The Importance of Quality Fed Cattle

For the majority, the answer to this question is yes due to the widespread misconception that grains are harmful to cows, which is entirely untrue. Cows require grains to endure harsh winters, as they cannot obtain all their nutrients from grass alone. Cattle that are grass-fed and finished are often too lean and lack the essential fat to survive the winter. Cattle need a combination of high-quality grains, not corn, and unsprayed grass for grazing.

Grass-fed beef has 2-4 times more vitamins and fats compared to grain-fed beef. It also contains minimal to no GMOs because the cattle are not consuming genetically modified corn and soy. Additionally, grass-fed beef may be easier to digest and contains twice as much CLA, a fat that might help protect against heart disease and diabetes.

Many people mistakenly believe that grass-fed beef is always grass-finished, but this isn't always true. "Finishing" refers to the diet of an animal right up until it is processed or during the last few months of its life. Animals can be finished on grass, corn, or grain. Grass-finished beef is typically leaner, tougher, and has a more earthy flavor, while grain-finished beef is recognized for its marbling, tenderness, and milder taste.