Pasture-Raised Beef vs. Grass-Fed Beef

Shopping for meat can be confusing because of all the different labels on beef products.  These labels refer to what the cattle are fed before being processed for meat. 
 
Pasture-raised beef is cattle fed at least 120 days a year on grass.  Grass-fed beef means the cattle spent their entire lives eating grasses or hay once weaned.
 
Grass-fed, pasture-raised, and grain-fed beef can all be organic.  Organic means the cattle ate organic feed without antibiotics or hormones.  

Domestic cattle (bovine), commonly called cows, are of the species Bos taurus.  The size and weight of a bovine is dependent on the breed.  Mature males can weigh 1,000 to 4,000 pounds, and females can weigh 800 to 2,400 pounds.

Pasture-Raised Beef vs. Grass-Fed Beef
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

With So Many Beef Labels, Shopping For Meat Can Be Tricky
Beef labels help you understand what the cattle ate before being processed for meat.  They can be fed grain, grass, or a combination of both.  To help you know what you are consuming, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) monitors, regulates, and approves the meat labels in your grocery store.
 
So how do you know what each label means?  And what is the difference between grass-fed, pasture-raised, and organic beef?
 
What Is The Difference Between Pasture-Raised vs. Grass-Fed Beef?
The difference between pasture-raised and grass-fed beef is how much time the cattle spend eating grass.  With pasture-raised beef, cows spend at least 120 days outside eating grass.  The rest of the time, they may be fed grain.  On the other hand, grass-fed beef cattle eat only grasses or forages (hay) once they are old enough to eat grass.
 
What Else Should You Know About Pasture-Raised Beef?
Pasture-raised means the animals have access to the outdoors for at least 120 days per year.  The label must include language on what the term “pasture-raised” means since it can vary from farm to farm.  Remember, the label does not mean the animal only ate grass or did not get antibiotics or hormones.
 
Does Grass-Fed Have Other Meanings?
According to the USDA’s guidelines, beef products cannot be labeled as “grass-fed” unless the animal was fed only grass or forage after weaning and was never in a feedlot.  However, beef labeled “grass-fed” and “grass-finished” do not have heavily enforced regulations.
If you are looking for beef from cattle that have only been fed grass, look for labels like one from the American Grassfed Association.  It requires that animals were:

• Fed a lifetime diet of 100% forage
• Raised on pasture, not in confinement
• Never treated with added hormones or antibiotics

 
What About Organic vs. Grass-Fed Beef?
The most significant difference between organic and grass-fed beef is what the label means.  Organic beef refers to the quality of what the cattle were fed rather than the type of food eaten.  Both grass-fed, and grain-fed beef can be organic.
Organic beef is one of the most standardized and regulated labels.  When the beef has the “USDA Organic Seal,” it means that the cattle must be:

• Fed 100% organic feed and forage (which can include grains)
• Raised on certified organic land
• Raised in conditions that include their natural behaviors (like being allowed year-round access to the outdoors, shelter, and space for exercise)
• Produced without genetic engineering
• Raised per animal health and welfare standards
• Never given antibiotics or hormones

Organic beef can be fed grains (so long as they are organic).  So if you are looking for grass-fed beef, you will need more than just this label.
 
Is Organic Beef Worth The Extra Cost?
Organic beef can be much more expensive than conventional beef.  Up to 70% more in some situations!  One reason for the higher cost is that cattle raised on pasture take longer to become full-grown than those raised on grain.  It translates to increased costs passed on to the consumer.  The demand for organic beef may be higher than the supply, which can also raise the price.
 
Is Grass-Fed Beef Healthier?
Some studies have shown that 100% grass-fed cattle can have slightly higher amounts of antioxidants, less fat, and higher omega-3 fatty acids, which may have some health benefits.  But omega-3 fatty acids are still much lower than other food sources like salmon or other fatty fish.
There is also some evidence that antibiotics used in animal food can lead to antibiotic resistance in people.  Grass-fed beef may be less likely to have antibiotic-resistant bacteria than conventionally raised beef.  So while grass-fed beef may be slightly healthier for you, more studies need to be done to see the real benefits.  
Note:  Health organizations like the American Heart Association recommend limiting the amount of red meat in your diet.