In 2016, the USDA dropped the official definition of grass-fed. Technically, all cows are grass-fed until the last 3 to 6 months of their lives, when they’re typically fattened with grains. However, despite misleading food labels, over 99% of beef in the store is not truly grass-fed.
Cows are fed grains to quickly fatten them up, but these aren’t “healthy” grains like many people assume. Cows in feedlots are fed DDGS (dried distillers grain with solubles), a cheap waste product of GMO, inedible dent corn used for making ethanol. This is incredibly profitable because it causes the cows to gain weight quickly for very little cost.
Fiber, limestone, and synthetic vitamins and minerals are added to this corn byproduct. Monensin, an antibiotic, is also added. Antibiotics are regularly used in feedlots in the U.S. to quickly increase weight gain in animals. Beta-agonists are also used to enhance muscle growth. Some studies have shown that the use of this medication in animals can cause anxiety in the humans who consume them. There are two types of feedlots: open and closed. In closed feedlots, the cows only get 24 square feet of space and around 150 square feet in open feedlots.
For truly grass-fed beef, look for 100% grass-fed. Support small farmers for the healthiest meat and to help put an end to the grass-fed scam!
Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.