What Is the Ketovore Diet? A Guide to This Low-Carb Hybrid
If you’ve explored the carnivore or keto diets, you may have come across the term “ketovore.” Combining the principles of both, the ketovore diet is a low-carb, animal-based eating plan with a bit more flexibility than strict carnivore. If you find yourself asking questions like, "Can you eat avocado on the carnivore diet?" then ketovore might be right for you! It’s a perfect middle ground for those looking to reap the benefits of a low-carb lifestyle without giving up all plant-based foods.
In this article, we’ll dive into what the ketovore diet is, how it works, who it’s for, and tips for getting started.
What Is the Ketovore Diet?
The ketovore diet blends elements of the carnivore and ketogenic diets. At its core, it prioritizes nutrient-dense, animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, while allowing for limited, low-carb plant foods. The goal is to maintain a state of ketosis—a metabolic state where your body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.
Key Principles of Ketovore:
Animal-Based Foundation: Most of your meals come from meat, fish, eggs, and animal fats.
Low-Carb Plants in Moderation: Unlike the carnivore diet, small amounts of low-carb vegetables, berries, and even keto-friendly condiments can be included.
Macros Focus: High fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrates—typically under 30 grams of carbs per day.
Flexibility: Ketovore allows you to tailor your diet to your individual needs, making it more sustainable for long-term adherence.
Ketovore vs. Carnivore vs. Keto
Aspect Ketovore Carnivore Keto Focus Primarily animal-based, with minimal plants 100% animal-based Low-carb, moderate protein, high fat Carb Limit <30g/day ~0g/day Typically <50g/day Flexibility Moderate (allows some plants) Strict (no plants) High (includes a variety of low-carb foods) Simplicity Moderate High Low (due to more food tracking)
The ketovore diet bridges the gap between keto’s inclusivity and carnivore’s simplicity, making it a great option for those who want to limit carbs without fully cutting out plants.
Health Benefits of the Ketovore Diet
The ketovore diet can offer a variety of benefits by combining the best of keto and carnivore:
Easier Transition: If you’re coming from a standard diet or keto, ketovore provides a gentler transition to a more animal-based approach.
Improved Fat Adaptation: By maintaining ketosis, ketovore helps your body become efficient at burning fat for fuel.
Fewer Cravings: A high-fat, moderate-protein diet stabilizes blood sugar and reduces hunger.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Removing processed foods and high-carb plant foods can reduce inflammation.
Flexibility: Including low-carb plants makes the diet easier to sustain socially and nutritionally.
What to Eat on the Ketovore Diet
Animal-Based Staples
Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, and poultry.
Fish and Seafood: Salmon, mackerel, shrimp, scallops.
Eggs: Pasture-raised eggs are ideal.
Dairy: Full-fat options like cream, butter, hard cheeses (preferably organic or raw).
Low-Carb Plant Foods
Vegetables: Zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, avocado (limited amounts).
Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries (small servings).
Keto Condiments: Sugar-free sauces, mustard, herbs, and spices.
Fats
Animal Fats: Beef tallow, lard, ghee.
Other Options: Coconut oil, avocado oil (in moderation).
Foods to Avoid
High-Carb Vegetables: Potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes.
Grains and Legumes: Wheat, rice, oats, beans.
Sugars and Sweeteners: Honey, agave, artificial sweeteners that spike insulin.
Seed Oils: Canola, soybean, and sunflower oil.
Tips for Getting Started
Start with Protein: Build a foundation with animal-based foods. Aim to consume 1 gram of protein for each pound of desired body weight. You can find calculators on this page to help you set your macros.
Track Carbs Initially: Keep your carb intake below 30 grams per day to maintain ketosis.
Focus on Quality: Choose high-quality animal products and organic vegetables to minimize toxins.
Experiment with Balance: Find the right ratio of animal to plant foods that works for your body.
Is the Ketovore Diet Right for You?
The ketovore diet may be a good fit if you:
Want the benefits of low-carb, high-fat eating but find strict carnivore too limiting.
Enjoy flexibility in your meals and want to include occasional plants.
Struggle with cravings and need a sustainable way to reduce carbs.
Want to ease into a carnivore diet without fully eliminating plants.
Animal-Based Balance
The ketovore diet offers the best of both worlds: the simplicity and nutrient-density of carnivore with the flexibility of keto. By focusing on animal-based foods and keeping carbs low, you can enjoy better energy, reduced cravings, and a sustainable way of eating that supports your health goals.
Ready to give ketovore a try? Start by building your meals around high-quality meats and fats, then add in small amounts of low-carb vegetables and see how your body responds. With its flexibility and focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, the ketovore diet could be the perfect balance you’ve been looking for.