Registered Dietitian Review: The Carnivore Diet

Ariel Rearick, MS, RDN

The Carnivore diet has become increasingly popular in 2025 due to social media influence. This diet is animal-only and excludes all plant-based foods.

Please note that there have been no controlled research studies to support health claims related to this diet, however a review of a self-reported survey done on social media made claims of improved metabolic symptoms in certain chronic conditions.

While those who promote this diet have made many claims on short-term benefits, I want to discuss the long-term risks and things to consider. This diet contains zero fiber, which is essential for gut health as it is a prebiotic that feeds our healthy bacteria and supports digestion. Consuming large quantities of red meat has been scientifically linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and kidney stones. High amounts of saturated fats found in red meats have been linked to increased risk of certain breast cancers. While we get many essential nutrients from animal sources, a diet exclusively animal is deficient in many key nutrients such as: Potassium, Iodine, Folate, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium and Thiamine. These nutrients play a role in our heart health, immune system, bone density, and inflammation.

In general, strict exclusionary diets are hard to follow and often lead to increased isolation and stress related to food. For these reasons, I recommend talking to your doctor before going Carnivore.

Ariel Rearick is a registered dietitian nutritionist with Barton Health. Barton Dietitians are also available for consultation. Schedule a consultation by calling 530.543.5824 or visit BartonHealth.org.