The Nutritional Benefits of Pasture-Raised Chicken

Studies show the nutritional value of meat from pastured poultry that consume grass and forage is higher than meat from conventionally-raised birds. 

The majority of chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese that are raised for meat are kept inside in confined conditions and eat a diet consisting primarily of grain. Birds raised outdoors on pasture eat green plants, insects, and small animals, in addition to being fed grit and grain. They are exposed to sunshine and are able to forage, run, jump and peck. This results in healthier animals … and more nutritious food for people as well.

Birds on Pasture = Better Meat 

​Numerous studies have demonstrated that meat from pastured poultry, which have a diet rich in grass and forage, possesses greater nutritional value compared to conventionally raised birds. The difference lies in the varied and natural diet that pasture-raised birds enjoy, as opposed to the confined and grain-focused diet of their counterparts. By consuming a diverse range of food sources, including green plants, insects, and small animals, these birds acquire a wider array of essential nutrients. Consequently, the meat derived from these birds is not only more flavorful but also offers enhanced nutritional benefits, making it a healthier choice for consumers.

​Better Fat Quality

​Less saturated fat, more heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats  

► Replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats is associated with reduced blood levels of total and LDL cholesterol.
► Studies suggest that replacement reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and related deaths. 

Lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fats 

► Omega-6 fats are generally more inflammatory than omega-3 fats.
► Research suggests a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is more desirable and may improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
​► Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids can improve neural health and result in lower total mortality.

​​Increase in Nutrients

Higher levels of protein, collagen and vitamin E 

► Protein is needed to build, maintain, and repair tissue. Collagen is a type of protein that can reduce joint pain and improve athletic performance.
► Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals. 

By the numbers…

Compared to conventionally-raised poultry meat, pasture-raised poultry meat has up to: 

► 2.3x more omega-3 fats
► 3x more long-chain omega-3s
► 90% lower omega-6: omega-3 ratio
► 1.9x higher polyunsaturated: saturated fats
► 6% higher protein
► 15% more collagen
► 1.3x more vitamin E

​​The How & Why 

Forages are the edible parts of plants other than grain and include pasture vegetation and grasses. They are good sources of beneficial omega-3 fats.

In contrast, grains such as corn are dominated by more inflammatory omega-6 fats. Due to the way poultry digest their food, the beneficial fat and nutrients in the pasture are absorbed relatively unchanged before they are incorporated into the meat. When it comes to chicken, turkey, duck and goose meat, “you are what you eat!” 

In addition, meat birds that live most or all of their lives outside on pasture exercise more than birds do in confinement. This factor likely contributes to muscle development and results in higher protein and collagen content. 
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1. Pasture vegetation and grasses, known as forages, are a type of edible plant that is distinct from grains. Unlike grains like corn, forages contain beneficial omega-3 fats instead of inflammatory omega-6 fats. These omega-3 fats are considered to be good for health.

2. When poultry consume forages, their digestive system allows them to absorb the beneficial fats and nutrients from the pasture without significant changes. As a result, these beneficial components are incorporated into the meat of chicken, turkey, duck, and goose. This emphasizes the importance of the quality of their diet in determining the nutritional value of the meat.

3. Furthermore, meat birds that have the opportunity to live and roam freely on pasture tend to engage in more physical activity compared to birds kept in confinement. This increased exercise likely contributes to the development of stronger muscles and leads to higher levels of protein and collagen in the meat. Therefore, the environment in which the birds are raised plays a role in the overall quality of the meat they produce.

What Sets Pasture-Raised Chicken Apart from Conventional (Store-Bought/Factory Farmed) Chicken?

Pasture-Raised Chickens

Pasture-raised chickens are raised outdoors, on fast-growing spring and summer grasses. They are moved about in open-air chicken tractors, and supplemented with organic or non-genetically modified grains.

