Spoiler alert: it absolutely is. Keep reading to find out why.
Conventional, factory-farmed animals are raised in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions where they often become sick. To combat this, the animals are given daily doses of antibiotics in addition to the hormones they are given to ensure they grow bigger faster. To make matters even worse, the animals are fed cheap grain feed which is loaded with mold toxins and pesticides. All this is detrimental to both you and the environment.
Conversely, grass-fed and pasture-raised animals play an important role in sustainable agriculture that benefits our bodies and the entire planet. Organic, grass-fed meat provides more antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fats and less toxins than conventional, grain-fed animal products.
Grass-fed animals are given natural room to roam, which means they are not exposed to bacteria and illness like industrially raised animals. As a result, they are not pumped with antibiotics.
Unlike conventional farming which uses synthetic fertilizers, agrochemicals, and gasoline-powered farm equipment, natural grazing reduces the need for these harmful practices. Through grazing on open pastures, animals are restoring and replenishing the land by creating healthy, fertile soil and plants with their manure (while industrial farming destroys soil). In addition to providing nutrients for plants, their manure creates beneficial bacteria for the soil microbiome. Through a process called carbon sequestration, grazing animals also help pull excess carbon from the atmosphere and bury it into the soil.
Organic feed production and grazing practices also eliminate chemical fertilizer and pesticide runoff from entering waterways.
Grass-fed meat is nutritionally superior, supports our environment and doesn’t pass along harmful antibiotics and hormones. Yes, it is more expensive. If eating grass-fed is out of your budget, it’s ultimately better to eat higher quality meat less often than to eat conventional meat.