The carnivore diet, also known as an all-meat diet, has been growing in popularity over the recent years. This eating plan involves eliminating carbohydrates and relying solely on animal foods like meat, fish, eggs and dairy.
Many people choose to follow this diet to improve symptoms related to autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, metabolic issues and more. Others simply enjoy the simplicity of only eating meat.
But when it comes to the carnivore diet, not all animal products are made the same While whole cuts of meat should make up the bulk of your diet, many people wonder if processed meats like sausage can fit into this eating plan as well.
This article reviews whether sausage is allowed on a carnivore diet and provides tips on how to incorporate it safely.
What is a Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet is an eating pattern that involves eliminating all plant foods and restricting your diet to just animal products. The foods allowed on a typical carnivore diet include:
- Beef, pork, lamb, bison and other red meats
- Poultry like chicken, turkey and duck
- Fish and shellfish
- Eggs
- Dairy products like cheese, butter and heavy cream
- Rendered animal fats like tallow, lard and duck fat
Meanwhile, all carbohydrate-containing foods are eliminated, including fruits, starchy vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, seeds and plant-based oils
The primary goal of the carnivore diet is to enter ketosis, a metabolic state where your body starts burning fats for fuel instead of carbs. It’s also thought to decrease inflammation and provide other beneficial effects for those with certain health conditions.
Are Sausages Carnivore Diet Approved?
Sausages are a type of processed meat made of ground meat, salt, spices and other ingredients stuffed into a casing. Most are made primarily from pork or beef, but poultry sausages are also common.
The carnivore diet emphasizes eating mostly whole, unprocessed foods. Minimally processed meat like bacon, sausage and deli meats, however, can fit into this eating pattern in moderation.
Sausage is a convenient and portable option that can help spice up your carnivore diet. As long as you choose high-quality, low-carb options without unhealthy additives, incorporating some sausage can be a safe, effective way to add more variety to your diet.
Here are some tips for picking the right kinds of sausage on a carnivore diet:
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Go for beef, pork or poultry-based sausages. Processed meats made from red meat or poultry tend to be lower in carbs than other types.
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Avoid added sugars. Many sausages contain sugar, corn syrup or dextrose to enhance flavor. Always check the ingredients label carefully.
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Pick uncured sausage options. Processed meats cured with nitrates/nitrites may be harmful to health. Opt for uncured whenever possible.
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Limit sausages with fillers. Ones with fillers like soy protein, wheat, cornstarch and maltodextrin should be minimized.
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Choose sausages with short ingredients lists. The fewer ingredients, the better when selecting processed meats for a carnivore diet.
As long as you read labels carefully and select high-quality products, incorporating some sausage into your diet can be a safe, effective way to increase variety on a carnivore diet.
Healthiest Sausage Options for a Carnivore Diet
Wondering what the best sausage options are for a carnivore diet? Here are a few of the top choices:
Beef Sausage
Beef sausage can be a nutritious addition to a carnivore diet. Try to pick options that are made from 100% ground beef with minimal added ingredients.
Some good options include:
- Beef breakfast sausage
- Spicy Italian-style beef sausage
- Kielbasa (Polish-style beef sausage)
Pork Sausage
In addition to being delicious, pork sausage can provide a good amount of B vitamins like niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.
Some healthy picks include:
- Breakfast pork sausage
- Chorizo or Spanish-style pork sausage
- Bratwurst (German-style pork sausage)
Chicken Sausage
Chicken sausage makes a lower-fat alternative to pork and beef sausage. Look for brands with minimal added sugars and fillers.
Some chicken sausage options include:
- Break
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FAQ
What meats can you eat on the carnivore diet?
Are hot dogs ok on carnivore?
Is bacon ok on a carnivore diet?
Is pepperoni ok on carnivore?
Can you eat sausages on a strict carnivore diet?
The Strict Carnivore Diet consists of; Ruminant meats, salt, water, and ruminant meat fat for cooking. Strict Carnivore is often referred to as the Lion Diet. Yes – the consumption of Sausages can be included on the Classic Carnivore diet.
Is sausage casing healthier option to eat?
Cellulose casings and some natural casings are perfectly fine to eat. Sausage casings are used to hold and shape filling inside so that it can be cooked. There are natural sausage casings and synthetic varieties, and most of them are edible. The healthiest way to cook them is by boiling or baking. Sausages provide high levels of vitamin B12 and iron, both of which are essential for healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin production.
Can you eat sausages on a keto diet?
Yes – the consumption of Sausages can be included on the Keto Carnivore diet. Keto Carnivore is not truly a carnivore diet, however, it is still low in carbohydrates (usually up to around 40g per day to remain in ketosis) with fruits, vegetables, plant-based oils, nuts, and seeds also included. Join the Carnivore Club. It’s Free!
Can a carnivore eat sauce?
No, you cannot add sauces to your food, and most seasonings are off-limits for carnivore dieters, even when you’re thinking short-term. In most cases, seasonings and sauces have many carbs, which will cause all sorts of problems for your metabolism and result in weight loss. What About Vitamin C?