Grass-fed vs Grain-fed Tallow

Here at Twine & Co, we are often asked about where we source our fat (tallow) - and is it grass-fed or grain-fed.

Let’s break down the differences between grass-fed and grain-fed tallow and why we chose to go with the more natural (and best) approach.  

Most cows start out living similar lives.
The calves are born in the early spring, drink milk from their mothers and many are then allowed to roam free and eat grass or other edible plants they find in their environment.

With grain-fed/feedlot cows this continues for about seven to nine months. After that, most conventionally raised cows are moved to feedlots.
Large feedlots are called concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). There, the cows are kept in confined stalls, often with limited space (unlike grass-fed cattle).
They are rapidly fattened up with grain-based feeds, usually made from a base of soy or corn. Sometimes, their diet is also supplemented with small amounts of dried grass.

“Most cattle marketed through abattoirs come from feedlots. In an on-farm feedlot, the farmer fattens young cattle in pens or large paddocks, using bought-in or home-grown feed. 
Commercial feedlots are the major finishers of beef... In a custom feedlot, the feedlot operator does not buy in animals. Instead, the owner of the animals sends them to the feedlot for fattening...” - farmers weekly (south africa)

This can lead to increased soil degradation, water pollution, making it a less environmentally friendly choice compared to grass-fed tallow

To maximize growth, the cows are often given drugs, such as growth stimulants and hormones.
A mortality rate of 1% to 2% is seen as normal in these feedlots - to prevent this the cows are vaccinated, dipped, dosed and given routine antibiotics - this is seen as standard practise.

The cows live in these feedlots for a few months before being brought to a slaughterhouse.

On the other hand - grass-fed beef tallow is sourced from cows that have been raised on pasture, eating grass instead of grain. This helps maintain grasslands, improve/restore soil health, reduce carbon emissions, and maintain a healthier environment/ecosystem for both the cattle and the local community. The cows are free from routine antibiotics, synthetic hormones, and other chemical additives. Grass-fed cows live in more natural environments, grazing freely on pasture, which not only impacts the nutritional quality of the fat but also supports more sustainable/regenerative farming practices.

By choosing grass-fed tallow, we’re not only supporting healthier cattle but also helping reduce agricultural waste. Grass-finished cattle minimize that impact by sticking to a natural diet of grass, which is far less resource-intensive.

It’s a more ethical, sustainable choice for anyone who is mindful of the environment.

What a cow eats can have a huge impact on the nutrient composition of the beef. This is particularly apparent when it comes to the fatty acid composition.

Monounsaturated fat: Grass-fed beef contains much less monounsaturated fat than grain-fed beef.
Omega-6 polyunsaturated fats: Grain-fed tallow may contain more omega-6 fatty acids due to the grain in the cows’ diets.
Omega-3s: This is where grass-fed really makes a major difference, containing up to five times as much omega-3, supporting better anti-inflammatory properties.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): Grass-fed beef contains about twice as much CLA as grain-fed beef. This fatty acid has been linked to various health benefits, including improved immunity and metabolic health, better cardiovascular health, and it’s potential anti-cancer effects.
Rich in Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Both types of beef tallow contain vitamins A, D, E, and K, but grass-fed, organic tallow tends to have these in higher concentrations. These fat-soluble vitamins are essential for skin health, immune support, and bone strength, and are more effectively absorbed by the body when consumed/applied in animal fat like tallow. Vitamin E especially is a powerful antioxidant that sits in your cell membranes and protects them from oxidation.
Nutrients and minerals: like choline that are excellent for promoting skin hydration, elasticity, and overall health.

Higher-quality tallow means better absorption and more nourishing properties for your skin. These nutrients help maintain a healthy, hydrated skin barrier and can be especially beneficial for sensitive skin.
When you choose tallow-based skincare made from grass-fed tallow, you’re supporting more than just a product—you’re supporting a sustainable, eco-conscious beauty routine.

Here at Twine & co, our fat (tallow) is only sourced from grass-fed cows.
In short - "You are what you eat", applies to cows, too!