
What’s in my Hot Dog?
April 16, 2025Our pasture-raised pork hails from Wisconsin family farms, where pigs have access to the outdoors and graze on well-managed pastures. Raised without antibiotics or growth hormones, they enjoy low-stress handling and rotational grazing for their health and happiness and the vitality of our pastures.
Not only is our animals raised using regenerative practices, but they also boast many benefits including excellent flavor. Here are just some of the great benefits of filling your freezer with pastured pork from Wisconsin Meadows:
Nutritional Benefits
- Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Pigs on pasture diets typically produce pork with increased omega-3 fatty acid content, beneficial for heart and brain health.
- Better Vitamin Content
- Pastured pork is often richer in fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D, due to increased sun exposure, and Vitamin E, from a diverse diet.
- Higher Antioxidant Levels
- Pasture-raised pork often contains higher levels of antioxidants like selenium and carotenoids, which support overall health.
Flavor and Quality
- Improved Taste
- Many people prefer the flavor of pastured pork, which is described as richer and more complex, partly due to the varied diet of pasture-raised pigs.
- Tender Texture
- The active lifestyle of pastured pigs can lead to better muscle tone and a more appealing texture in the meat.
Animal Welfare Benefits
- Healthier Living Conditions
- Pigs on pasture have access to fresh air, sunshine, and room to move, reducing stress and promoting healthier animals.
- Natural Behaviors
- Pastured pigs can root, forage, and wallow, which are essential for their physical and mental well-being.
Environmental and Ethical Benefits
- Soil Health
- Well-managed pasturing systems improve soil fertility through natural manure fertilization and reduced soil compaction.
- Reduced Use of Antibiotics
- With better health from natural living conditions, pastured pigs require fewer antibiotics compared to those raised in confinement.
- Support for Sustainable Farming
- Raising pigs on pasture is part of regenerative agriculture practices that emphasize biodiversity, soil health, and minimal environmental impact.
Economic and Local Impact
- Support for Small-Scale Farmers
- Purchasing pastured pork often benefits local, small-scale farmers committed to sustainable practices.
- Traceability
- Consumers often know more about the source and quality of the meat, ensuring better transparency in food production.
By choosing Wisconsin Meadows pastured pork, you support healthier animals, improved nutrition, and environmentally sustainable farming practices from farmers right here in Wisconsin, while enjoying a superior-tasting product.