Is Bison Less Inflammatory Than Beef? A Nutritional Comparison

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in ScienceDirect, bison consumption resulted in a reduced atherogenic risk and lower inflammatory markers compared to beef. But beyond cardiovascular risk, the key question for many health-conscious consumers is: Is bison less inflammatory than beef? The answer largely lies in the differing nutritional profiles and farming practices of these two red meats.

Quick Summary

Bison meat typically offers a more favorable fatty acid profile with higher anti-inflammatory omega-3s compared to conventional grain-fed beef. Its leaner nature and primarily grass-fed diet contribute to a lower inflammatory potential, impacting overall health.

Key Points

Fatty Acid Ratio: Grass-fed bison has a healthier, lower omega-6 to omega-3 ratio compared to conventional grain-fed beef, which is crucial for reducing inflammation.
Scientific Evidence: Clinical trials demonstrate that bison consumption leads to lower inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and better vascular function than conventional beef consumption.
Primarily Grass-Fed: Most bison is pasture-raised and grass-fed, a practice that boosts its anti-inflammatory fatty acid content, unlike conventional beef that is often grain-finished.
Leaner Protein Source: Bison is significantly leaner than conventional beef, containing less total fat and saturated fat, which benefits cardiovascular health.
Mineral and Antioxidant Rich: Bison is a great source of minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant, and zinc, both of which play roles in fighting inflammation and supporting immunity.
Overall Health: Choosing bison over conventional beef can be a proactive step toward a more anti-inflammatory diet and improved metabolic health.

The Core Difference: Fatty Acid Profile

The primary reason bison is often considered less inflammatory than conventional beef is its fatty acid composition. The balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is a critical factor in the body's inflammatory response. While omega-6 fatty acids are essential, a modern diet often contains an excess of them, which can promote inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, are anti-inflammatory. Bison, especially when grass-fed, has a significantly more balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio than conventional grain-fed beef.

Omega-3 vs. Omega-6: The Crucial Ratio

Conventional Beef: Grain-finished cattle, which make up the majority of the market, are fed diets high in corn and soy. This results in meat with a higher fat content and a significantly higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which may contribute to systemic inflammation.
Grass-Fed Bison: Bison are primarily pasture-raised and consume grass. Their natural diet leads to a more favorable fatty acid composition with a much lower omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Some sources suggest a ratio as low as 4:1 in grass-fed bison, which aligns more closely with a healthier inflammatory balance.

The Impact of Diet: Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed

The diet of the animal plays a direct and significant role in the nutritional profile of the meat. Bison's historical and typical grazing habits are a major differentiator from conventional beef production.

Grass-Fed Sustainability: Bison are naturally suited to grazing on open pastures, a practice that is more sustainable and beneficial for the animal's health. This natural diet directly influences the meat's composition, boosting its anti-inflammatory properties.
Conventional Feedlots: The vast majority of beef cattle are grain-finished in feedlots to speed up growth. This practice increases total fat and alters the fatty acid profile in a way that can be more inflammatory for the consumer. It's worth noting that while grass-fed beef exists and shares many benefits with bison, bison farming practices are more consistently grass-fed.

Clinical Evidence on Inflammation Markers

Research has provided direct evidence supporting bison's lower inflammatory potential. A significant study published in 2013 compared the effects of both acute (single meal) and chronic (7 weeks) consumption of bison and beef on various health markers in healthy men.

Key findings from the study:

Acute Meal: A single beef meal led to elevated markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, and a reduction in vascular function. In contrast, a single bison meal resulted in a smaller increase in triglycerides, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress remained unchanged.
Chronic Consumption: After 7 weeks, the beef-consuming group showed significant increases in several inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, C-reactive protein) and reduced vascular function. The group consuming bison meat did not experience these adverse changes.
Reduced Atherogenic Risk: The study's authors concluded that bison consumption results in a reduced atherogenic risk compared to beef, indicating a better outcome for cardiovascular health.

