Outdoor Access or Pasture Raised: What’s Best for the Chicken?

Food labels for beef, chicken, and pork are important. Of course, there are the certified labels, but those don’t always tell you everything a farm does to ensure animal welfare and the quality of the food. Descriptive labels, like “pasture raised,” “grass fed,” and “sustainable,” are all clues to help you determine the quality of the food and how the animals lived their lives. 

While you don’t always find what you’re looking for in terms of quality and ethics in a store, there is ethically raised grass fed beef and pastured chicken online. As you read about these foods, you might wonder what the difference is between animals raised outdoors and those with access to the outdoors, and how these differences affect the meat. 

What Does “Pasture Raised” Mean for Animals? 

Pasture raised chicken and pork live outdoors, with shelters for sleeping or protection from unexpected weather. This supports the animals’ quality of life, leading to better nutrient absorption and less stress. It also means the food on your plate is a healthier option. Ethical and regenerative farming means using practices that support the land, such as rotating grazing pastures, just as much as they support the animals.

Pasture Raised Vs. Free Range
You might recognize other descriptions, like “free range,” that sound similar to pasture raised. Pasture raised is the gold standard. Free-range just means the animals weren't caged, but it doesn’t guarantee ample space or outdoor access. 

What Does “Access to Outdoors” Mean for Animals?

“Access to the outdoors” is not a regulated farming term. It could mean anything from the birds looking out of an open window to the birds roaming around in a small pen outdoors. If the animals were pasture raised, it will say so.

Can You Tell the Difference Between Pasture Raised Animals and Others?

You can usually tell when you’re eating high-quality meat. The texture and flavor reflect the animals’ living standards. Even chicken breast and grass fed beef tallow taste better when they come from a smaller, ethical farm that prioritizes the animals’ lives. So, finding a quality option that aligns with your values is beneficial for many reasons. 

About Primal Pastures

Primal Pastures knows that meat only brings more flavor and nutrients to the table with gold-standard farming practices. Primal Pastures sets a new precedent for quality standards, with open areas for animals and ethical, regenerative farming practices that help you get the best grass fed and finished beef online. With healthy diets and lifestyles, their animals absorb more nutrients and deliver more to your plate for well-rounded meals with exceptional taste.

Learn more about Primal Pastures farming standards and practices at https://primalpastures.com/