not ideal for family mealtime

picture of raw meat, vegetables, eggs, and cheese

KETOVORE PROS:

Same great benefits from animal-based diet
More variety of foods to choose from
May be more sustainable long-term
Very filling and satiating

KETOVORE CONS:

Includes allergins (such as dairy)
Allows some carbs in daily nutrition
Not as straightforward as carnivore parameters — may lead to overeating

Choosing which steak to buy at a grocery store

Which diet is right for you?

Choose carnivore if…

You are battling an autoimmune disease and want to see if an elimination diet can improve symptoms
You have gut issues and want to see if going dairy-free can help
The simplicity of animal products only helps you stay within diet parameters

Choose ketovore if…

You want the same benefits of an animal-based diet but with more variety
You enjoy keto recipes
You require more freedom in your day-to-day nutrition

Can you switch between carnivore and ketovore?

You can! Depending on your goals, of course. If you simply want a low-carb diet higher in animal fat and protein, I would recommend trying carnivore for a day or two.

Give it a whirl, then see if you miss dairy and non-starchy vegetables.

If you find yourself needing more variety in your life, start applying ketovore principles.

If you enjoy the simplicity of a meat-only diet, more power to you!

Man eating steak and vegetables at a restaurant

Conclusion

Both carnivore and ketovore will help you achieve a low-carb, high-fat, and high-protein diet. It all depends on what your health goals are.

Tailor the diets to you- because your body and health are uniquely yours!

Listen to your body! It will inform you which diet is providing the most energy, mental clarity, and enjoyment.

Tried either of these diet plans? Share your experiences down below.

This article outlined ketovore versus carnivore lifestyles.