Grass-Fed Beef: Organic Or Factory Raised Beef?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Whether you enjoy the taste or you are more interested in nutritional content, grass-fed beef will keep you coming back for mouth-watering seconds. This type of meat has also become extremely popular thanks in part to a growing awareness of how some cattle are treated as well as chemical compounds that are often present within low-quality beef.

However, you might still wish to learn more about the differences between free-range beef and meat that has been produced within a factory. The aim of this article at Spatz3 is to clarify some main points in order to better appreciate why free-range beef is always the better option.

organic beef vs grass-fed

Organic Beef vs Grass-Fed Cattle: What is the Difference?

At first glance, these two terms appear quite similar. This is actually one of the tricks used by larger companies and marketing specialists. They want consumers to believe that grass-fed meats are the same as those associated with organic production methods. This is not necessarily the case.

True grass feeding signifies that cattle are kept on the open range throughout their entire life cycle. This is sometimes referred to as “regenerative grazing” and it is more healthy for the cows as well as for the environment. Furthermore, they are not exposed to any type of “filler” foods and other artificial substances.

Organic beef production is not nearly transparent. For instance, the cattle might only be allowed to free graze for limited amounts of time. The remainder of their food is derived from organic feed. The issue here is that while the grain might be certified as organic, it will not contain the same vitamins and minerals that the cattle would otherwise obtain from true free grazing. This can impact the quality of the meat as well as its taste.

All About the Fine Print

Let’s now take the observations above a step further. What about the difference of organic beef and factory raised beef? Cattle that are raised within factory settings (even if they are fed organic grain) do not obtain adequate amounts of exercise and in some cases, they may be kept in unsanitary conditions. While factory beef may be cheaper, there is no doubt that you will be sacrificing nutritional value as a result. Even if beef is labelled with an organic seal, factory-produced products are hardly able to offer grass-fed quality.

Nutritional Considerations to Mention

Knowing how to raise grass fed beef is no easy feat. Not only will a great deal of land be required, but the associated regulations are quite stringent. However, the trade-off is well worth the effort. Grass-fed cattle offer meats that are much higher in specific nutrients such as omega fatty acids and a type of “healthy” fat known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Pasture-raised beef also tends to be higher in vitamin A and vitamin E. All of these substances are required in order to maintain a balanced diet.

Grass-Fed and Pasture-Raised: Which is the Better Option?

As if to make things slightly more complicated, there are also differences between grass-fed meat and pasture-raised beef. Here are two key takeaway points:

  • True grass-fed systems allow cattle to remain on an open range for their entire lives.
  • Dried grains and byproducts may be present alongside natural grazing if the beef is labelled as “pasture-raised”.

While this is not nearly as bad as meat that has been harvested within factory settings, pasture-raised beef can still lack many of the nutrients mentioned within the previous section.

how to raise grass fed beef

The Power of Research

Ultimately, it is always wise to purchase beef that has been certified as grass-fed. The chances are high that you will also immediately notice a difference in the taste and even the colour. This is also the best way to avoid artificial chemicals and preservatives that might otherwise be required to lengthen its shelf life.

Even if you are only interested in the taste, beef that has been produced from grass feeding is obviously the better choice. The only question involves whether you are willing to spend a bit extra to take advantage of the numerous benefits. Furthermore, this type of beef will provide your body with the protein that it requires to maintain lean mass if you are already dieting with the help of the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon. In terms of grass-fed beef, it pays to embrace the all-natural edge.

Rate this post

Contact a Spatz3 representative
near you

Learn More About The Spatz3

Contact A Spatz3 Representative Near You