What is the biblical argument for eating meat, or that vegetarianism is possible but not commanded? Vegetarianism seems to becoming more and more popular in various parts of the world today.  Some even claim that Christians should be vegetarians to be in line with the command against killing.

What, then, is the biblical argument in support of eating meat?
God's Endorsement of Eating Meat

Actually, God specifically ordained that man could eat meat, starting after the flood.  The only prohibition in this was to drain the blood:


  Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.  But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.  Genesis 9:3-4 ESV


During the Exodus, God sent quail into the camp to provide the Israelites with meat to eat:


  In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. Exodus 16:13 ESV


In fact, the Passover was a feast that every Jewish person was under obligation to observe once a year in which they ate the meat of a lamb, so God, once again, ordained and commanded the eating of meat.


  Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers' houses, a lamb for a household.  Exodus 12:3 ESV


Vegetarianism

Before the Fall and perhaps up until the flood as well, it is true that mankind was enjoined to eat only vegetables, but that was a temporary command.


  And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.   Genesis 1:29 ESV


It is true that Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego did not eat meat during their captivity in Babylon, but that was more likely due to either what kind of meat it was or how it was prepared--perhaps unclean animals that were not kosher for Jews. (See Why did Daniel consider the allotment of food and wine to be wrong for him to eat?.)


  But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.  Daniel 1:8 ESV


What Jesus Ate

Furthermore, Jesus Himself ate meat, as He observed the Passover meal with His disciples:


  And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.  Luke 22:15 ESV


On other occasions, He ate fish as well:


  They gave him [Jesus] a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.  Luke 24:42-43 ESV


Paul's Instructions

The most applicable passage, though, is perhaps found in Romans 14.  In this passage, Paul address the issue of eating meat that had been sacrificed to false gods.  Paul affirms that there is nothing wrong with eating meat, and it is the weaker brother who eats only vegetables in fear that eating meat would be wrong.  


  As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.  Romans 14:1-4 ESV


Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible does not prescribe vegetarianism at all, but records that God actually gave meat to mankind for consumption.