The Best Beef vs. The Best Beef - What's the Real "Beef?"

Guests more times than not ask us "what's the difference in your burger meat and hot dogs vs. other establishments that serve a beef burger or beef hot dog?" My answer is always the same: "There is a huge difference and let me explain..."

Here at The Prairie Dog Taproom, we proudly serve only 100% grass-fed, grass-finished Piedmontese beef in our hot dogs and burgers – no hormones, no antibiotics, and definitely no feedlot drama. Other establishments may tout their Wagyu burgers, claiming they’re the gold standard. But let’s be honest: true Japanese Wagyu is meant to be savored as a steak, where its legendary marbling turns into pure, buttery heaven. Grind it into a burger or hot dog? That magic mostly disappears, leaving you with what’s basically just fancy, overpriced ground beef. (Sorry, Wagyu – you’re amazing, but you’re not meant to be a patty.)

Authentic Japanese Wagyu is rare, ridiculously expensive, and raised under strict traditions for up to 30 months on specialized grain diets to max out the marbling. It’s unlikely any casual burger joint is using the real deal – imports are limited and cost a small fortune. Most “Wagyu” you’ll find in the U.S. or Australia is actually a crossbred version – often just 50-75% Wagyu genetics, grain-finished in feedlots (sometimes with growth hormones) for a shorter time. It’s premium, sure, but it’s not the ultra-luxury Japanese standard, and that heavy marbling just adds extra calories and fat without delivering standout benefits in ground form.

Meet Piedmontese: The Beef That’s Built Different

Piedmontese cattle, hailing from the Piedmont region of Italy, have a secret weapon: a natural double-muscling gene (thanks to an inactive myostatin gene). This gene basically tells their muscles, “Hey, keep growing and skip the fat.” The result? Think of it as the Michelangelo's David of beef: beautifully sculpted, powerfully muscled, super lean (no extra "padding" needed), yet elegant, tender, and full of that classic flavor punch.

Because of this double-muscling trait, at The Prairie Dog Taproom, our Piedmontese beef is naturally lower in calories (up to two-thirds less fat than conventional beef), cholesterol, and saturated fats. Yet it cooks up tender and juicy every time – perfect for burgers and hot dogs that don’t need a grease slick to stay moist.

And here’s where it gets even better: our Piedmontese is raised the right way – grazing freely on lush pastures their entire lives. That means:

• Higher omega-3 fatty acids (up to 5x more) for better heart and brain health

• More conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), linked to reduced body fat, improved metabolism, and potential cancer-fighting properties

• Elevated vitamins A and E, plus antioxidants and minerals

• No hormones or antibiotics – just pure, ethical, sustainable beef

The result? Burgers and hot dogs that are tender, flavorful, and clean-tasting – and you can actually feel good about eating them.

Watch this 2-minute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtZ2db85nC8

So why pay more for overhyped ground Wagyu when you can have Piedmontese that’s naturally leaner, healthier, and downright delicious? Swing by The Prairie Dog Taproom today and taste why our grass-fed Piedmontese burgers and hot dogs are the smarter (and tastier) choice. Your taste buds – and probably your body – will thank you.

The Prairie Dog Taproom. Gather. Savor. Celebrate!©

By: Jimmy and Michael Chidiac A/K/A The Prairie Dog Boys

FAQs - What's the Real Beef?

1. What makes The Prairie Dog Taproom’s burgers and hot dogs different from other places?

At The Prairie Dog Taproom, we use 100% grass-fed, grass-finished Piedmontese beef for all our burgers and hot dogs. Our beef contains no hormones, no antibiotics, and is never raised in feedlots. Piedmontese is a heritage cattle breed from the Piedmont region of Italy. These cattle carry a natural double-muscling gene (an inactive myostatin gene) that builds more muscle with far less fat. The result: This means cleaner flavor, better animal welfare, and a naturally leaner, healthier product than typical grain-finished beef.

6. Is Piedmontese beef healthier than regular beef?

Yes, Piedmontese beef can be a healthier choice than conventional beef. It can have up to two-thirds less fat, along with lower calories, cholesterol, and saturated fats.
At The Prairie Dog Taproom, our grass-fed Piedmontese also offers higher omega‑3s, more CLA, and elevated vitamins A and E.

2. Why do you use Piedmontese beef instead of Wagyu for burgers?

Authentic Japanese Wagyu is designed to be enjoyed as a steak, where its extreme marbling turns into a rich, buttery texture. Once it’s ground into burger or hot dog form, most of that “wow” factor disappears, leaving you with very expensive ground beef. Piedmontese, on the other hand, stays tender, juicy, and flavorful as a burger while being naturally leaner and lower in fat.

7. Why does your beef taste so tender if it’s so lean?

Thanks to the Piedmontese double-muscling gene, the muscle fibers are naturally fine and tender even without heavy marbling.
This unique genetics allows our burgers and hot dogs to cook up juicy and soft without needing a high fat content. You get a great bite and rich beef flavor without the greasy, heavy feel.

3. Is the “Wagyu” in most burgers real Japanese Wagyu?

Most “Wagyu” used in burgers in the U.S. or Australia is crossbred (often 50–75% Wagyu genetics) and grain-finished in feedlots, sometimes with growth hormones. True Japanese Wagyu is rare, heavily regulated, and extremely costly, making it unlikely to be used in everyday burger joints.

8. What are the nutritional benefits of your grass-fed, grass-finished Piedmontese beef?

Grass-fed, grass-finished Piedmontese beef can provide:

• Up to 5x more omega‑3 fatty acids than conventional grain-fed beef;

• Higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), linked to fat metabolism and potential cancer-fighting properties;

• More vitamins A and E, plus added antioxidants and minerals;
  All of this comes with significantly less fat and fewer calories.

5. Why might I choose your Piedmontese burger over a Wagyu burger?

If you want a burger that is flavorful, tender, and better aligned with health and sustainability goals, Piedmontese is the better fit. Wagyu in ground form mainly adds more fat and calories without delivering its full premium steak experience. Our Piedmontese burgers give you a smarter balance: great taste, great texture, and better-for-you nutrition.

4. Is your beef suitable for people watching their weight or heart health?

Piedmontese beef’s lower fat, lower calorie, and lower cholesterol profile makes it a smart option for many health-conscious guests. The higher omega‑3s and CLA may also support heart health and metabolism. Of course, individual dietary needs vary, but many guests choose our burgers and hot dogs as a lighter, cleaner way to enjoy beef.

9. Where can I try Piedmontese burgers and hot dogs?

You can enjoy 100% grass-fed, grass-finished Piedmontese burgers and hot dogs at The Prairie Dog Taproom. Visit us to taste the difference for yourself and see why our guests ask about our beef. Gather, savor, and celebrate with a burger that’s both delicious and thoughtfully sourced.