Pasture-Raised Chicken vs. Free-Range: What’s the Difference?

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March 3, 2025

When shopping for high-quality poultry, you’ve probably come across labels like "pasture-raised chicken" and "free-range." While they might seem similar, there are key differences that impact the way the chickens are raised, their diet, and even the flavor of the meat. Understanding these distinctions can help you make a more informed choice for your meals.

What Is Pasture-Raised Chicken?

Pasture-raised chicken comes from birds that spend most of their lives outdoors, freely roaming on open fields with access to fresh grass, bugs, and natural forages. These chickens live in a natural environment where they can peck, scratch, and move around as they please.

Outdoor Access – Pasture-raised chickens have nearly unlimited access to open pasture, ensuring they get fresh air and sunlight daily.
Natural Diet – They eat a diet rich in grass, seeds, insects, and supplemented grains, which contributes to richer flavor and healthier meat.
Better Nutrition – Studies show that pasture-raised chicken tends to have higher levels of Omega-3s, vitamins, and antioxidants compared to conventionally raised birds.

What Is Free-Range Chicken?

Free-range chicken, on the other hand, means the birds have access to the outdoors—but the extent of that access can vary. In many cases, free-range chickens live in barns with doors that allow them to go outside, but space and time outdoors may be limited.

Outdoor Access – Free-range chickens are required to have some outdoor access, but the amount of time and space is not always defined.
Diet Differences – While they may eat some natural forages, they often consume a grain-based diet similar to conventionally raised chickens.
More Regulation – Free-range is a regulated term by the USDA, but it doesn’t guarantee the chickens spend most of their lives outside.

Key Differences: Pasture-Raised vs. Free-Range

Feature	Pasture-Raised Chicken	Free-Range Chicken
Outdoor Time	Majority of the day	Limited, varies by farm
Diet	Grass, bugs, grains	Mostly grains, some foraging
Meat Quality	Richer flavor, leaner	Milder flavor, softer texture
Nutritional Value	Higher Omega-3s & vitamins	Moderate nutrition benefits
Farming Practices	More natural, ethical	Improved over conventional but varies

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for the most natural, nutrient-dense option with superior flavor, pasture-raised chicken is the way to go. These chickens live in a more natural habitat, benefiting from fresh air and a diverse diet. However, if pasture-raised options aren’t available, free-range is still a better choice than conventionally farmed poultry.

Final Thoughts

Both pasture-raised and free-range chickens offer benefits over factory-farmed poultry, but pasture-raised chicken provides a superior nutritional profile, better flavor, and a more ethical farming approach. Next time you're shopping for chicken, checking labels and understanding these differences will help you choose a healthier, more sustainable option for your family.

👉 Get your high-quality, Pasture-Raised Chicken today: Shop Now

How Long Do Uncooked Animal Organs Last in the Fridge?

If you’ve recently stocked up on nutrient-rich animal organs like liver, heart, or kidneys, you’re probably asking yourself the practical question: How long do these actually last in the fridge before I need to cook them? Good news—you’re not alone. Whether you're a seasoned nose-to-tail eater or just trying organ meats for the first time, storing them properly makes all the difference in flavor and food safety. So let’s dig in. The Short Answer: Not Very Long Raw organ meats are incredibly nutritious, but also incredibly delicate. Unlike regular cuts of meat, they don’t hang around too long in the fridge. Here’s a quick guide to help: Liver, heart, and kidneys: best used within 1 to 2 days of refrigerating. If you’ve vacuum-sealed them or they came pre-packaged tightly, you might get away with 3 days, tops. Always trust your senses—if the smell is off, the color’s changed dramatically, or the texture feels slimy, don’t take chances. Basically, organ meats are best when they’re fresh. If you know you won’t get to them in time, your freezer is your best friend. Tips to Keep Organ Meats Fresher, Longer These cuts are loaded with vitamins and minerals, but they also spoil quickly. Here’s how to give them the best shot at staying fresh: Keep them cold. Store them in the coldest part of your fridge—usually near the back, not on the door. Wrap them tightly. If the original packaging isn’t airtight, use plastic wrap or a zip-lock bag to prevent air from getting in. Freeze them if you’re not cooking them soon. Frozen organ meats (when properly sealed) will hold up well for 3 to 4 months. A little prep goes a long way here. Why Organ Meats Are Worth It Yes, they’re a bit more high-maintenance. But organ meats are nutritional powerhouses—loaded with B vitamins, iron, and other essential nutrients. And when cooked right? They’re delicious. Think seared beef liver with caramelized onions, or a slow-cooked beef heart stew that tastes like comfort in a bowl. Final Thoughts So how long do raw animal organs last in the fridge? One to two days is your safe window. After that, they’re better off in the freezer than forgotten in the back of the fridge. With proper storage, you can enjoy the rich flavor and unbeatable nutrition of these cuts without worry. Just plan ahead, keep them cold, and savor every bite.Looking for trustworthy, clean, pasture-raised organ meats? We love Ferguson Farms. Their animals are grass-fed and humanely raised—and it really shows in the quality of the meat.

Pasture-Raised Chicken vs. Free-Range: What’s the Difference?

What Is Pasture-Raised Chicken?

What Is Free-Range Chicken?

Key Differences: Pasture-Raised vs. Free-Range

Which One Should You Choose?

Final Thoughts

More from the blog

How Long Do Uncooked Animal Organs Last in the Fridge?

Lunch Meat: A Guide to Choosing the Best Options

How to Cook Pasture-Raised Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Ferguson Farms, LLC