Keto, Nutrient Density, and Why Grassfed Beef Makes a Difference

I’ve been eating a ketogenic diet for a couple of years now, and it’s had a real impact on my health. I dropped weight quickly, and my energy has been better than it’s been in decades. I’m not a nutrition expert, just someone who pays attention to how food makes me feel. Keto has been a steady path for me, and I’m grateful for it.

As I’ve settled into the routine, I’ve learned that the type of fat you eat matters just as much as the amount. Many people look for the highest-fat ground beef they can find, but I’ve always felt that where the fat comes from is a bigger deal. Grassfed cattle store nutrients differently than grain-fed cattle. When animals are on pasture, their fat naturally carries more omega-3s, beta-carotene, CLA, and a better balance of fat-soluble vitamins. These nutrients don’t come from a supplement; they come from the grass itself, through a healthy rumen that’s doing what it’s supposed to do.

At Tyner Pond Farm, our Ancestral Blend is just our regular 100% grassfed ground beef with about 10% organ meat mixed in. That small addition adds B vitamins, iron, and trace minerals in a simple, natural way. From a fat standpoint, it’s basically the same as our standard 90/10, but the nutrient density is stronger because you’re getting a broader range of what the animal carried in its tissues.

For those of us eating keto, this matters. Keto depends on fat for fuel, but the quality of that fat affects how you feel and how steady your energy is. A high-fat grind from the grocery store isn't always the same thing as fat from a cow that spent its life on pasture, without grain, antibiotics, or chemical inputs. I’ve noticed that the cleaner and more nutrient-dense the fat is, the easier it is to stay consistent.

When I need more fat in a meal, I usually keep it simple—tallow, butter, olive oil, or homemade mayo. Adding fat this way gives you control over both the amount and the source. Most nights I eat a New York strip, a big salad, and some added fat. It’s nothing fancy, just food that supports the way I want to feel.

One thing I appreciate about keto is how straightforward the feedback is. I test every morning, and I stay pretty steady around 1.0 to 1.3. If something wasn’t right the day before, I’ll see it immediately. That kind of clarity makes it easy to adjust. You don’t have to guess what worked—you see it, and you move forward.

Keto means different things for different people, but the principle is the same: keep the food real, keep it simple, and pay attention to how your body responds. For me, nutrient density has been the foundation. Grassfed beef, organ meats, eggs, raw dairy, and healthy fats give me what I need without a lot of complication.

If you’re starting keto or trying to refine it, I’m always glad to talk about it. It has changed my life, and I’ve seen how much difference good food can make.

FAQs

What fat content is in Tyner Pond Farm’s Ancestral Blend ground beef?
Our Ancestral Blend is essentially a 90/10 grassfed ground beef with about 10% organ meat added for more B vitamins, iron, and trace minerals.

Why does grassfed fat matter on a keto diet?
Grassfed cattle store nutrients differently than feedlot cattle. Their fat includes naturally higher omega-3s, beta-carotene, CLA, and a better balance of fat-soluble vitamins.

Does organ meat help with nutrient density?
Yes. Organ meat carries B vitamins and minerals that aren’t always present in large amounts in muscle meat alone.

How do you increase fat intake on keto without relying on processed ingredients?
Simple additions work well—tallow, butter, olive oil, or homemade mayo. This keeps you in control of both the quality and the amount.

Does daily testing help with keto?
Daily ketone testing gives instant feedback on what you ate the day before. It makes it easier to fine-tune your diet because you see the results right away.