Grass-finished
Grass-finished beef refers to beef from cattle fed exclusively on grass and forage throughout their lives, including during the final fattening or "finishing" phase before slaughter. This means the cattle are not fed grains at any point, unlike grain-finished cattle that are switched to a grain-based diet in the last few months of their lives.
What it means?
Grass-finished cattle graze on grass and forage from weaning through to slaughter. They do not consume any grains. These cattle are typically raised on pasture, their primary food source. They may also be supplemented with hay or silage (fermented grass) during winter or when fresh pasture is unavailable. Grass-finishing takes longer because grass is less energy-dense than grains, leading to a longer time to reach market weight.
How it applies?
Grass-finished beef is typically leaner than grain-finished beef, containing less total fat. The diet of grass-finished cattle results in a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties. Grass-finished beef contains more antioxidants, such as vitamin E and beta-carotene, which can support overall health. Grass-finished beef has a more favorable omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ratio than grain-finished beef.
Additional info?
Most meats are not labeled grass-finished and many butchers do not like to disclose the information. Ask the supplier or manufacturer if their meats are grass-finished. Transparency is important.
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