Animal-Based Diet — Diets
Predominantly animal-sourced nutrition with inclusion of select low-toxin fruits and honey, popularized by Paul Saladino.
Overview
The animal-based diet, popularized by Paul Saladino MD, is a modified carnivore approach that centers nutrition on animal products (meat, organs, eggs, raw dairy) while including select low-toxin plant foods such as ripe fruit and raw honey for carbohydrate and micronutrient support. This addresses the primary critique of strict carnivore (fiber and vitamin C deficiency) while retaining the elimination of seed oils, grains, legumes, and most vegetables. Limited formal research exists, but proponents report improvements in energy, body composition, and inflammatory markers. The approach draws on ancestral nutrition principles.
Indications
- Nutrient-dense ancestral nutrition
- Modified elimination approach for food sensitivities
- Body composition optimization
- Gut health support
Mechanism of Action
Elimination of grains, legumes, and most vegetables removes oxalates, lectins, and phytates that may impair nutrient absorption
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal-Based Diet | Animal products + fruit + honey | Daily | Exclude grains, legumes, seed oils, most vegetables |
Evidence Grade
GRADE C
Safety & Contraindications
- No RCT evidence for health claims
- May be high in saturated fat; monitor lipid markers
- Raw dairy carries foodborne illness risk if not sourced carefully
- Long-term effects unknown
- Requires careful food sourcing for quality