Looking for the ultimate animal based diet food list? Start with these 7 foundational foods. The animal based diet isn’t just another trend- it’s a lifestyle. In fact, it’s not really a ‘diet’ at all. It’s about getting back to the nutrient-dense, bioavailable foods our bodies are designed to thrive on.
By focusing on high quality animal products, you’re fueling your body with the protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins needed for better energy, digestion, and overall well-being.
So, what should be on your plate? Here are 7 essential foods that deserve a top spot in your kitchen.
This post is all about the Animal Based Diet Food List
1. Grass-Fed Beef
Why It’s Essential:
- Packed with high-quality protein for muscle growth and repair
- Loaded with iron (the kind your body actually absorbs), zinc, and B12 for energy and immune support
- Contains conjugated linoleic acid, which may help with fat loss and heart health
Try it! Grill up a juicy steak, slow-cook a roast, or meal prep healthy ground beef bowls.
2. Liver & Organ Meats (Heart, Kidney, Spleen)
Why It’s Essential:
- Some of the most nutrient-dense foods available
- Liver is loaded with vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and choline for brain, skin, and immune health
- Organ meats like heart and kidney contain CoQ10, essential for heart health and energy production
Try it! Try it! If sautéed liver isn’t your thing (eww, I get it), grab it already blended into ground beef (you won’t even taste it!), whip up a smooth pâté, or go for a high-quality organ supplement.
3. Wild-Caught Fatty Fish (Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines)
Why It’s Essential:
- High in omega-3s (EPA and DHA) for brain function, heart health, and inflammation control
- Excellent source of vitamin D, which most people are low in
- Contains selenium, an important antioxidant for thyroid health
Try it! Grill, bake, or pan-sear with lemon and herbs for a quick, nutrient-packed meal. Not a huge fish fan? Same here. But a can of tuna? Now that’s an easy, no-fuss way to get those omega-3s in!
4. Pasture-Raised Eggs
Why It’s Essential:
- Complete protein with all essential amino acids
- Loaded with choline for brain function and metabolism
- High in lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health
Try it! Scrambled, boiled, poached, or whipped into an omelet- eggs are as versatile as they are nutritious.
5. Full-Fat Dairy (Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Butter)
Why It’s Essential:
- Great source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D for bone health
- Packed with healthy fats that support hormone production
- Contains probiotics (if fermented) for better digestion
Try it! Snack on cheese, mix creamy yogurt with honey, or cook with butter and ghee for rich flavor.
6. Tallow, Butter and Animal Fats
Why It’s Essential:
- High in stable saturated fats, perfect for high-heat cooking
- Provides fat-soluble vitamins essential for nutrient absorption
- A clean, natural energy source
Try it! Use tallow for frying, roasting, or even as a butter alternative in recipes.
7. Organic Fruit
Why It’s Essential:
- Provides a natural source of carbohydrates to support energy and recovery
- High in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber for digestion and overall health
- Works synergistically with animal foods by enhancing nutrient absorption
Try it! Eat fresh as a snack, blend into smoothies, or pair with dairy for a balanced meal. Prioritize options like berries, citrus, and seasonal fruit.
Bonus Boosters: Next-Level Additions to Your Animal-Based Diet
While the core of this animal-based diet food list focuses on high-quality meat, eggs, and dairy, a few smart additions can take your nutrition to the next level. These bonus bites may not be essentials on my animal-based diet food list, but they can definitely boost your energy, gut health, and overall well-being.
Raw Honey
Why I love it:
- A natural source of quick-digesting carbs for energy and recovery
- Packed with enzymes, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties
- Supports gut health and pairs well with dairy for a nutrient-dense snack
Try it! Drizzle over yogurt, blend into a smoothie, or stir into tea for a natural energy boost.
Fermented Dairy (Kefir, Aged Cheese)
Why I love it:
- Contains gut-friendly probiotics to support digestion and immunity
- Higher nutrient density than regular dairy, with more bioavailable vitamins and minerals
- Easier to digest for those sensitive to lactose
Try it! Sip on kefir, add aged cheese to meals, or make homemade yogurt!
Pasture-Raised Pork (Bacon, Pork Belly, Lard)
Why I love it:
- Rich in B vitamins, including thiamine for energy metabolism
- Higher in monounsaturated fats, similar to those in olive oil
- A flavorful way to add variety to your animal-based meals
Try it! Crisp up bacon, slow-cook pork belly, or use lard for frying and roasting.
Final Thoughts
This animal based diet food list is all about fueling your body with nutrient-dense, bioavailable foods. Whether you’re looking to improve digestion, boost energy, or build strength, these essential foods will help you thrive.
Keep it simple, keep it nutrient-dense, and enjoy the benefits of eating the way nature intended!
This post was all about the Animal Based Diet Food List
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