The carnivore diet is all about simplicity—meat, animal fats, and zero carbs. But when it comes to soup, many wonder: Can you even have soup on a diet that eliminates vegetables, grains, and seasonings? Absolutely! While traditional soups are loaded with plant-based ingredients, carnivore-friendly soups rely on bone broths, fatty cuts of meat, and organ meats to deliver warmth, nutrition, and flavor without breaking the diet’s rules.

In this guide, we’ll explore which kinds of soups fit into the carnivore diet, the best ingredients to use, and even some tasty recipes. Plus, we’ll cover the nutritional benefits of consuming soups on this diet and common mistakes to avoid. If you’ve been looking for a way to add variety to your carnivore meal plan, these meaty, nutrient-dense soups are just what you need!

So what kind of soup can you eat on the carnivore diet?

Understanding the Carnivore Diet

What Is the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet is a meat-based eating plan that eliminates all plant-based foods. It consists solely of animal products, including beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy (for those who tolerate it). The goal? To reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and optimize health by relying on nutrient-dense, bioavailable foods.

Unlike keto or paleo, the carnivore diet is strictly zero-carb or very low-carb. It’s high in protein and fat, making it an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight, improve gut health, or reduce autoimmune symptoms.

Nutritional Principles of the Carnivore Diet

So, how does the carnivore diet work? The main principles include:

• High intake of animal protein and fats – Essential for energy, satiety, and muscle maintenance.
• Elimination of all plant-based foods – No vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, or seeds.
• Focus on nutrient density – Organ meats, fatty cuts of beef, and bone broths provide essential vitamins and minerals.
• Minimal or zero carbohydrates – Encourages fat-burning and metabolic efficiency.

With this framework in mind, it’s easy to see why carnivore soups must be made exclusively from animal-based ingredients.

Why Soups Are a Great Fit for the Carnivore Diet

If you’re following a meat-only diet, you might assume soups are off-limits. But in reality, soups are an excellent way to consume more nutrients while keeping meals interesting. Here’s why:

• Hydration & Electrolytes – Drinking bone broth-based soups ensures you’re getting enough fluids and minerals like sodium, magnesium, and potassium.
• Collagen & Gut Health – Bone broth soups are packed with collagen, gelatin, and amino acids that support digestion and gut healing.
• Easy Digestion – Cooking meats in broth makes them softer and easier to digest, which can be beneficial for those transitioning to the carnivore diet.
• Meal Variety – Eating steak every day can get boring. Carnivore soups add variety without breaking the diet’s principles.

By sticking to simple, animal-based ingredients, you can enjoy warm, satisfying soups while staying in line with the carnivore diet. In the next section, we’ll dive into which ingredients work best for carnivore-friendly soups.

Key Ingredients for Carnivore Diet Soups

Best Animal-Based Ingredients for Carnivore Soups

When making carnivore diet soups, it’s essential to use high-quality animal-based ingredients that align with the diet’s principles. Unlike traditional soups that include vegetables, grains, and seasonings, carnivore-friendly soups rely on meat, bones, and fats to deliver flavor and nutrition.

Here are the best ingredients for a true carnivore soup:

• Bone Broth – The foundation of most carnivore soups, it’s rich in collagen, gelatin, and essential minerals that support gut health, joint function, and skin repair.
• Fatty Cuts of Meat – Beef short ribs, oxtail, pork belly, and chicken thighs add both flavor and satiety.
• Organ Meats – Liver, heart, kidney, and bone marrow are loaded with vitamins A, B12, iron, and other crucial nutrients.
• Eggs – Whisked into hot broth or blended into a soup for extra protein and a creamy texture.
• Seafood – Salmon, shrimp, and shellfish provide variety while keeping soups high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Dairy (Optional) – If tolerated, heavy cream, butter, and cheese can add richness and extra calories.
• Animal Fats – Tallow, lard, and duck fat enhance the depth of flavor and boost ketogenic benefits.

Best Meat and Bone Broths for Carnivore Soup

A good broth is the heart of any great soup. On the carnivore diet, the best broths are homemade and packed with essential amino acids, minerals, and healthy fats.

