Grain or Grass-Finished: Which Beef Is Better For Your Health?
When browsing for beef at the grocery store, terms like grass-finished, grass-fed and grain-fed can be confusing. Knowing the difference between them can help you make informed choices that benefit your health, the environment, and the well-being of animals. So, which is better? In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between the various types of beef you find at the meat counter and their benefits.
Sunrise Farms’ Commitment: How Our Farming Practices & Non-GMO Feed Elevate Meat Quality.
At Sunrise Farms, we take pride in our commitment to producing all-natural meats through ethical and sustainable farming practices. Our cows graze freely with their calves while nursing them for about six months when the calves are weaned. Their pasture is lightly supplemented with our own non-GMO feed to ensure their healthy transition at weaning and to develop the right amount of marbling. Our calves then have their grain supplement removed to forage only on pesticide-free pastures for a grass-finished product. We use intensive and rotational grazing by regularly moving our animals from paddock to paddock, allowing them to roam freely and graze on healthy grasses. This promotes both the health of the animals and the land.
Know Your Beef: What Does Grass-Finished, Grass-Fed Or Grain-Fed Mean?
Grass-Fed Beef Is Never Fed Grain.
Grass-fed beef comes from cattle that graze on pasture for their entire lives without being fed grains, resulting in leaner, nutrient-packed meat. USDA standards dictate that grass-fed cattle are never confined to feedlots and eat only forage, leading to a higher nutritional profile.
Grain-Fed & Grain-Finished Beef Is What You Typically Expect At Retail Grocery Stores.
Grain-fed and grain-finished beef comes from cattle raised primarily on grain-based feeds and supplemented with pasture. Grain-fed cattle typically move to feedlots in their final months, eating a diet rich in corn, soybeans, and other grains. This speeds up growth, allowing them to reach market weight quickly.
Grass-Finished Beef Is The Best Of Both.
Though similar to grass-fed meats, grass-finished beef means the cattle weren’t solely pasture-raised. Grass-finished indicates that the cattle remained on pasture for the finishing phase of beef production but may have previously been grain-fed as a supplement.
Grass-Finished Beef Is Better For The Planet & Reduces Environmental Impact.
Grass-finished beef has a lower environmental impact than grain-fed varieties. Because cattle are raised on open pastures and fed natural forages, they are less likely to need antibiotics and experience fewer health issues.
Grain-fed cattle often spend their final months in feedlots, which can contribute to a higher carbon footprint due to grain transportation and feedlot management. Feedlots often require antibiotics to prevent diseases like liver abscesses, raising concerns about antibiotic resistance.
Healthier Cattle, Healthier You: Grass-Finished Beef Is The Natural Choice.
Cattle are naturally ruminants, meaning their digestive systems are designed to process grass. Grass-finished beef comes from cattle raised and finished in conditions more aligned with their natural biology. They roam freely on our pastures, avoiding the common health problems in feedlots.
Grass-Finished Beef Is A Nutritional Powerhouse.
Grass-finished beef is known for its nutritional profile. It contains higher omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which can help better weight management and immune system function.
Grass-finished cuts are leaner than grain-fed beef, with fewer calories per gram, making them a better choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. While grain-fed beef may have a richer flavor due to its fat content, its higher calorie count and fat levels make it less desirable for health-conscious consumers.
Shop Sunrise Farms For Flavorful, Grass-Finished Beef in Virginia.
At Sunrise Farms, our cattle are grain-started and grass-finished, ensuring tender, flavorful beef is raised without unnecessary antibiotics or added hormones. We invite you to visit our farm to experience firsthand the care we put into raising our animals or place an order to bring high-quality, all-natural beef to your table.
Research:
- https://butchershoppedirect.com/blogs/recipes-guides/guide-to-grass-fed-vs-grain-fed-beef-how-do-i-choose#:~:text=grain%2Dfed%20beef.-,How%20Does%20the%20Flavour%20and%20Quality%20Compare%3F,the%20meat%20produce%20less%20marbling.
- https://extension.psu.edu/high-quality-meat-starts-with-animal-care
- https://themeatstick.com/blogs/tips-recipes/grass-fed-and-grain-fed-exploring-the-differences#:~:text=and%20texture%20differences-,Taste,buttery%20taste%20than%20its%20counterpart.
- https://www.mychicagosteak.com/steak-university/grain-fed-vs-grass-fed-steaks
- https://www.harvestreturns.com/blog/2018/6/26/beef-production-grass-finished-beef-vs-grain-finished-beef?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwuMC2BhA7EiwAmJKRrI3cX4uWHc-hbGtLl8vog3-91Q4k890qZ971F5m0N4znjIhLlWKpIRoCnt8QAvD_BwE
