If you’ve heard the buzz about the carnivore diet and wondered whether it’s just another fad—or something truly powerful—you’re not alone. From elite athletes to everyday Kiwis seeking better health, more and more New Zealanders are giving this meat-only lifestyle a go. But what exactly is the carnivore diet, and is it right for you?
This beginner-friendly guide will break it down simply, with a special focus on how to do it right—the Kiwi way—using top-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
What is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet is an animal-based way of eating that eliminates all plant foods and focuses solely on consuming meat, fish, eggs, and animal-derived fats. In its strictest form, it’s a zero-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein diet built on whole, unprocessed animal foods.
Unlike keto or paleo, which allow for vegetables, nuts, and even processed “low-carb” alternatives, the carnivore diet removes all plant foods to reduce anti-nutrients, inflammation, and digestive discomfort. Instead, it relies on the nutrient-dense power of animal products, which humans have eaten for millennia.
Why Carnivore is Taking Off in New Zealand
New Zealand is uniquely positioned to thrive on this way of eating. Our free-range, grass-fed farming practices mean we have some of the best meat in the world—high in Omega-3s, packed with nutrients, and raised on pasture rather than grain.
Whether it’s lush Canterbury lamb, Rotorua venison, or Wagyu beef from the Central Plateau, going carnivore in NZ means you’re eating as clean and close to nature as possible.
And with rising concerns about seed oils, ultra-processed foods, and chemical-laden supermarket options, many Kiwis are turning to ancestral eating to reclaim their health.
Health Benefits of Going Carnivore
Many people who switch to carnivore report profound benefits, such as:
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Reduced bloating and digestive issues
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Clearer skin and improved eczema
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Better mental clarity and mood stability
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Weight loss and body recomposition
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Reduced joint pain and inflammation
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Balanced blood sugar and reduced cravings
It’s particularly popular among those with autoimmune conditions, gut disorders, or people who feel they’ve “tried everything” and still feel tired or inflamed.
What Can You Eat on a Carnivore Diet?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the essentials:
✅ Eat Freely:
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Beef, lamb, venison, pork, wild game
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Organ meats (liver, kidney, heart)
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Fish and seafood
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Eggs
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Animal fats: tallow, lard, butter
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Bone broth
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Salt, pepper, minimal herbs (if tolerated)
Avoid:
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All plants (vegetables, fruit, grains, legumes)
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Seed oils (sunflower, canola, soybean)
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Sugars and processed carbs
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Artificial sweeteners and additives
NZ-Crafted Products to Kickstart Your Journey
At The Carnivore Crate, we make starting the carnivore diet easy with convenient, locally sourced products:
Carnivore Beef Box
Your freezer staple! Loaded with grass-fed steak, mince, and offal—ideal for nutrient density.
👉 Explore the Carnivore Beef Box
Vitallow Premium NZ Wagyu Tallow
Say goodbye to seed oils. Cook, roast or fry with pure Wagyu tallow.
👉 Shop Wagyu Cooking Tallow
Ancient Lakes Mineral Balance
Help your body adjust during the transition with clean, whole-source electrolytes.
👉 Support Electrolyte Balance
Pork & Brisket Bacon
Fatty, satisfying, and perfect for carnivore meal prep.
👉 Try Our Carnivore Bacon
The Canterbury Crate or Training Crate
Choose your crate based on your lifestyle—whether it’s performance-focused or simply nutrient-rich.
Transitioning? You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
The first few weeks can be tough as your body adapts from carbs to fat for fuel. That’s why we offer:
✅ A Private Carnivore Support Group for tips, accountability, and giveaways
✅ Educational resources like our Beginner’s Guide to the Carnivore Diet (NZ Edition)
✅ Specialised Snack Boxes and electrolyte support products to ease the journey
Final Thoughts
The carnivore diet isn’t about restriction—it’s about reclaiming health through simplicity. In a world overloaded with confusing food rules and processed options, eating meat from animals raised on New Zealand’s clean pastures just makes sense.
Ready to take the first step?
👉 Browse our full range of NZ carnivore-friendly products
Whether you’re here for healing, weight loss, or energy, your carnivore journey begins here—with food you can trust, from farmers you know.
