Facts for Grass Fed Beef

Process

• Grass-fed beef comes from cows that eat natural grasses instead of the grain products fed to most cows in the U.S. beef industry, according to North Carolina State University. Indiana farmer Jim Fiedler says that grass supplies cows with the proper amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.

Benefits

• While grain-fed beef contains traces of the antibiotics necessary to help cows cope with a grain diet, cows raised on grass have no need for such assistance in digesting their food, according to North Carolina State University. Grass-fed beef also has less fat and cholesterol, making it a healthier choice of meat.

Disadvantages

• Grass-fed beef generally costs more than its grain-fed equivalent, according to Allison Aubrey of National Public Radio. It has a distinctive flavor, often described as gamey, that some people find objectionable. The lower amount of fat in grass-fed beef can also result in tougher cuts of meats.