The best fish for the carnivore diet is Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Water. Wild Planet states one 3 oz serving contains 18 g of protein and 1,800 mg of EPA and DHA. The 12 pack costs $32.52.
If you want salmon, Safe Catch is the better choice at $29.99 for six cans. If you want the lowest price, Bumble Bee is the better choice at $4.49. If you want a mild fish, King Oscar mackerel is the better choice.
Some of my longest-term clients taught me that weight on the scale is only one part of success. The foods and products you continue buying week after week are what determine whether your results become lasting habits or slowly disappear. We bought every item with our own money, which meant wasting money on a poor product affected us the same way it would affect a normal shopper. When something disappointed us, we included that criticism rather than quietly removing the product or softening the result.
When we list a disadvantage or criticism of a product below, we are not leaving anything out to protect a company. None of these brands pays us or has a commercial relationship with us, so there is no financial reason for us to hide a weakness or make a product sound better than it is. The same positives and negatives we would discuss honestly with a client during a private coaching call are the ones we include here. Below are the top 8 fish picks for the carnivore diet, tested and compared, from $4.49 to $44.16.
- Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Water, No Salt Added, 4.4 oz Can, 12 Pack
- Safe Catch Wild Pacific Pink Canned Salmon, No Salt, 5 oz, 6 Pack
- King Oscar Mackerel in Olive Oil, 4.05 oz Can, 12 Pack, Wild Caught
- Season Mackerel in Water Skinless & Boneless, 4.37 oz, 12 Pack
- MW Polar Herring Kipper Snacks, 3.53 oz, Pack of 12
- Beach Cliff Wild Caught Sardines in Water, 3.75 oz, 12 Pack
- Chicken of the Sea Alaskan Pink Canned Salmon in Water, 5 oz, 4 Count
- Bumble Bee Wild Caught Pink Salmon with Skin & Bones, 14.75 oz
1. Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Water, No Salt Added
Wild Planet sells wild sardines packed in water with no salt added. Wild Planet states one 3 oz serving contains 18 g of protein and 1,800 mg of EPA and DHA omega-3s. The sardines are scale-free, Non-GMO verified, and gluten-free. The 12 pack costs $32.52, or about $2.71 per can.
What we liked: We like that the can holds only sardines and water. Buyers describe the fish as plump, meaty, and mild. Most cans contain three or four whole fish.
About the Brand: Wild Planet says it catches its sardines with selective harvesting methods that reduce bycatch.
Availability: Wild Planet is in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 12 pack costs $32.52.
Pros:
- Only sardines and water
- 18 g protein per 3 oz serving
- 1,800 mg EPA and DHA per serving
- Scale-free skin and bones included
Cons:
- Costs more per can than Beach Cliff
- Not sodium free, with 70 mg per 3 oz serving
Recommendation: Choose Wild Planet if you want the cleanest sardine can for a strict carnivore plan.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Wild Planet |
| Fish | Wild sardines |
| Packed in | Water, no salt added |
| Size | 4.4 oz, 12 pack |
| Protein | 18 g per 3 oz |
| Average Price | $32.52 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
2. Safe Catch Wild Pacific Pink Salmon, No Salt
Safe Catch sells skinless, boneless wild pink salmon with no salt added. Safe Catch lists 35 g of protein per can and no additives or fillers. The company tests every catch for mercury to a limit of 0.04 ppm. The 6 pack costs $29.99, or about $5.00 per can.
What we liked: We like that Safe Catch publishes its mercury limit on the listing. Shoppers praise the pure salmon taste and the short ingredient list. Buyers also value the skinless, boneless fillets.
About the Brand: Safe Catch says it catches its salmon in MSC certified fisheries in the North Pacific Ocean.
Availability: Safe Catch is in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 6 pack costs $29.99.
Pros:
- Skinless and boneless fillets
- Every catch tested for mercury
- No salt added
- MSC certified wild salmon
Cons:
- Highest price per can, about $5.00
- Mercury testing is a company claim, not an independent result
Recommendation: Choose Safe Catch if you want a clean salmon can with documented mercury testing.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Safe Catch |
| Fish | Wild Pacific pink salmon |
| Packed in | Natural fish oils and juices |
| Size | 5 oz, 6 pack |
| Protein | 35 g per can |
| Average Price | $29.99 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
3. King Oscar Mackerel in Olive Oil
King Oscar sells skinless, boneless wild mackerel in olive oil. King Oscar lists 16 g of protein and 0 g of carbs per can. The mackerel comes from the North Atlantic and is hand filleted. The 12 pack costs $44.16, or about $3.68 per can.
