Grass Fed vs Grain Fed Beef - Which Is Better for Me?

2 years ago

Did you know that Australia is one of the largest beef producers in the world?

Australia is the 7th largest producer of beef and veal in the world. It accounts for 4% of global beef production and 16% of world beef trade. To keep up with this demand, Australia offers two main farming methods: grass fed and grain fed. Studies have shown that the way cows are fed can have a major effect on the nutrient composition of their beef. If you are sitting there thinking to yourself, “What is the difference between grass fed and grain fed beef?”, “Is one better for you than the other?”, “Does Nourish’d offer grain fed beef or grass fed?” we’ve got you covered.

Grain Fed Beef

Let’s dive into the million dollar question. What is the difference between grain fed beef and grass fed beef? Grain fed beef has been quite the controversial topic over the years. The definition of grain fed beef is beef that comes from cattle that have spent part of their lives being fed a ration of grain in order to achieve a more consistent product.

Cattle that are grain fed spend between 50 and 120 days on grain after having spent 85-90% of their lives in a grass fed environment.

While Australia’s grain fed conditions are much more ethical than other countries, many people still prefer grass fed beef over grain fed beef. Grain fed beef makes up around 3% of total cattle in Australia. Grain in the grain fed diet can include wheat, barley, or sorghum. In some cases, to maximize growth, grain fed cows are often given drugs, such as antibiotics and growth hormones.

Grass Fed Beef

Grass fed beef, also known as pasture fed beef, is based on traditional farming practices that allow cows to have the freedom to graze on grass and feed on natural pastures throughout their entire life. Unlike grain fed beef, grass fed beef cows eat based on natural cycles of hunger, the weather, and the environment.

Studies have shown that natural patterns of grass consumption and cattle movement can improve the taste and nutritional profile of the beef produced. Additionally, grass-fed beef is typically free of chemicals and other hidden nasties in comparison to grain-fed beef.

Which farming method is better for my health?

When it comes to the health benefits of the two farming methods, grass fed comes out on top! While both grain fed beef and grass fed beef are loaded with the following: vitamin B12, B3, and B6, grass fed beef contains higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fatty acids as can be seen below:

- Grass fed beef contains carotenoid precursors to vitamin A, such as beta carotene. Beta carotene functions as an antioxidant and may help protect against conditions such as certain cancers, heart disease, and cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

- Grass fed beef contains large amounts of vitamin E which are vital to boosting immune system function and helping to prevent clots in the cardiovascular system.

- Grass fed beef is richer in antioxidants which may help to prevent or slow cell damage.

- Some grass fed beef products offer up to five times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain fed beef.

- Omega-3 fatty acids function to support eye health, brain health, heart health, and mental wellness.

What kind of meat does Nourish’d use in its meals?

As you may know, at Nourish’d we value, “No B.S.!” So we are going to keep it 100% real with you. In saying that, we use only the best, grass fed and free range meats. We believe in ethical and sustainable farming methods and that means no industrial meat. So each time you take a bite of one of your delicious Nourish’d meals containing meat, you can have the satisfaction of knowing that meat is grass fed and free range.

If you would like to start incorporating more grass fed beef into your diet, click here to view the Nourish’d menu. We have a wide range of healthy, balanced meals that include grass fed + free range beef. Some of these meals include our Beef Cheek Ragu with Cauliflower Mash, Beef Stroganoff, Beef Bolognese Gnocchi, Slow Cooked Beef Stew, and more! Order cut is 5pm AEST every Thursday. Reap the benefits of grass fed beef by ordering now!