Have you ever contemplated giving up meat for ethical reasons? Not everyone is aware of the conventional processes used to produce these meats that we find in grocery stores. There is vast research done on the nutritional benefits of consuming a diet with a variety of animal-based meat products. Is ignorance really bliss if we want to feel healthy while turning a blind eye to the treatment of the animals we consume? Two realities can exist at the same time- we love animals but we understand the benefits to consuming them as a part of a well balanced diet.
Let’s chat about what sets us Ottawa Valley Meats apart and the important aspects that puts us a grade above the rest.
Animal Welfare - Grocery Store Suppliers:
These are the common practices..
- Animals are confined to very small living quarters where they are subjected to stress and illness due to these conditions
- They can not roam freely
- Most animals are forced to fall asleep standing upright due to the lack of space to simply lay down.
Animal Welfare - Ottawa Valley Meats Butchers:
We seek and often work with farms that follow these customs..
- There is plenty of space for every animal, we do not crowd our animals into factories.
- Our animals are free-range. They can go outdoors, run around, and act out their animal instincts without restraints.
- They can sleep whenever and wherever they wish to.
Use Of Antibiotics and Hormones - Grocery Store Suppliers:
- Due to the illnesses and stress their animals are subjected to, these farmers will pump all sorts of antibiotics and hormones to make them “well” again. The injections used for the treatment of these animals reduces the nutritional benefits the consumers are digesting.
- In turn we are consuming these antibiotics and hormones in immeasurable amounts.
Use Of Antibiotics and Hormones - Ottawa Valley Meats:
- Our animals are 100% non-therapeutic antibiotic and hormone free. If an animal falls ill, that animal is removed from the herd to reduce the risk of the sickness spreading. It’s as simple as that.
- This results in a better tasting, healthier cut of meat.
Use Of Water Injections and a Low-Quality Diet - Grocery Store Suppliers:
- Water injections are used to increase the weight of protein portions in stores. The products you are purchasing have a lot of water as filler and are charged by the lb or kg
- Conventionally raise animals are fed grains and filler food to bulk them up quickly
Use of Water Injections - Ottawa Valley Meats:
- We do not inject our animals with water, resulting in a higher quality meat.
- Our animals are allowed to grow and eat food that is healthy for them AND us, not food that is designed to make them gain weight as fast as possible.
Health Benefits Of Grass Fed Meats - Ottawa Valley Meats:
- Grass Fed Meats contain the most nutritious vitamins such as B3, B6, B12, iron, zinc, and selenium. These vitamins are connected heavily to brain development, digestive support, metabolism, energy production, red blood cell formation, oxygen transportation, muscle function, and immune support.
https://thehealthyrd.com/the-13-important-health-benefits-of-grass-fed-beef/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2846864/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0309174013004944?via%3Dihub
The welfare of the animals you consume is important for many factors. These animals deserve a happy and peaceful life. If an animal is stressed out, you can taste it. Supporting farmers who genuinely care for their animals not only makes a difference for humane purposes, but also reflects on the meal you serve to your loved ones. Now's the time to make the switch from grocery store meat to Ottawa Valley Meats!
Want to learn more about the living conditions and eating habits for our animals? Please check out our “ABOUT OUR ANIMALS” page!
Written by Melissa Ieraci, RHN
@make_shifts_happen
Ottawa Valley Meats Nutritionist
