Poultry
Partridge
A lean, high-protein game bird with zero carbohydrates and a robust, earthy flavor.
A medium-sized game bird prized for its lean, flavorful dark meat, commonly consumed roasted or braised.
protein-dense game bird
Typical serving · 140g
Common varieties · Grey Partridge, Red-legged Partridge, Chukar
Overall context score across nutrition, safety, and diet fit
At a glance
Quick facts
Simple indicators based on nutrition, processing, and diet fit.
The story
What makes it unique
Partridge is a high-protein, zero-carbohydrate food with moderate fat content primarily consisting of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It digests at a moderate pace due to its protein and fat matrix, providing strong satiety. As a wild or free-range game bird, it is typically minimally processed.
Varieties: Grey Partridge · Red-legged Partridge · Chukar
Per 100g
Nutrition breakdown
Macro balance and key metrics at a glance.
Energy
Density 2.42 kcal/g
Protein
Carbs
Fat
Fiber
Sugar
0 g
Sodium
75 mg
Potassium
310 mg
Glycemic index
0
Glycemic load
0
Water content
58%
Standout compounds
Nutrient highlights
Protein
highSupports muscle growth and repair
Niacin
highConverts food to energy and supports nervous system
Iron
moderateOxygen transport in the blood
Vitamin B6
moderateProtein metabolism and cognitive development
Wellness map
Health scores & processing
NOVA processing scale
Minimally processed · Whole food
Fresh partridge is a whole, unprocessed animal food requiring only butchering and cooking.
Diet compatibility
- Weight loss
- Muscle gain
- Diabetes
- Gut health
- Low carb
- High protein
- Heart health
Relative standing
Food rankings
Qualitative ranks compared to similar whole foods.
- Satietyexcellent
- Blood sugarexcellent
- Nutrient densitygood
- Fitness fuelgood
- Processing qualityexcellent
Eat with confidence
Food safety profile
Like all poultry, partridge requires thorough cooking to eliminate bacterial risks. Wild-caught birds may carry lead shot fragments, which should be carefully removed before consumption.
Evidence confidence 85%
- Pesticideslow
- Antibioticslow
- Heavy metalsmoderate
- Contaminationmoderate
Watch for
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
- Lead shot fragments
Safer choices
Farm-raised partridge or ensuring wild birds are hunted with non-lead ammunition.
Prep tips
Do not wash raw poultry to avoid spreading bacteria. Inspect thoroughly for lead shot or pellets before cooking. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Wild-harvested game may bypass standard USDA poultry inspections, and lead shot poses a specific contamination risk.
Deep dive
Health analysis
How this food may fit different goals and preparation choices.
Weight loss
High protein and moderate fat with zero carbs promote strong satiety, making it easier to manage caloric intake.
Blood sugar
Absence of carbohydrates means zero glycemic impact, making it highly suitable for blood sugar management.
Fitness & energy
Rich in complete protein and B vitamins, supporting muscle repair and recovery, though it lacks fast-digesting carbs for immediate glycogen replenishment.
Gut health
Easily digestible protein source, but lacks dietary fiber needed for optimal gut microbiome fermentation.
Processing quality
Typically sold as a whole, unprocessed bird, making it a high-quality whole food choice.
Food safety
Standard poultry handling required; wild variants require vigilance for lead shot fragments.
Common mistakes
Overcooking the lean breast meat resulting in dry texture; failing to inspect for shot pellets.
Best preparation
Roasting the whole bird or braising the legs to break down tougher muscle fibers while keeping the breast moist.
Practical guide
Best use cases
When and how this food fits real eating patterns.
Keto dinner entree
Zero-carb protein centerpiece for strict low-carb diets.
Post-workout recovery meal
High complete protein supports muscle repair after exercise.
Satiety-focused weight loss diet
Protein and fat combination keeps hunger at bay for hours.
Balance sheet
Pros & cons
Upsides
- Zero carbohydrates
- Highly bioavailable complete protein
- Rich in B vitamins like niacin and B6
- Naturally free of added hormones or antibiotics in wild populations
- Strong satiety effect
Trade-offs
- Wild birds may contain lead shot fragments
- Can be expensive and less available than standard poultry
- Breast meat dries out easily if overcooked
- Lacks dietary fiber
Fit check
Who is it for?
