Can You Eat Shrimp on the Carnivore Diet?

Yes, shrimp is fully allowed on the carnivore diet. As an animal-sourced food, shrimp fits within the framework of eating exclusively from the animal kingdom. It provides high-quality protein, selenium, iodine, and other valuable nutrients. The main consideration is that shrimp is very lean, so you need to pair it with adequate fat to make it work as part of your carnivore meals.

What Is the Nutritional Profile of Shrimp?

A 6-ounce serving of shrimp provides approximately:

• Protein: 36 grams — excellent for a relatively small volume of food
• Fat: 2 grams — this is where shrimp falls short for carnivore
• Calories: About 170 — very low without added fat
• Selenium: Over 100% of the daily value — one of the richest food sources
• Iodine: Significant amounts, critical for thyroid function
• B12: About 1.5 mcg per serving
• Phosphorus: Over 40% of the daily value
• Astaxanthin: The same powerful antioxidant found in salmon
• Zinc and copper: In moderate amounts

Shrimp is essentially pure protein. This is fine as part of a varied carnivore diet but problematic if you rely on shrimp as your primary food. Fat is your main energy source on carnivore, and shrimp provides almost none on its own.

Why You Need to Add Fat When Eating Shrimp

On the carnivore diet, most of your calories should come from fat. When you eat very lean protein without enough fat, you may experience:

• Low energy and fatigue
• Persistent hunger despite eating enough volume
• Digestive discomfort
• In extreme cases, symptoms similar to “rabbit starvation” (protein poisoning from extremely lean diets)

The solution is simple: cook shrimp in generous amounts of animal fat. Butter is the classic pairing and works beautifully with shrimp’s natural sweetness. A 6-ounce serving of shrimp cooked in 2-3 tablespoons of butter transforms from a 170-calorie lean protein into a 400+ calorie balanced carnivore meal.

Other fat options:

• Ghee: Clarified butter that works well for high-heat cooking
• Tallow: Beef fat that adds richness
• Bacon grease: Cook shrimp in rendered bacon fat for incredible flavor

How to Cook Shrimp for the Carnivore Diet

Shrimp cooks quickly and needs minimal preparation:

Butter-seared shrimp (the carnivore classic):

1. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel
2. Salt generously
3. Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat
4. Add shrimp in a single layer
5. Cook 2 minutes per side until pink and curled
6. Spoon the butter from the pan over the shrimp when serving

Bacon-wrapped shrimp:

1. Wrap each large shrimp with a half-slice of bacon
2. Secure with a toothpick
3. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes until bacon is crispy
4. The bacon adds fat and makes this a more complete carnivore dish

Grilled shrimp:

1. Toss shrimp with melted butter and salt
2. Thread onto skewers
3. Grill over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side
4. Serve with additional melted butter for dipping

Boiled shrimp:

1. Bring salted water to a boil
2. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink
3. Drain and serve with melted butter
4. The simplest possible preparation

The recurring theme: butter. Shrimp and butter is one of the most natural food pairings, and it solves the low-fat problem elegantly.

How Does Shrimp Compare to Other Seafood on Carnivore?

Shrimp occupies a different niche than fatty fish:

• Shrimp vs. salmon: Salmon is far fattier and provides omega-3s that shrimp lacks in significant quantities. Salmon is the nutritionally superior choice, but shrimp offers variety.
• Shrimp vs. sardines: Sardines provide more omega-3s and calcium (from bones). Shrimp offers more selenium and iodine.
• Shrimp vs. other shellfish: Scallops and crab have similar lean profiles. Oysters are more nutrient-dense with zinc and B12. All are carnivore-approved.
• Shrimp vs. white fish: Cod and halibut are similarly lean. All need added fat for carnivore.

For a comprehensive look at all fish and seafood on carnivore, see our full fish guide.

Is the Cholesterol in Shrimp a Concern?

Shrimp is relatively high in dietary cholesterol (about 180 mg per serving), which historically raised concerns. However, current research has largely dismissed dietary cholesterol as a significant factor in heart disease for most people. The carnivore community, which embraces cholesterol-rich foods like eggs, meat, and butter, does not view shrimp’s cholesterol content as a negative.

In fact, cholesterol is an essential molecule your body needs for hormone production, cell membrane integrity, and vitamin D synthesis. On a carnivore diet that already includes cholesterol-rich foods, shrimp’s contribution is unremarkable.

Best Ways to Include Shrimp in Your Carnivore Meal Plan

Shrimp works best as a complement rather than a standalone meal:

• Surf and turf: Pair butter-seared shrimp with a ribeye or ground beef patties. The combination provides both the fat from beef and the unique nutrients from shellfish.
• Shrimp with eggs: Sautee shrimp in butter and serve alongside scrambled eggs for a protein-rich carnivore breakfast.
• Shrimp and bacon: Cook shrimp in bacon grease or wrap in bacon for a fat-enhanced appetizer or snack.
• Quick lunch option: Keep cooked shrimp in the fridge for a fast cold protein alongside cheese (if you include dairy) or leftover beef.

Buying Tips for Carnivore Dieters

• Wild-caught vs. farmed: Wild-caught shrimp generally has a better nutritional profile and fewer additives. Farmed shrimp may be treated with antibiotics or preservatives.
• Check ingredients: Some frozen shrimp is treated with sodium tripolyphosphate to retain water weight. Look for shrimp with just one ingredient: shrimp.
• Shell-on is cheaper: Buying shell-on shrimp saves money. Peeling takes a few extra minutes but is simple.
• Frozen is fine: Most shrimp is frozen at sea regardless. Buying frozen and thawing at home is often fresher than “fresh” shrimp at the counter, which was likely previously frozen anyway.

Shrimp is a tasty and nutritious addition to the carnivore diet when paired with adequate fat. For a complete guide to all approved foods, visit our carnivore diet foods hub page.