Grass-Fed/Pasture-Raised Farming 101

understanding this confusing topic in simple terms

Grass-fed and pasture-raised meat:

•  Animals are raised in pastures throughout their lifespan. 

• The diet of these animals consists of grass and clover.

• Main difference is in the fat content, since they eat grass they tend to be leaner. These meats contain higher amounts of vitamins A and E and omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. 

Organic meat:

• Requires cows to eat at least 30% grass in their diet, except for the last 4 months of their lives when they can eat grain that is also certified organic.

• Feeding cattle grain the last 120 days before slaughter increases meat's fat content by 2-4 times. 

• Changes its fatty acid composition to have more monounsaturated and fewer polyunsaturated fatty acids. 

Conventional meat:

• No specific requirements for conventionally raised meat. 

• Often fed a combination of grains, soy, and other supplements.

• The use of antibiotics and growth hormones to promote growth and prevent disease is also common. 

Overall, Grass-fed and pasture-raised meat offers many potential benefits over conventional meat. The only take is that it’s much less assessable and more costly. Read labels and pick out meats with caution.