Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving disorders of lipid and iron metabolism. The establishment of suitable animal models is required to further the study of the etiology, pathogenesis,prevention, and therapeutic measures of AS. The main animal models of AS related to iron and lipid metabolism are mice and miniature piglets, especially male ApoE^-/-mice. Single-factor high-fat diet-induced iron and lipid metabolism disorders are a common type of AS model, manifesting as elevated blood lipid levels, large plaques and iron deposition in the aorta, and significant increases in serum and liver iron levels. This review compares the effects of different intervention factors on iron and lipid metabolism in AS animal models, and summarizes the method of establishing AS animal models using dietary induction, chemical intervention, and gene modification, to provide references and inspiration for future research into AS and metabolic diseases and the development of new drugs.