Types of Broth to Use:

• Beef Bone Broth – Made from beef bones, marrow, and connective tissues, it’s ideal for collagen and gut health.
• Chicken Bone Broth – A lighter option, packed with gelatin and essential nutrients.
• Pork Bone Broth – Has a rich, fatty profile and works well for heartier soups.
• Fish Broth – Provides iodine, omega-3s, and essential minerals, great for those incorporating seafood.

How to Make the Perfect Bone Broth:

1. Use high-quality bones – Look for grass-fed beef bones, organic chicken carcasses, or wild-caught fish heads.
2. Add animal fats – A tablespoon of tallow, butter, or lard boosts flavor and calories.
3. Slow simmer for at least 12 hours – This extracts collagen, amino acids, and minerals.
4. Strain and store – Keep the broth in the fridge or freezer for quick soup-making.

Fats, Organ Meats, and Other Essential Additions

Healthy Fats for Richer Soups

Since the carnivore diet is high in fat, incorporating healthy animal fats into soups keeps them nutrient-dense and satisfying. Great options include:

• Beef tallow – Enhances meaty flavor and adds richness.
• Pork lard – Ideal for pork-based soups.
• Butter or ghee – Works well in creamy soups or for finishing dishes.
• Duck fat – Excellent for adding depth to broths.

Organ Meats: The Ultimate Superfood

Organ meats are nutrient powerhouses, packed with vitamins and minerals that are harder to get from muscle meat alone. The best options for soups include:

• Liver – Loaded with vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins.
• Bone marrow – Provides healthy fats and a buttery texture when melted into broth.
• Heart and kidney – Rich in coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and selenium, supporting energy and immunity.

Avoiding Plant-Based Ingredients: What to Leave Out

On the carnivore diet, it’s crucial to eliminate all plant-based ingredients that are typically found in traditional soups.

What to Avoid:

• Vegetables – No onions, garlic, carrots, or celery.
• Herbs and Spices – Skip black pepper, turmeric, and parsley.
• Grains and Legumes – No rice, beans, lentils, or pasta.
• Thickeners – No flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot.

By using only animal-based ingredients, your soups will stay 100% carnivore-compliant, nutritious, and satisfying.

Best Carnivore Diet Soup Recipes

Bone Broth Soup: The Foundation of Carnivore Soups

One of the simplest and most beneficial soups on the carnivore diet is bone broth soup. It’s packed with collagen, gelatin, and minerals that support gut health, skin, and joints.

Simple Bone Broth Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs beef bones (marrow bones, knuckle bones, or oxtail)
• 2 tbsp beef tallow (or butter)
• 12 cups filtered water
• 1 tsp sea salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Roast bones at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
2. Place bones in a stockpot, add water and tallow.
3. Simmer for 12-24 hours on low heat.
4. Strain and serve warm, or use as a base for other soups.

Beef and Organ Meat Stew for Nutrient Density

This hearty stew combines fatty cuts of beef with nutrient-rich organ meats.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef short ribs
• ½ lb beef liver, cubed
• 8 cups bone broth
• 2 tbsp beef tallow
• 1 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt tallow over medium heat.
2. Brown the short ribs on all sides.
3. Add bone broth and let simmer for 3-4 hours.
4. In the last 10 minutes, add liver cubes.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Egg Drop Soup with Bone Broth

A simple, protein-packed soup with bone broth and eggs.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bone broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Heat bone broth until it starts to simmer.
2. Whisk eggs in a bowl.
3. Slowly drizzle eggs into the broth, stirring gently.
4. Add butter for extra richness.
5. Serve immediately.

Creamy Meat-Based Soups Without Dairy

For a creamier texture without dairy, use bone marrow or egg yolks.

Creamy Beef Bone Broth Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bone broth
• 3 tbsp bone marrow, melted
• 2 egg yolks

Instructions:

1. Heat bone broth over medium heat.
2. Blend in bone marrow for a creamy texture.
3. Whisk in egg yolks and stir constantly.
4. Serve warm.

