Meat Buying Guide

When it comes to buying meat, the options can be overwhelming. With choices ranging from Organic and Pastured / Grass-fed to Conventional, making an informed decision is important for both your health and the environment. We sell all three distinctions at The Big Carrot, and our comprehensive Meat Buying Guide will help you make educated choices that align with your values and health goals.

Download our Meat Buying Guide here!

Organic Meat

Organic meat comes from animals raised on Certified Organic Farms, adhering to stringent standards for health and welfare. These animals are not given synthetic growth hormones or antibiotics and are fed organic, non-GMO feed. They enjoy access to pasture and are raised under strict welfare guidelines, ensuring a humane living environment. Choosing organic meat supports sustainable farming practices, reduces exposure to harmful chemicals, and promotes environmental health, making it a top choice for conscientious consumers.

Organic Meat Facts-

Certified Organic Feed: Animals are fed a strictly organic, non-GMO diet.

No Synthetic Hormones or Antibiotics: The use of synthetic growth hormones and routine antibiotics is prohibited; antibiotics can only be used to treat illness.

Pasture Access: Animals must have access to pasture during the grazing season, promoting natural behaviors and reducing stress.

Strict Welfare Standards: Organic farming practices include stringent animal welfare guidelines to ensure humane treatment.

Annual Inspections: Farms are subject to annual third-party inspections to ensure compliance with organic standards.

Environmental Sustainability: Organic farming practices focus on sustainability, including soil health, biodiversity, and reduced use of synthetic chemicals.

Canada Organic Standard: Organic meat is governed by the federally regulated Canada Organic Standard, ensuring consistent quality and practices across certified farms.

Organic Meat Brands We Sell: Field Gate Organics, Belanger Organic Farms, duBreton, Yorkshire Valley Farms, Voltigeurs Farms.

Pastured / Grass-Fed Meat

Pastured / Grass-fed meat comes from animals that graze on natural pastures, following their natural diet, resulting in meat that is richer in beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants. These animals have continuous access to pasture, promoting natural behaviors and reducing stress, without confinement. Grass-fed systems are more sustainable, supporting soil health and reducing the need for synthetic inputs. Additionally, these animals are not given routine antibiotics or synthetic hormones, and their feed is non-GMO.

Pastured / Grass-Fed Meat Facts-

Non-GMO Commitment: Animals are fed a non-GMO diet.
No Regulated Claim: Not governed by a regulated claim.
No 3rd Party Inspections: Not subject to third-party inspections.
Natural Diet: Grass/forage diet for the lifetime of ruminant animals, with the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning.
Continuous Pasture Access: Animals have continuous access to pasture and stored forage in winter.
No Grain Diet: No grain or grain byproducts in the diet.
No Routine Antibiotics: Committed to sourcing and raising livestock without the use of antibiotics or added hormones.

Pastured / Grass-fed Meat Brands We Sell: Weber's Pastured Meat, Field Gate Organics, Howick Community Farmers.

Conventional Meat

At The Big Carrot, we offer a selection of conventional meat options that meet our high standards for quality and safety. Our conventional meat products come from trusted brands like DuBreton and Beretta Farms, ensuring that they meet all regulatory safety standards, including being free from added hormones and undergoing rigorous antibiotic testing before processing. While conventional meat is more affordable and widely available, we understand the importance of providing choices that align with varying consumer preferences. Whether you're looking for poultry, pork, or beef, our conventional meat selection at The Big Carrot ensures that you can find a reliable option for your culinary needs while maintaining peace of mind regarding quality and ethical standards.

Conventional Meat Facts-

Conventional Feed: Animals are fed conventional feed which can contain GMOs.
Supply-Managed Commodity: Canadian meat is a pooled supply-managed commodity.
Hormone-Free: Canadian meat is free from added hormones.
Antibiotic Testing: Meat is tested for antibiotics prior to processing.
Grain Diet: Diet includes grains and grain byproducts.
Pasture Access: Animals have access to pasture.

Conventional Meat Brands We Sell: DuBreton, Liberterre, Certified Humane, Cumbrae's.

Whether you opt for Organic, Pastured / Grass-fed, or Conventional meat, being well-informed empowers you to make choices that resonate with your values. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to email us at info@thebigcarrot or visit in-store and speak to our staff nutritionists.

Please note: Some brands are not available at all of our locations.