Nutritional Comparison: Bison vs. Beef


Nutrient (per 4 oz ground)	Conventional Beef (85% Lean)	Grass-Fed Bison	Key Takeaway
Calories	~280 kcal	~210-220 kcal	Bison is significantly leaner.
Total Fat	~20g	~10g	Much lower fat content in bison.
Saturated Fat	~8g	~4g	Less saturated fat in bison.
Protein	~21g	~22g+	Bison offers slightly more protein.
Omega-3s	Low	Higher	Higher concentration in bison.
Selenium	Moderate	Higher	Bison is a more potent source.
Iron	High	High	Both are excellent sources of iron.

Beyond Inflammation: Additional Health Benefits of Bison

While its anti-inflammatory properties are a major advantage, bison offers other nutritional benefits that make it an attractive alternative to beef.

Higher Protein: Bison meat contains a slightly higher concentration of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
Rich in Minerals: It is an excellent source of essential minerals, including iron, zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. Selenium, in particular, functions as a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and supports immune function.
Excellent Vitamin Profile: Bison is especially rich in B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve health and red blood cell formation.
Leaner Meat: Its lower fat and saturated fat content, along with fewer calories per serving, make it a smart choice for those managing heart health or watching their calorie intake.

The Importance of Sourcing

While bison is generally a healthier option, consumers should be aware that some commercially-available bison can be grain-finished, especially as demand grows. Always look for grass-fed or grass-finished labels to ensure you are getting the most favorable nutritional profile. Grass-fed beef is also an excellent option that shares many of the anti-inflammatory benefits of bison.

Conclusion: Is Bison the Better Choice?

For those specifically looking to reduce inflammation and promote heart health, the answer is a resounding yes: bison is generally less inflammatory than conventional grain-fed beef. Its naturally leaner profile, more favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, and higher antioxidant content make it a superior choice from an anti-inflammatory perspective. Clinical studies have shown tangible benefits in reduced inflammatory markers and improved vascular function in those consuming bison compared to beef. While grass-fed beef offers similar advantages, the consistency of grass-fed practices in bison farming provides a reliable health benefit. Ultimately, choosing high-quality, grass-fed meat—whether bison or beef—is a positive step for managing inflammation and supporting overall wellness.

For more detailed information on the fatty acid differences between grass-fed and grain-fed meats, consult a trusted resource like the US Wellness Meats blog: The Ultra-Lean, Inflammation-Fighting Beef Alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While most bison is pasture-raised, some producers may grain-finish their animals. To ensure you're getting the most anti-inflammatory benefits, look for bison explicitly labeled 'grass-fed' or 'grass-finished,' as this guarantees a more favorable fatty acid profile.

Grass-fed beef shares many of the same anti-inflammatory benefits as bison, including a more favorable omega fatty acid ratio than conventional beef. However, bison farming practices are more consistently grass-fed than beef farming, making it a more reliable choice if sourcing is a concern.

Bison's anti-inflammatory properties come primarily from its higher concentration of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and its antioxidant content, specifically selenium. These components help reduce cellular stress and dampen the body's inflammatory response.

Cooking method can impact the overall healthfulness of any meat. For bison, due to its lean nature, it's best to cook it gently to avoid overcooking and preserve its nutrients. High-heat cooking can produce compounds that may contribute to inflammation, regardless of the meat type.

Some sources suggest that bison is non-allergenic and may be tolerated by some individuals with red meat allergies, particularly those with a mammalian meat allergy (Alpha-gal syndrome) triggered by tick bites. However, this varies by individual, and you should always consult a doctor or allergist for advice.

This ratio is critical for health because an imbalance can promote chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body. Omega-6s are pro-inflammatory, and while essential, they are often over-consumed in modern diets. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory, and increasing their intake relative to omega-6s is beneficial for health.

The taste is similar, but bison is often described as slightly richer and sweeter, without the gamey flavor some might expect. Its lean nature also means it can taste less fatty than conventional beef.