Carnivore-Friendly Seafood Soups

For those who enjoy seafood, fish-based soups are a great way to add omega-3s.

Salmon and Shrimp Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fish broth
• 1 fillet salmon, cubed
• ½ cup shrimp
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Heat fish broth in a pot.
2. Add salmon and shrimp, cooking for 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in butter and serve hot.

By sticking to animal-based ingredients, these soups keep you in ketosis, support gut health, and add variety to the carnivore diet. In the next section, we’ll dive into the health benefits of these soups and why they should be a staple in your routine.

Health Benefits of Eating Soup on the Carnivore Diet

Boosting Collagen Intake with Bone Broth

One of the biggest benefits of eating carnivore-friendly soups is their high collagen content. Collagen, found in bone broth, cartilage, and connective tissues, plays a key role in joint health, skin elasticity, and gut repair.

When you simmer beef, pork, or chicken bones for hours, the gelatin and amino acids are extracted, making it easier for the body to absorb these nutrients. Regularly consuming bone broth-based soups helps:

• Strengthen joints and ligaments, reducing stiffness and discomfort.
• Improve skin elasticity, reducing signs of aging.
• Support gut health, by repairing the gut lining and reducing inflammation.

If you’re following the carnivore diet, adding soups made from collagen-rich ingredients is a great way to keep your body strong.

Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

Many people underestimate the importance of hydration when following a meat-based diet. Because the carnivore diet is low in carbohydrates, your body retains less water. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, causing fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps.

Drinking broth-based soups is an easy way to stay hydrated while replenishing sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals are essential for:

• Regulating blood pressure
• Preventing muscle cramps
• Supporting nerve function

By incorporating carnivore soups into your routine, you can keep your body hydrated while avoiding common side effects of transitioning to the carnivore diet.

Gut Health and Digestive Support

Switching to an all-meat diet can sometimes cause digestive issues, especially during the first few weeks. This is where carnivore diet soups shine. They provide easily digestible nutrients while promoting gut healing.

Key gut-healing components in carnivore soups include:

• Gelatin and glycine – Found in bone broth, they soothe the digestive tract and help repair the gut lining.
• Healthy fats – Found in bone marrow, butter, and tallow, they support digestion and help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
• Amino acids – L-glutamine and proline promote a healthy gut microbiome.

For those with leaky gut, bloating, or inflammation, consuming meat-based soups is a gentle and effective way to nourish the digestive system.

Satiety and Appetite Control with High-Fat Soups

One of the best parts of the carnivore diet is how satiating it is. High-fat, high-protein soups keep you full for hours, reducing cravings and preventing overeating.

When you eat a bowl of bone broth soup with fatty meats, your body receives:

• Sustained energy – Healthy fats provide long-lasting fuel.
• Balanced blood sugar levels – No sugar spikes or crashes.
• Reduced cravings – Less desire for processed foods.

If you’re wondering what kind of soup can you eat on the carnivore diet?, the answer is any soup that is rich in animal-based nutrients. These soups help keep you on track while ensuring you get all the essential nutrients your body needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Carnivore Diet Soups

Using the Wrong Broths or Store-Bought Options

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using store-bought broths. Most commercial broths contain hidden sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives, which go against the carnivore diet principles.

Instead, always use:

• Homemade bone broth – Simmer beef, chicken, or pork bones for at least 12 hours to extract nutrients.
• Gelatin-rich broths – Ensure your broth gels when cooled, which means it’s packed with collagen and amino acids.
• No additives – Avoid store-bought broths that contain vegetable oils, MSG, or yeast extract.

Making your own broth may take more time, but it guarantees that your carnivore soup is pure and nutrient-dense.

Adding Hidden Carbs and Non-Carnivore Ingredients

Many traditional soups include vegetables, spices, or thickening agents that don’t belong in a carnivore-friendly soup. Common mistakes include:

• Using onions, garlic, or carrots – Even in small amounts, they add unnecessary carbohydrates and fiber.
• Adding plant-based thickeners – Avoid flour, cornstarch, or xanthan gum.
• Using processed seasonings – Many spice blends contain sugar, starches, and preservatives.

