Which animals are considered clean and fit for food?

The Bible designates animals as clean for food when they meet God's criteria for land animals, fish, and birds. These principles were known even before the Law of Moses; they help believers care for their health and show respect for the Creator.

The distinction between clean and unclean animals was not instituted solely for ancient Israel. When Noah entered the ark, he already knew this difference: God commanded him to take seven pairs of clean animals, but only one pair of the unclean. Thus, the principle predates Sinai and is connected to God's order in creation.

“You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female.” Gen 7:2

Clean Land Animals

For animals that live on the land, the Bible establishes two mandatory characteristics. An animal is fit for food only when it both has a divided hoof and chews the cud. Having just one of these traits is not enough.

“These are the animals which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth: Among the animals, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud—that you may eat.” Lev 11:2–3

Clean animals include cattle, calves, sheep, goats, deer, elk, roe deer, and other animals that genuinely possess both biblical characteristics. Their meat may be eaten, although the Adventist approach to health also encourages temperance and, whenever possible, a plant-based diet.

The pig is not clean, even though it has a split hoof: it does not chew the cud. Likewise, the camel, the hare, and the rabbit cannot be considered clean because they do not meet the full biblical criteria. The horse, donkey, dog, cat, and birds of prey or predatory beasts are also not among the kinds permitted for food.

“and the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you.” Lev 11:7

Fish and Water Creatures

The rule regarding aquatic creatures is simple and clear: only those that have both fins and scales are edible. Both traits must be present. Therefore, many common types of fish are clean: salmon, trout, carp, herring, sardines, cod, perch, pike, and tuna.

“These you may eat of all that are in the waters: you may eat all that have fins and scales. And whatever does not have fins and scales you shall not eat; it is unclean for you.” Deut 14:9–10

Unclean water creatures include catfish, eel, shark, and ray. Shrimp, crabs, crayfish, lobsters, mussels, oysters, squid, and octopus also do not meet the biblical criteria, as they do not have both fins and scales.

Birds That May Be Eaten

Regarding birds, the Law does not provide a concise formula as it does for land animals or fish. Instead, Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 provide a list of forbidden birds. For the most part, these are birds of prey, scavengers, or birds associated with unclean feeding habits.

“And these you shall detest among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard, the kite, and the falcon after its kind; every raven after its kind.” Lev 11:13–15

Generally, clean domesticated birds include chicken, turkey, goose, duck, pigeon, and quail. Quail were provided to the Israelites as food in the wilderness.

“Now a wind went out from the Lord, and it brought quail from the sea and left them fluttering near the camp.” Num 11:31

Did the New Testament Abolish the Division Between Clean and Unclean?

Sometimes the apostle Peter's vision in Acts 10 is interpreted as permission to eat any animal. However, Peter himself explained the meaning of the vision: God showed him that he should not call any person common or unclean, meaning the Gentiles were not to be excluded from the Gospel. The vision was about accepting people, not about altering biblical dietary principles.

“But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Acts 10:28

Health, Dedication, and Practical Choices

Seventh-day Adventists view the body as a gift from God and strive to care for it. Ellen G. White emphasized that health reform is an integral part of Christian living, and that the best diet should foster mental clarity, physical strength, and service to God. At the same time, clean meat does not automatically become healthy in any quantity or manner of preparation: moderation, food safety, and a balanced diet are essential.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31

Thus, when choosing what to eat, a Christian can be guided by simple biblical principles: a land animal must chew the cud and have split hooves; fish must have fins and scales; birds must not belong to the kinds forbidden in Scripture. A practical step: check the origin of your food, incorporate more whole plant-based foods, and if you consume meat or fish, choose only biblically clean kinds and prepare them in a wholesome way.