When it comes to food, we’ve been taught that organic is king. From fruits and veggies to meats, organic has become synonymous with higher quality, better health, and environmental care. And for the most part, that’s true—choosing organic over conventional means fewer pesticides, better farming practices, and often healthier choices.
But when it comes to beef, the story takes a bit of a turn. You might be surprised to learn that organic beef, while still better than conventionally raised cattle, isn’t the best choice for the health of both you and the cow. Here’s why: organic beef often means the cattle are raised in feedlots and fed a diet of organic grains or feed they wouldn’t naturally eat. This contrasts starkly with the true health benefits of grass-fed and finished beef, where cows are allowed to eat what they’re designed to eat—grass—from start to finish.
The Feedlot Conundrum: Organic Cows Eating an Unnatural Diet
Most of us assume that an organic label means cows are living happy lives on vast, green pastures. And while that might be the case in some smaller, local farms, the reality for many large-scale organic operations is very different. Organic beef is often raised in feedlots, where cattle are confined and fed organic grains like corn, soy, and other feed that cows wouldn’t naturally consume. While this feed is technically organic, it’s far from the diet nature intended for them.
But why are organic cows kept in feedlots? The simple answer is that when cows have access to pasture, they prefer to graze on grass, as they’re biologically designed to do. However, feeding cows on grass alone is more expensive and time-consuming than fattening them up quickly with organic grains. So, many organic farmers resort to feedlots to keep production costs down, even though this goes against the natural behavior and well-being of the animals.
Grass-Fed and Finished: Why it Matters
Here’s where grass-fed and finished beef comes in as the real star of the show. When cattle are grass-fed and grass-finished, they spend their entire lives grazing on the open pastures, eating the diet that evolution designed for them. This means they aren’t finished on grain to fatten them up in the last months of their lives (a common practice even with "grass-fed" beef that isn't also "finished" on grass).
But why does this matter?
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Healthier for the Cow: Cows are ruminants, meaning they’re built to digest grass, not grains. A diet of grass promotes better digestion and overall health in the cow. When cows are fed grains, even organic ones, it can lead to digestive issues and illness, which then necessitates more intervention from farmers.
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Better for You: Grass-fed and finished beef is leaner and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), and antioxidants—all of which are incredibly beneficial to human health. Grain-fed beef, even organic, tends to be higher in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation and other health issues.
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Environmental Benefits: Grass-fed cattle help maintain healthy ecosystems. Pasture-raised cattle contribute to soil health through natural grazing, which supports biodiversity and improves the environment. On the other hand, feedlots, organic or not, contribute to environmental degradation due to overcrowding, increased methane production, and excessive grain farming.
Choosing the Best Beef for Your Table—and Your Skincare
While organic food usually means a healthier, more responsible choice, beef is a bit different. In the case of beef, grass-fed and finished is the gold standard. It aligns with the cow’s natural diet and lifestyle, benefiting not only the animal’s health but also the environment—and ultimately, you.
At TalGlow, we apply this same philosophy to our skincare. Many competitors use organic tallow, but just like with beef, organic doesn't tell the whole story. Organic cows are often raised in feedlots and fed diets that aren’t natural for them. That’s why we insist on using only grass-fed and grass-finished beef tallow. Cows that graze on grass their entire lives produce purer, more nutrient-rich tallow, which translates to skincare that’s packed with the vitamins and fatty acids your skin needs to thrive.
So, the next time you’re shopping for skincare, don’t just settle for the organic label. Choose products made with grass-fed and finished tallow—because when cows eat what they’re supposed to, your skin reaps the benefits. Try TalGlow and experience the difference of truly holistic, nourishing skincare.
Shop TalGlow today and give your skin the natural care it deserves!
