A friend just called me from Whole Foods to ask me what the difference is between vegetarian-fed and grass-fed beef. There is a BIG difference between the two, and his question has inspired me create a ripple to share the answer with you.
Traditionally, all beef was grass-fed beef, and it took 4 – 5 years before a steer was ready for slaughter. In the United States today, the majority of meat that is available is feedlot beef. Feedlot beef can contain corn, protein supplements, and growth hormones, which makes animals grow at a much faster rate. In fact, on this type of diet, it only takes a little over a year before a calf is ready for slaughter. This is a faster and more profitable process, but it comes with dangerous consequences to our health. Switching animals from a grass-fed diet to an all grain diet damages their digestive system, which is remedied with antibiotics in order to prevent sickness or death. I bet you didn’t count on your meat containing antibiotics last time you grilled up those steak tips.
Grass-fed beef is lower in total fat than grain-fed beef, and many studies have shown that it is higher in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Knowledge is power, and it’s important to know the difference between vegetarian-fed (or grain-fed beef) vs. grass-fed beef. Yes, grass-fed beef is more expensive, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It is healthy to cut down the amount of meat in our diets. Consider spending the same amount of money on meat per week, but substituting a couple of meals per week with a vegetarian or vegan option. Asking questions like my friend did today is a powerful step towards making healthier choices for you and your family.
11 comments
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April 18, 2010 at 7:04 pm
nicole
this may be a silly question, but where can you buy beef that you know is grass-fed?
April 18, 2010 at 9:16 pm
simpleripple
Not a silly question at all. Most stores don’t make it easy! You have to ask the butcher. At places like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s it’s usually labeled as vegetarian fed or grass fed. Hope that helps!
April 19, 2010 at 8:57 am
Amy
I have been thinking about this since we discussed this a few months ago and I’m glad you brought it up again in your blog, I hope you post this one on FB!! Thanks for sharing…knowledge is power
July 11, 2011 at 1:00 am
woods94566
Clearly, it is upon us all to become more knowledgeable about the preparation of raw ingredients in our food supply. Many years have passed since the first grocery stores and supermarkets and public demand has forced the price down on almost everything. So now we have learned that there is a price for low prices. I suppose we can’t have both – the best quality and the lowest prices.
And yet I’m still confused by this post. I have a family member who is reacting to corn is his diet. We are vigilantly trying to avoid foods containing or processed with corn. When we get to poultry and beef, we see a new marketing label called “vegetarian fed”. Is vegetarian fed the same as grass fed? Much of the research I have done has nor been able to determine if corn is a grain or a vegetable. So cattle consume corn, how do I know if it is vegetarian fed or grass fed?
Thanks for your insight.
July 18, 2011 at 9:32 am
Stephanie
What about vegetarian fed that claims no antibiotics or hormones (a.k.a. Laura’s)? I’m sure grass fed is still better, but is that a step in the right direction?
December 10, 2011 at 1:41 pm
grass-fed vs vegetarian-fed beef? | Mark's Daily Apple Health and Fitness Forum page
[…] According to this article: Grass-fed beef vs. Vegetarian-fed beef: Know the difference! vegetarian fed IS grain fed. Reply With Quote + Reply to Thread […]
February 3, 2013 at 8:42 pm
andy
I think the difference is “Soy” . Grass fed is not fed soy. If the cows are fed soy they can still call it vegetarian but Soy is bad for you just google it or check out the weston price foundation. A great book to read also is called ” the whole soy story”…it’s scary to find out that something promoted as a health food and that is put into everything today is actually very harmful to us and our children!
March 14, 2013 at 2:45 am
Mizu Steakhouse
Thank you for this post! We just started offering “grass fed” beef as an option in our restaurants. We had contemplated American “vegetarian diet” cattle however I decided against it as I really want to provide our glycemic and loyal patrons an option for gluten free beef and sauces. Again thanks so much for you post.
-mizu steakhouse | seattle
May 2, 2013 at 11:54 pm
Vegetarian-Fed « Literal-Minded
[…] that vegetarian-fed, which could theoretically encompass grass-fed, is sometimes understood to be a synonym for corn-fed. In practical terms, I guess it […]
January 9, 2014 at 9:19 am
Mrs. Patsy Eller
even grass fed beef eats silage pat of the year. how can I be sure that I am not getting beef that has ingested animal by-produccts with its corn and veggie grains. mad cow disease caused me to turn away from all beef, the animal by-products found in legal feeds really worries me along with soy and all those other addiives)
January 17, 2014 at 10:57 am
Lindsay
All valid concerns. Since writing this post a few years back I’ve adopted a mostly vegetarian diet. Although, I suppose problems can arise with even the best organic vegetables! I think awareness is key and just being careful and educated on what we are putting into our bodies is the best we can do.