The carnivore diet is a way of eating that only allows animal products and limits or doesn’t allow most plant-based foods. The main idea behind the carnivore diet is that people have evolved to eat animal foods and that carbohydrates and plants are either not necessary or could be harmful. In this article, we explore the carnivore diet and its main principles to help you get started. We also provide you with a convenient shopping list that aligns with this dietary approach. Table of contents.
Sausages on the Carnivore Diet: A Complete Guide
The carnivore diet is all about eating meat, but can you enjoy delicious sausages too or are they off limits? With so many tasty sausage options from brats to chorizo, this is an important question for sausage lovers
As a carnivore myself, I decided to dig into the nitty-gritty on sausages and the carnivore lifestyle Read on for a complete guide to enjoying sausages while sticking to your carnivore principles.
Carnivore Diet 101
First, let’s start with a quick carnivore diet overview. The carnivore diet is based on eating only animal products like meat, fish, eggs and dairy. The focus is on getting nutrients from animals rather than plants.
There are a few variations:
- Strict carnivore: Only beef, salt and water
- Classic carnivore: Meats, fish, eggs and dairy
- Animal-based: Includes small amounts of fruit, honey and spices
No matter which version you follow, the carnivore diet eliminates all grains, legumes, vegetables, sweets and processed foods.
The Benefits of Going Carnivore
Why would someone go carnivore? There are several science-backed benefits to only eating animal products:
- Improved mental clarity and focus
- More stable energy levels
- Reduction of inflammation
- Weight loss
- Better digestive health
- Clearer skin
- Overall healing for autoimmune diseases
Many people go carnivore to alleviate chronic health or autoimmune issues. It’s an elimination diet that strips away potentially inflammatory foods.
Why Sausages Can Fit Into a Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet centers around quality meats and animal products. Sausages are essentially ground meat and fat from animals. At face value, they seem to fit into carnivore guidelines.
Some pros of sausages on carnivore:
- Convenient, portable meat option
- Adds variety beyond plain beef, chicken, etc.
- Made from classic carnivore meat ingredients
- Low carb – most have 0-2g net carbs per sausage
- High fat provides energy and keeps you full
As long as you choose quality sausages made primarily from meat, they can be a smart choice on the carnivore diet. The high protein and fat keep you feeling satiated while delivering vital nutrients.
Choosing Sausage Varieties for Carnivore
Not all sausages are created equal when it comes to carnivore-approved ingredients. Here are some of the best varieties to enjoy:
Beef Sausage
Beef sausages are a top choice since they align perfectly with carnivore diet principles. Opt for 100% beef varieties without extra fillers or binders. Beef breakfast links and kielbasa are very common.
Pork Sausage
Pork breakfast sausages and smoked kielbasa offer delicious pork flavor. Again, look for 100% pork with no questionable add-ins.
Chicken Apple Sausage
While most chicken sausages contain filler ingredients, some brands make clean chicken-apple sausage with minimal additives. Read labels carefully.
Duck Sausage
Duck and other exotic game meat sausages can provide a nice change of pace from beef and pork. Wild game meats fit well with the carnivore ethos.
Organs and Exotic Sausage
Some companies make sausages containing organ meats like liver, heart and kidneys. These provide super dense nutrition. Exotic meats like bison, venison or elk also make great sausages.
Watch out for fillers, sugars and other additives that could sneak into some sausage varieties. Always read the label carefully and look for products with only whole, natural ingredients.
Potential Drawbacks of Sausages on Carnivore
While sausages seem aligned with the carnivore diet on the surface, there are a few potential cons to consider:
Added Sugars and Fillers
Many mass-produced sausages contain added sugars, artificial flavors, cornstarch and other non-carnivore ingredients. Be a meticulous label reader to avoid these.
High Sodium Content
Even all-beef sausages contain upwards of 350-500mg sodium per sausage. Those with hypertension may need to limit intake.
Not Enough High-Quality Meat
The meat in sausages tends to be scrapply, fatty trimmings rather than prime lean cuts. You may not get enough high-quality protein compared to a grilled steak or chicken breast.
May Contain Allergens and Nightshades
Some sausages have fillers derived from grains, soy or nightshades. Be vigilant if you have food sensitivities or allergies.
Lack of Nutrient Diversity
Since sausages are processed meat, they don’t provide the same micronutrient diversity as whole-food meat sources. Eating only sausages could lead to deficiencies over time.
How to Enjoy Sausages on Carnivore Diet
Here are some tips for choosing quality sausages and incorporating them into your carnivore lifestyle:
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Seek out 100% meat, no-filler sausage varieties from reputable brands
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Consume sausages in moderation along with other whole food meat/fish
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Pair with healthy fats like avocado oil, olives, bacon fat for satiety
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Avoid sausages with soy, carbs, sugar, preservatives, wheat, etc.
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Grill, pan fry or bake sausages instead of deep frying
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Use sparingly if you have high blood pressure due to sodium content
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For strict carnivore, stick to beef sausages to align with red meat focus
Sample Ways to Eat Sausages on Carnivore Diet
Here are just a few ideas for carnivore-friendly sausage recipes:
- Breakfast sausage patties with eggs
- Kielbasa, sauerkraut and mustard sheet pan meal
- Chorizo with avocado and bacon
- Italian sausage stuffed peppers or zucchini boats
- Sausage, kale and feta soup (omit kale for strict carnivore)
- Sausage balls appetizer with cheese and seasonings
- Ground sausage lettuce wrap tacos or “sausage burgers”
Sausage FAQs
Still have some questions about enjoying sausages on the carnivore diet? Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
Are chicken sausages allowed on carnivore diet?
Most are not due to fillers, but some clean chicken-apple sausage varieties may be permitted if you read labels carefully.
Can you eat sausage on strict carnivore diet?
Strict carnivores may wish to avoid sausage due to sodium content and lack of high quality cuts of beef. But beef sausage could be permitted.
What are the healthiest sausage brands for carnivore?
Look for high-quality sausage brands that make products with 100% meat, no sugar and no fillers such as Applegate, Pederson’s Natural Farms, Crowd Cow.
Is pork sausage allowed on carnivore diet?
Yes, 100% pork sausage is permitted. Always verify no fillers or allergens were added.
The Verdict: Yes, Sausage Can Be Part of a Carnivore Diet
Sausage lovers rejoice – your favorite food can be enjoyed as part of a carnivore lifestyle. Stick to high quality, 100% meat sausages without sketchy additives. Beef, pork and game meat sausages are good bets.
In moderation alongside other whole food animal products, sausage can add delicious flavor and fat to your carnivore diet. Just beware of sodium content, lack of nutrients, and fillers in some lower quality varieties.
At the end of the day, your individual needs should dictate what is right for your body. Many find they thrive with sausage in the mix on their carnivore journey. Listen to your body, read labels carefully, and enjoy spicing up your carnivore diet with savory sausages.
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FAQ
Are sausages good for a carnivore diet?
Can you eat bacon and sausage on carnivore diet?
Are hot dogs ok on a carnivore diet?
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?