Great match
- keto and low-carb diets
- high-protein meal prep
- blood sugar management
- culinary variety
Consider alternatives
- vegans and vegetarians
- those needing high-fiber foods
- budget-conscious grocery shopping
Side by side
How it compares
Open the full head-to-head analysis for nutrition, safety, and practical tradeoffs.
This food
Partridge
VS95% alike
Compare with
Pheasant
Both are lean game birds, but partridge has a slightly more robust, earthy flavor and marginally higher fat content than pheasant.
Pheasant is slightly leaner and lower in calories, while partridge offers more fat for flavor and marginally better satiety.
This food
Partridge
VS85% alike
Compare with
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is leaner and more widely available, but partridge provides a richer nutrient density in iron and B vitamins.
Chicken breast is lower in calories and fat for strict dieting, while partridge offers more iron and a deeper, gamier flavor.
This food
Partridge
VS90% alike
Compare with
Quail
Quail is much smaller and often eaten whole, while partridge provides more actual meat per bird with similar macronutrients.
Quail is lower in calories per serving due to lower fat, while partridge provides more substantial protein per bird.
This food
Partridge
VS70% alike
Compare with
Duck
Duck is significantly higher in fat and calories, making partridge the better choice for lean protein.
Partridge is a much leaner bird with fewer calories, whereas duck provides high fat and calories for energy density.
This food
Partridge
VS80% alike
Compare with
Turkey
Turkey is larger and leaner, while partridge offers darker meat with a more pronounced earthy flavor and higher iron.
Turkey breast is lower in fat and calories for cutting, while partridge provides richer flavor and more iron per serving.
This food
Partridge
VS88% alike
Compare with
Cornish Hen
Cornish hen is a small chicken variant with milder flavor, while partridge is a true game bird with darker meat and a gamier taste.
Cornish hen is milder and slightly leaner, while partridge offers a more distinct game flavor and slightly more protein.
This food
Partridge
VS65% alike
Compare with
Venison
Both are lean wild game meats, but venison is a mammal meat with higher iron and even lower fat content.
Venison is lower in fat and higher in iron, while partridge provides a poultry texture and slightly better satiety from its fat content.
This food
Partridge
VS60% alike
Compare with
Rabbit
Rabbit is an extremely lean white meat, whereas partridge has darker meat with slightly more fat and flavor.
Rabbit is lower in calories and fat, while partridge provides more flavor and a more favorable fatty acid profile.
This food
Partridge
VS92% alike
Compare with
Grouse
Grouse typically has a stronger, more forest-driven flavor than partridge, with both offering excellent lean protein.
Partridge is milder and slightly leaner than grouse, making it more versatile, while grouse offers a more intense game experience.
This food
Partridge
VS55% alike
Compare with
Goose
Goose is a very fatty, calorie-dense bird, while partridge is lean and lower in calories.
Partridge is significantly leaner and better for weight loss, while goose is high in fat and calories, suited for high-energy diets.
Common questions
FAQ
Answers aligned with how people search for this food.
Is partridge good for weight loss?
Yes, its high protein content increases satiety and helps preserve lean muscle during a calorie deficit.
Can diabetics eat partridge?
Yes, partridge contains zero carbohydrates and will not spike blood sugar levels.
Is partridge healthier than chicken?
Partridge is richer in certain minerals like iron and offers a stronger flavor, but both are excellent lean protein sources.
Does partridge have a lot of cholesterol?
It contains moderate dietary cholesterol typical of poultry, which has minimal impact on blood cholesterol for most people.
How do you cook partridge without drying it out?
Roast the bird quickly at high heat or braise the legs slowly; avoid overcooking the breast.
Is there lead in wild partridge?
Wild partridge hunted with lead ammunition may contain lead fragments, which should be carefully removed before eating.
Can I eat partridge on a keto diet?
Yes, partridge is a zero-carb, high-protein food that fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet.
What does partridge taste like?
It has a slightly gamey, earthy flavor with a texture similar to dark chicken meat but richer.
Transparency
Data confidence
Estimated confidence for nutrition data, interpretation, safety notes, and comparisons.
Nutrition data
Health analysis
Food safety
Comparisons