The Pasture-Chicken is able to get sunlight and has enough room to move so it is healthier and has significantly less stress throughout its life. Nutritionally, the Pastured chicken is superior because it is feeding on a mixed diet as Allah SWT has created it to.
​Chickens are omnivorous, and in nature they eat bugs, grasses, seeds and grains. All of these needs are met in the Pastured chicken, putting barakah in its meat. The grasses it feeds on means that it has significantly more Omega-3 fatty acids, high concentrations of Vitamin-A as well as mineral-dense bones from adequate vitamin D and calcium absorption.​

All this to say, you are what you eat. Pastured chicken is not only healthier for you, it is SIGNIFICANTLY more delicious than conventionally raised chickens. Nutrients are yummy! So in this case, if it tastes good, its good for you!
Learn more about the health benefits of pastured chicken. ​

Factory Farmed Chickens

The chickens we buy in stores today are the product of a system of oppression of both the human beings that raise them and the animals themselves. These conventionally raised chickens (store-bought/factory farmed) are grown in packed warehouses, eating only genetically modified feed filled with antibiotics and/or Arsenic to prevent the birds from dying due to the unsanitary conditions they are held in.

Conventionally raised birds never see the sun in their whole 8 weeks of life, are crowded and only feed on genetically modified grains. This is why the chicken Skin and the chicken itself has become so unhealthy; the meat and the fat of the chicken is comprised of the corn and soy oils it has fed on all of its life. When we eat the chicken then, it will raise our cholesterol due to the unnatural and oppressive conditions it was raised on.
​
Since the chickens are raised in confinement and on cheap grains funded through government subsidies, store-bought conventional chicken (yes, even the “Halal” one!) are unrealistically inexpensive. Furthermore, most of the Halal chicken sold in the market is mechanically slaughtered. 

​

Cost Difference

​​You get what you pay for. Conventional chicken is the product of oppression, and so it is cheap. Pasture-raised chickens have been moved daily, fed well, and not given antibiotics or other pharmaceuticals because its lifestyle maintains its health. Naturally, the cost will reflect that. 

​​Health Risks of Eating Conventional Chicken

​ Shopping For Poultry Meat 

“Free-range” implies that the birds were raised freely outdoors 100% of the time. However, under USDA labeling laws, this is not always the case as animals only have to be allowed access to the outdoors with no provision for how much time or space must be allowed outside.

“Pasture-raised” suggests pasture was included in the bird’s diet. However, there is no standard diet requirement and on-farm inspections are not required to verify the claim.

Because these claims are not 100% reliable or tightly regulated, look for third party verified labels, or a local farm that uses humane practices but may not be certified due to the costs involved. Learn more at: foodanimalconcernstrust.org/food-labels.

​The Bottom Line

Pasture-raised animals produce nutritionally superior food for people. In addition to the nutritional advantages, there are many animal welfare and environmental benefits associated with pasture-based animal agriculture. Please consider supporting your local family farmers who raise their animals humanely on grass and well-managed pasture. ​
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Updated June 2021 from www.foodanimalconcernstrust.org/
Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) is a national nonprofit organization that works to ensure that all food-producing animals are raised in a humane and healthy manner. FACT offers grants, scholarships, webinars and a mentorship program for livestock and poultry farmers and ranchers who wish to raise their animals on pasture.

Ready to Feed Your Family Nutritious Chicken

✔️ Hand-cut Zabiha ~ Stun-Free & Horizontally Hand Slaughtered.
✔️ Regenerative: Free Range on pasture for 8-13 weeks.
✔️ Non-GMO USDA Certified Organic all-vegetarian feed from our local supplier.
​✔️ Humanely Raised & Processed.
✔️ Raised without the use of Antibiotics, Hormones, Steroids*.
✔️ processed, and vacuum-sealed in small batches
✔️ Processed without Additives or Preservatives and has NO water or brine added...  Just chicken!

"The best halal meat I ever tasted here in America. It’s natural smell is exactly like the meat we eat in Africa. I feel like I’m back at home. I recommend you try it and I believe you will never try another meat/chicken again. Thank you Halal-N-Tayyib for farm raised meats😋😋😋😋" M. Babs

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