To keep your soup truly carnivore-friendly, stick to animal-based ingredients only.

Not Using Enough Fat for Ketogenic Benefits

Since the carnivore diet is high in fat, your soups should be rich in animal fats to provide steady energy and satiety. A common mistake is using lean meats without adding extra fat.

How to Boost Fat Content in Carnivore Soups:

• Add bone marrow to broths for a buttery texture.
• Stir in butter, ghee, or tallow for richness.
• Choose fattier cuts of meat, like short ribs, pork belly, and duck.

By increasing the fat content, your soups will be more satisfying and keep you in ketosis.

Overcooking or Losing Nutrients in the Cooking Process

While slow-cooking bones for broth is beneficial, overcooking meat and organ meats can lead to nutrient loss.

Best Cooking Methods for Preserving Nutrients:

• Simmer, don’t boil – Boiling too aggressively can destroy some amino acids.
• Add meats toward the end – To keep nutrients intact, add liver, kidney, or shrimp in the last few minutes.
• Use bone broth as a base – This ensures your soup is rich in minerals and collagen.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure your carnivore diet soups remain nutrient-dense, flavorful, and 100% diet-compliant.

For more delicious carnivore-friendly soup recipes, check out our best soup on carnivore diet guide.

FAQs About Carnivore Diet Soups

Many people following a meat-based diet wonder: What kind of soup can you eat on the carnivore diet? Below, we answer some of the most common questions about making and enjoying carnivore-friendly soups.

Can I add dairy to my carnivore soup?

Yes, but it depends on how strict you want to be. Some carnivore diet variations allow heavy cream, butter, and cheese, while others avoid dairy completely. If you tolerate dairy well, you can add:

• Heavy cream – Creates a rich, creamy texture.
• Butter or ghee – Enhances flavor and healthy fat content.
• Cheese – Can be melted into soups for a thicker consistency.

For those who are dairy-sensitive, using bone marrow, egg yolks, or tallow provides a similar creamy effect.

What is the best bone broth for a carnivore diet?

The best bone broth is homemade and made from high-quality animal bones. Store-bought versions often contain vegetable oils, sugars, and preservatives, making them less ideal for the carnivore diet. The top choices include:

• Beef bone broth – Rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals.
• Chicken bone broth – Light but packed with gut-healing nutrients.
• Pork bone broth – Has a high-fat content for extra energy.

For the most benefits, slow-simmer bones for 12-24 hours to extract maximum nutrients.

How do I make carnivore soup without vegetables?

Making carnivore diet soup without vegetables is easy! Instead of onions, garlic, or herbs, focus on:

• Rich bone broths – The foundation of all great carnivore soups.
• Fatty meats and organ meats – Oxtail, short ribs, liver, and marrow add deep flavor.
• Animal-based fats – Tallow, butter, and ghee keep the soup satisfying.

With these ingredients, you can create a nutrient-dense soup without breaking carnivore diet rules.

Are there any ready-made carnivore diet soups available?

There are a few pre-made options, but most contain non-carnivore ingredients like preservatives or vegetable-based seasonings. If you’re looking for convenience, opt for:

• High-quality, grass-fed bone broth without additives.
• Canned meat-based soups with only animal-based ingredients.
• Homemade meal prep soups stored in the fridge or freezer for easy access.

For the best results, it’s always recommended to make your own soups to control the ingredients and ensure they align with the carnivore diet.

Conclusion: Embracing Soup on the Carnivore Diet

Soups can be a delicious and nutrient-dense addition to the carnivore diet. Whether you prefer bone broth-based soups, hearty beef stews, or creamy egg drop soup, there are plenty of ways to enjoy warm, satisfying meals without breaking carnivore principles.

By focusing on animal-based ingredients like bone broth, fatty meats, organ meats, and healthy animal fats, you can create soups that are not only rich in flavor but also packed with essential nutrients. Plus, carnivore soups help with hydration, gut health, and maintaining energy levels throughout the day.

If you’re still wondering, what kind of soup can you eat on the carnivore diet?, the answer is simple: Any soup that sticks to animal-based ingredients while keeping you full and energized.

For the best results, avoid vegetables, processed broths, and hidden carb-based thickeners. Instead, stick to homemade bone broths, fatty cuts of meat, and nutrient-dense organ meats.

Now that you have all the information and recipes, it’s time to start cooking! Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and textures to find your perfect carnivore soup.

Meal Planning and Preparing Carnivore Diet Soups

How to Incorporate Carnivore Soups into Your Meal Plan

One of the best things about carnivore diet soups is their versatility. They can be eaten as a nutrient-dense meal on their own or paired with other animal-based foods for extra variety.

If you’re wondering, what kind of soup can you eat on the carnivore diet?, the answer depends on your goals and preferences. Whether you need a quick, hydrating broth or a hearty, fatty stew, soups can fit into any carnivore meal plan.

Here’s how to effectively plan your carnivore soups for the week:

• Make a large batch of bone broth – Use it as a base for different soups or drink it on its own.
• Prep meats ahead of time – Cook fatty cuts, organ meats, and seafood so they’re ready to add to soups.
• Store in portions – Keep pre-made soup in the fridge or freezer for quick meals.
• Rotate ingredients – Switch between beef, pork, poultry, and seafood to avoid flavor fatigue.

Adding carnivore soups to your routine helps maximize nutrient intake, keep meals exciting, and ensure you always have a warm, nourishing dish ready.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Carnivore Soups

Cooking homemade carnivore diet soups doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Here are a few ways to make the process easier:

• Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot – Set it in the morning and come back to a rich, flavorful soup later.
• Batch cook on the weekend – Make big portions so you don’t have to cook every day.
• Strain and store broth in jars – Keep them in the fridge or freeze them in ice cube trays for quick use.
• Add cooked meats at the last minute – This prevents overcooking and retains optimal texture and nutrients.

By following these simple meal prep strategies, you’ll always have a satisfying, carnivore-friendly soup ready to enjoy.

Adapting Carnivore Soups for Different Goals

Weight Loss vs. Muscle Building: Adjusting Your Soups

One of the great things about the carnivore diet is that it can be adjusted to fit different health and fitness goals. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or build muscle, you can tailor your carnivore diet soups accordingly.

For Weight Loss:

If your goal is fat loss, focus on:

• Lean meats with controlled fat intake – Use beef sirloin, chicken thighs (skinless), and seafood instead of fattier cuts.
• Moderate bone broth intake – Stick to pure broth without added fats.
• Lower-calorie options – Try soups that rely on protein-dense ingredients without excess butter or tallow.

For Muscle Building:

If you’re trying to gain muscle, you’ll need higher protein and fat intake. Ideal strategies include:

• Using fatty cuts of meat – Short ribs, pork belly, and lamb shanks provide extra calories.
• Adding extra fats – Stir in butter, bone marrow, or egg yolks for additional energy.
• Boosting collagen intake – Drink bone broth daily to support joint health and recovery.

By making small adjustments, you can ensure that your carnivore soups support your specific fitness goals.

How to Make Carnivore Soups More Exciting Without Breaking the Rules

Some people worry that eating meat-based soups might get boring over time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep things interesting while staying within carnivore diet guidelines.

Ways to Add Variety:

• Experiment with different broths – Rotate between beef, chicken, pork, and fish bone broths for different flavors.
• Vary your meat choices – Instead of always using beef, try lamb, duck, or shellfish.
• Use different cooking techniques – Slow cook, pressure cook, or simmer to bring out unique textures and flavors.
• Incorporate different fat sources – Try using bone marrow, ghee, or duck fat for distinct tastes.

If you’re still wondering, what kind of soup can you eat on the carnivore diet?, the answer is simple: any meat-based soup that fits your preferences and keeps your meals exciting.

By making small tweaks to your recipes, you’ll never get bored while staying fully committed to the carnivore lifestyle.