What we liked: We like the firm fillets and the zero carb count. Buyers say the fish is not slimy and tastes mild. Buyers add the fillets to salads or eat them from the tin.
About the Brand: King Oscar says it uses selective harvesting methods that avoid bycatch.
Availability: King Oscar is in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 12 pack costs $44.16.
Pros:
- 16 g protein and 0 g carbs per can
- Mild North Atlantic mackerel
- Skinless and boneless fillets
- Easy open lid
Cons:
- Highest total price on this list
- Olive oil is a plant fat, so strict followers may drain the can
Recommendation: Choose King Oscar if you want a mild fish for the days you dislike sardines.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | King Oscar |
| Fish | Wild North Atlantic mackerel |
| Packed in | Olive oil |
| Size | 4.05 oz, 12 pack |
| Protein | 16 g per can |
| Average Price | $44.16 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
4. Season Mackerel in Water
Season sells skinless, boneless mackerel fillets packed in water. Season describes the flavor as milder and less tangy than sardines. The company states the fish is wild caught and lower in mercury than tuna. The 12 pack costs $39.99, or about $3.33 per can.
What we liked: We like that the fillets contain only mackerel and water. Buyers value the mild taste and the high protein. One reviewer reported problem cans in recent batches.
About the Brand: Season says it holds a Friend of the Sea certification for sustainability.
Availability: Season is in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 12 pack costs $39.99.
Pros:
- Mackerel and water only
- Mild flavor
- Wild caught and sustainability certified
- Skinless and boneless
Cons:
- One buyer reported inconsistent cans
- Sodium is 170 mg per serving
Recommendation: Choose Season if you want plain mackerel with no added oil.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Season |
| Fish | Wild mackerel |
| Packed in | Water |
| Size | 4.37 oz, 12 pack |
| Certification | Friend of the Sea |
| Average Price | $39.99 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
5. Polar Herring Kipper Snacks
Polar sells smoked boneless herring kipper snacks. Polar states the fish is wild caught and the ingredients are limited to fish, water, and salt. Each can offers 12 g of protein. The 12 pack costs $26.76, or about $2.23 per can.
What we liked: We like that the kippers need no cooking. Buyers enjoy the mild smoky taste. Some buyers found the fish too salty.
About the Brand: Polar says it imports its kippers from Germany.
Availability: Polar is in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 12 pack costs $26.76.
Pros:
- Ready to eat
- Low carb
- Naturally smoked herring
- Low price per can
Cons:
- Some buyers found them salty
- Smoked fish has a stronger taste than salmon
Recommendation: Choose Polar if you want a cheap, ready to eat smoked fish.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Polar |
| Fish | Smoked herring |
| Packed in | Water |
| Size | 3.53 oz, 12 pack |
| Protein | 12 g per can |
| Average Price | $26.76 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
6. Beach Cliff Wild Sardines in Water
Beach Cliff sells wild caught sardines in water with no sauce or added oil. Beach Cliff lists 12 g of protein per tin. The label states the sardines are gluten free, keto friendly, and paleo friendly. The 12 pack costs $20.88, or about $1.74 per can.
What we liked: We like the low price per can. Buyers say the tins hold whole fish. Some buyers find the flavor strong.
About the Brand: Beach Cliff prints a code on each tin that lets you trace where the fish was caught.
Availability: Beach Cliff is in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 12 pack costs $20.88.
Pros:
- Lowest price per can on this list
- No sauce or added oil
- Traceable catch code
- Whole fish in each tin
Cons:
- Only 12 g protein per tin
- Soft texture that breaks easily
Recommendation: Choose Beach Cliff if you want the lowest cost sardine tin.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Beach Cliff |
| Fish | Wild caught sardines |
| Packed in | Water |
| Size | 3.75 oz, 12 pack |
| Protein | 12 g per tin |
| Average Price | $20.88 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
7. Chicken of the Sea Alaskan Pink Salmon
Chicken of the Sea sells skinless, boneless Alaskan pink salmon packed in water. Chicken of the Sea states the salmon is wild caught and MSC certified. The listing calls the cans high in protein. The 4 pack costs $10.00, or $2.50 per can.
