What Happens to Cows Used for Food?

Ever looked into the big brown eyes of a cow? They’re enough to make your heart melt!

Cows are actually a lot like us. They play games, hold grudges, and form lasting friendships. They’re also excellent mothers who love and protect their calves—they even take turns babysitting for each other. Cows have been known to jump fences to search for lost calves. The milk they make is for their babies, not for humans.

Cows Suffer When They’re Used for Milk and Meat

In order to make them grow more quickly, cows on factory farms are pumped full of antibiotics that are illegal in many countries. They’re also dehorned—which means that farmers remove their sensitive horn tissue or the horns themselves using hot irons, chemicals, or hand saws. This hurts cows very much, but farmers do it anyway so the animals can’t defend themselves. Cows are also branded with burning-hot irons without being given any pain relief. If you’ve ever accidentally touched a hot pan, this feels similar but much worse!

Here’s What You Can Do to Help Cows Used for Food!

Cows are smart, friendly animals. They don’t want to be made into hamburgers or steaks, and they don’t want their milk to be stolen. So humans shouldn’t eat their bodies or drink their milk.

There are lots of meat-free and dairy-free foods available in most grocery stores. Meat-free meatballs, Beyond Burgers, oat milk, and cashew-based ice cream are all delicious, and no cows are hurt for them. Don’t think you could give up cheese? You don’t have to! Just try Follow Your Heart vegan cheese slices and shreds or Daiya wedges.

Get more information on helping cows used for food: