The Significance of Electrolytes in a Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet, made up mainly of meat, fish, eggs and animal fats, has become popular in recent years. A common question from people starting out is how to think about electrolytes. This article explains what electrolytes are and where people eating a carnivore diet get them from.

Frequently asked questions

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids.

Where do people on a carnivore diet get electrolytes?

From the foods they eat, mainly meat, fish, eggs, organ meats and bone broth, plus the salt they add to meals. Some people also use an electrolyte product.

What are good sources of sodium on a carnivore diet?

Naturally occurring sodium in meat, plus salt added to meals, such as sea salt, lake salt or smoked salt.

What are good sources of potassium on a carnivore diet?

Beef, fish and eggs all contain potassium.

Sodium

Much of the sodium in a carnivore diet comes from meat itself, and many people also add salt to their meals. Salts to try include sea salt, lake salt and smoked salt; see our Salt collection.

Potassium

Animal foods that contain potassium include grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish and eggs. Eating a variety of cuts and some organ meats adds variety to your mineral intake.

Magnesium

Magnesium is found in foods such as fish, shellfish and meat. Organ meats such as liver are nutrient-dense foods many carnivore eaters include.

Everyday habits

• Drink water through the day, especially when you feel thirsty.
• Season your meals with salt to taste.
• Eat a variety of animal foods, including different cuts, organ meats and seafood.
• Include bone broth, which contains minerals and adds flavour.

Cooking with animal fats

Fats such as beef tallow and lard are carnivore kitchen staples for frying and roasting. They add flavour and energy to meals; your electrolytes come from meat, seafood, broth and salt rather than from the fat itself.

Beef Tallow - Tasmanian Grass Fed - 500ml: tallow from Tasmanian grass-fed cattle with a high smoke point, suited to frying and roasting.

Final thoughts

Getting your electrolytes on a carnivore diet mostly comes down to eating a variety of animal foods, salting your meals to taste and including bone broth. Start simply, see what works for you, and adjust over time.

This article is general information about food and eating patterns. It is not medical advice. If you have a health condition, are pregnant or take medication, speak with your doctor before changing your diet or using supplements. Always read product labels and use only as directed.