What we liked: We like that the salmon suits patties and bowls. Buyers praise the flavor and the value. Some buyers say they never found a bone.
About the Brand: Chicken of the Sea has sold canned fish since 1914.
Availability: Chicken of the Sea is in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 4 pack costs $10.00.
Pros:
- Skinless and boneless
- Wild caught and MSC certified
- Low cost per can
- Easy to find
Cons:
- The listing gives no protein figure
- Sodium varies between versions
Recommendation: Choose Chicken of the Sea if you want affordable salmon for everyday meals.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Chicken of the Sea |
| Fish | Wild Alaskan pink salmon |
| Packed in | Water |
| Size | 5 oz, 4 count |
| Certification | MSC |
| Average Price | $10.00 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
8. Bumble Bee Wild Pink Salmon with Skin and Bones
Bumble Bee sells wild pink salmon with skin and bones in a large can. Bumble Bee lists 18 g of protein and 1,115 mg of omega-3s per serving. The listing also states 0 g of carbs. The single can costs $4.49.
What we liked: We like the low price and the zero carb count. Buyers say the soft bones add calcium. Other buyers dislike the skin and the dry texture.
About the Brand: Bumble Bee says its salmon carries MSC certification.
Availability: Bumble Bee shows limited stock on Amazon as of this review. The single can costs $4.49.
Pros:
- Lowest price on this list
- 0 g carbs
- Soft bones add calcium
- Large 14.75 oz can
Cons:
- Skin and bones bother many buyers
- Limited stock on the listing
Recommendation: Choose Bumble Bee if price matters more than texture.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Bumble Bee |
| Fish | Wild pink salmon with skin and bones |
| Size | 14.75 oz can |
| Protein | 18 g per serving |
| Omega-3s | 1,115 mg per serving |
| Average Price | $4.49 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
What Should You Look for in Fish for the Carnivore Diet?
Fish suits a meat-based plan because it contains protein and fat with no carbs. Our carnivore diet guide explains the strict and flexible versions of the plan. Canned fish is the cheapest and easiest way to add it.
Begin with the ingredient line. Wild Planet and Season list only fish and water. King Oscar adds olive oil, which strict followers may drain.
Next, compare the fat and the protein. Wild Planet lists 1,800 mg of EPA and DHA per serving. Safe Catch lists 35 g of protein per can, and King Oscar lists 16 g.
Finally, compare the cost per can and the sodium. Beach Cliff costs about $1.74 per can. Safe Catch costs about $5.00 per can.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fish for the Carnivore Diet
What is the best fish for the carnivore diet?
Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Water rank first here. Each serving contains 18 g of protein and 1,800 mg of EPA and DHA.
Is fish allowed on the carnivore diet?
Fish is an animal food, so most followers allow it. Strict followers choose plain fish with no sauce or plant oil.
What is the best canned fish for the carnivore diet?
Wild Planet sardines and Safe Catch salmon rank first and second here. Both state wild caught fish with a short ingredient list.
What is the best fatty fish for the carnivore diet?
Sardines, mackerel, and salmon contain the most fat. Wild Planet, King Oscar, and Safe Catch cover all three.
Is canned tuna allowed on the carnivore diet?
Tuna is fish, so many followers allow it. Tuna is leaner than sardines or mackerel, so it adds less fat.
Is fish ok on the carnivore diet every day?
Daily fish is a personal choice. Mercury varies by species, so rotate fish and ask your doctor.
Should I drain the oil from canned fish?
Olive oil is a plant fat. Strict followers drain it or choose fish packed in water.
Final Word
Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Water rank first on this list. Wild Planet states 18 g of protein per serving, and the 12 pack costs $32.52. For narrower needs, choose Safe Catch, King Oscar, Season, Polar, Beach Cliff, Chicken of the Sea, or Bumble Bee.
Whichever fish you choose, check the ingredient line, the sodium, and the price per can before you buy. Then confirm any big diet change with your doctor, because that check matters more than any brand.
