Is there such a thing as organic meat?

Question

I would love to be a vegetarian, because I have heard really bad things about how they treat animals. Unfortunetly, at my age, my parents would think it is some kind of rebellion (Which is kind of would be, but it would be against cruelty to animals, not against my parents.)

I was wondering, is there such a thing as organic meat? What I mean is, meat that isn't treated with chemicals, where the animals aren't stuffed into cages and are allowed to be free and live happy lives?

I am looking for alternatives so I don't feel so guilty when I enjoy eating meat. Would it be in the organic section of the food store?

Answer 1

Yes, there is organic meat. Also, if you can find it grass-fed is better than corn-fed. Cows are meant to graze on grass, and it benefits both them and you to eat meat from grass fed cows over corn or grain fed cows. This is also true of their milk...milk from grass fed cows, and dairy products have a vastly different nutritional profile (particularly in regards to the types of fats) than from traditional grain fed.

I wouldn't feel too bad about eating animals. Does the lion need to apologise for eating animals? Yes, try to get the most cruelty free options you can, there's no need to be cruel. But there's no reason to apologise for eating meat, either.

When animals hunt and kill, there is always suffering. It's just the way life is....other creatures die so that we may live. While I'm all for reducing that suffering in the form of humane killing, you still dont't need to apologise or not eat meat for it.

Answer 2

There is such a thing as Organic Meat and also a whole lot of confusion. Let me explain, you might buy organic, but still end up with the meat of an animal which was housed in a cage, but fed with organic feed! That is why it is good to understand these different terms like "Free Range", Non-GMO, Non-Anibiotics fed etc. All of this is explained here:

http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/reastobuyorm.html

Remember, a "free range" chicken need not be non-antibiotics fed unless it is explicitly stated on the label. Please read the labels to understand what you are getting.

I normally go for local small farms since going Free Range and Organic is not possible in a large scale. Another Eg., Horizon Organics, is a large organics supplier to big box retailers, claims that their animals have access to the outside but the reality is that the cows get to stay in a warehouse like building where one end is opened to the outside for a small duration during the day! Obviously, the animals do not go outside at all.

Answer 3

yes there is organic meat. Meat where the animal has been treated according to standards and not given antibiotics and such. Natural food stores would have that. You can be vegetarian at any age. Talk to your parents about it and see what they say. They are waiting to see how committed you are to it. If you show that you are committed then they might see it as a thought out action rather than rebellion. Tell them that you are thinking about becoming vegetarian and why and then wait for them to respond. It doesn't always go bad. My parents didn't take it well, but my husband's parents took it very well. His family ate vegetarian to accommodate the kids until they all moved out of the house. They are less likely to support your decision of they think it's just a phase that you'll get over. Well, my 'phase' has lasted 20 years, so I encourage you to take the first step. A lifetime of good health is in front of you.

Answer 4

Yes there is a such thing as organic meat. I believe Safeway offers it. This is meat that was corn fed, etc. Then if you want to be completely safe from mad cow you need organic AND kosher slaughtered. That's what they call it.
As to going vegetarian, why not? I did it in my 20's and my parents still thought it was rebellious and went out of their way to sabatoge me. Some parents are just like that. It's not really an age thing. Of course, if they won't keep a variety of vegetables and vegetable proteins in the house, you'd better have your own income. It will prevent alot of health problems for you to adopt at least a partial vegetarian diet. At least explore the options. Your parents may even find out they like it. My mother and I were discussing Chevy's vegie burrito last night.

Answer 5

Yes. There is organic meats, dairy, and eggs. I'm an organic farmer for many years. They produce organic meats, dairy and eggs through natural raising methods. The animals are born through organic females without any antibiotic and hormone growths. the animals are pasture raise with complete vegetarian diets with out meat by products. Never cage or left in feedlots. . Check out your local dept. of Agriculture to find an organic farmer near you. Health foods sores or maybe your local farmer will have a license to sell from the farm. I hope this help you.

Answer 6

Yes. There is organic meat. Cows, chickens, turkeys and pigs that are "range raised" so there doesn't have to be any use of steroids and antibiotics.

Your best bet is to shop at Farmer's Markets or Whole Foods.

Avoid main stream grocery stores like Safeway, Albertson's, Wal-Mart and places like that.

Be aware that the FDA has lowered the standards for marking meat and dairy "organic." So even Wal-Mart "organic" is not organic. Which is why farmer's markets and places like Whole Foods are better. You're assured the animals were reallty raised and slaughtered more humanely with freedom to pastures and no steroids or antibiotics.

Answer 7

Yes, there are many organic meats available at most grocery and health food stores. They use much more humane farming techniques and gentler methods of slaughter. Its great that you are realizing this so young. My daughter is 12 and became a vegetarian about a year ago. She loves it! Good work!

Answer 8

They use soy beans and stuff to make like a Veggie burger..I had one once at a restaurant and it was good!! You can also find the patties at a grocery store ( special isle ) Ask someone that works there and they can show you!!

Answer 9

I could really use a hamburger right now