Is Open Nature Grass-Fed Beef Also 100% Grass-Finished?

Grass-fed beef has surged in popularity due to its superior nutrition and more sustainable farming practices. Major grocery chains like Safeway now offer grass-fed options under their private label brands, including Open Nature. But does the “grass-fed” label mean the cattle were 100% grass-finished as well? Let’s take a closer look at what grass-fed truly entails and whether Open Nature’s beef is confirmed grass-finished.

Defining Grass-Fed vs Grass-Finished Beef

There are some key differences between grass-fed and grass-finished beef

• Grass-fed means cattle eat grass and forage after weaning but may be grain finished.

• Grass-finished cattle eat only grass and forage their entire lives with no grain feeding.

The USDA grass-fed standard only requires cattle to be grass-fed during the growing season, leaving the door open for grain feeding or confinement during winter months. The standard also allows beef to be labeled grass-fed if practices pre-date the 2007 regulation, even without formal adoption of the rules.

So while grass-fed is a good start grass-finished is really the gold standard for both ethics and nutrition.

Is Open Nature Grass-Fed Also Grass-Finished?

After reviewing Open Nature’s grass-fed ground beef packaging and website, I could not find any clear statement that the cattle meet grass-finished protocols. The label simply states:

• 100% Grass Fed
• No Antibiotics or Added Hormones
• Humanely Raised, Sustainably Farmed
• USDA Inspected

There is no mention of grass finishing or grain-free for life. I contacted Open Nature’s customer service for clarity. The representative stated their beef is 100% grass-finished, not grain finished. However, without this being clearly advertised, consumers cannot confirm the grass-finished status.

Why Grass Finishing Matters

Requiring cattle to be grass-finished from birth to harvest provides two key benefits:

Improved Nutrition

Grass finishing enhances the omega-3 content and antioxidant levels of beef. Since cattle evolved to eat grass, not grain, this 100% grass diet makes for more nutritious beef.

Avoids Feedlots

Grain finishing typically involves finishing cattle in crowded, high-stress feedlots. Grass finishing prevents this practice, promoting better welfare.

For consumers seeking both ethical and nutritious beef, grass-finished is ideal. Let’s look at how to find beef that’s guaranteed grass-finished.

Identifying True Grass-Finished Beef

Here are a few tips for finding beef that is undeniably grass-finished from start to finish:

• Look for Trusted Certifications – USDA Organic and Animal Welfare Approved require 100% grass feeding for life. The American Grassfed Association logo also ensures grass finishing.

• Read Labels Carefully – Some farms state clearly “grass-finished” or “100% grass-fed for life” on labels and websites. Don’t just rely on “grass-fed.”

• Buy Direct from Farmer – Ask local farmers directly about their practices to confirm grass finishing protocols.

While Open Nature touts sustainable practices and animal welfare, without unambiguous communication that their cattle are 100% grass-finished, consumers can’t be certain. Seek out the confirmations above to really know your beef meets grass-finished standards.

The Bottom Line

Is Open Nature grass-fed beef also grass-finished? Potentially, but not clearly stated. To ensure your beef is from cattle fed only their natural grass diet from birth to processing, look for trustworthy grass-finished certifications, labeling claims, and direct farmer verification. Voting for better beef through your purchasing decisions supports the farms taking this ethical approach. Grass-finished beef offers optimal nutrition and humane treatment – so seek it out for beef that’s good for you and good for the planet.