Benefits of Grass-Fed and Finished Beef

With all the talk about grain-fed vs. grass-fed beef, steak eaters might be curious to know separates one from the other when these steaks hit the plate, this blog will share the benefits of grass-fed and finished beef.

Whiskey Ridge Beef cattle are grass-fed AND grass finished. All our cattle spend their entire life on our ranch. From birth, we manage their diet and handling. The term “grass-fed” is used liberally in today’s meat market and often means grass-finished where the cattle are fed grain for most of their life and then fed grass prior to butchering, not the case with our cattle, they are 100% grass fed and finished.

Both sides have their advocates. Grass fed and finished steak lovers point out that what cattle eat affects the quality and nutrient density of the beef.

Grass Fed and Finished Beef Is Better Tasting

One of the most debated issues surrounding grain-fed and grass-fed cattle is the way that each taste. The foods that cattle eat have a major impact on the way they eventually taste and the composition of their meat.

Grass fed and finished cattle feed on grass and a mixture of other forage. This is more natural for cows. 100% grass fed cattle don’t produce the fat that grain-fed cows do as their muscles are leaner. Grass-fed steaks also have a much more mineral-heavy taste that is often described as “meatier.” A grass-fed diet improves the fat fibers hidden deep in the muscles. Grass fed beef has more nutrients in the fat and muscle fibers, which we will discuss more in the next section.

While there are outliers, the majority of Americans seem to prefer the richness and natural benefits grass-fed beef offer. This is a big part of the reason why grass-fed steaks have grown in popularity and vendors and restaurants continue to draw attention to the fact they serve grass fed steaks.

Health Benefits of Grass Fed and Finished Beef

Even with the grain-fed versus grass-fed debate, many people are opting for grass-fed beef. Why is that? The main reason is the health benefits.

There are many benefits of grass-fed and finished beef but let’s look closer at the biggest benefit, it’s healthier.

First and foremost, there are fewer calories. Sure, we all love a bigger and fattier piece of steak. But when you eat that steak, you’re consuming the extra fat and calories. Grass-fed steak is leaner, so you consume fewer calories per pound.

Grass-fed beef also has higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which is an essential nutrient. It’s been said grass-fed beef contains five times more omega-3 fatty acids as opposed to grain-fed beef.

In addition, grass-fed beef contains more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), twice as many as grain-fed beef. CLA is another fatty acid that comes with health benefits.

The Bottom Line

We place more value on the life story of our cattle rather than expensive certifications that don’t always have the land and animal’s well-being in mind. It is our belief at Whiskey Ridge Beef that a lifelong diet of grasses without confinement produces beef with more omega-3s, fewer omega-6s, and more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has shown the ability to boost metabolism and help prevent cancer. It also tends to have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Whiskey Ridge Beef is based out of Seibert, CO and is family owned and operated. Our mission at Whiskey Ridge Beef is to create a legacy through the regeneration of our land and production of beef for a community of consumers that believe in making a difference. We provide exceptional grass-fed beef with free delivery within 200 miles of Seibert, CO are working hard to create a legacy for generations to enjoy. Visit our website to learn more.