What does the term "responsibly raised meats" indicate about the animals?

The term "responsibly raised meats" emphasizes the ethical and sustainable treatment of animals used for food. This includes ensuring that animals are fed a vegetarian diet and treated humanely throughout their lives. A vegetarian diet for livestock typically means that they are provided natural feed that promotes better health and growth while avoiding the use of animal by-products, which aligns with responsible animal husbandry practices.

Additionally, humane treatment implies that the animals are raised in environments where they have enough space to move around, enjoy access to the outdoors, and are not subjected to stress or harmful conditions. This approach to raising livestock reflects a commitment to animal welfare, which is a key principle for many consumers seeking "responsibly raised" options.

In contrast, the other options contradict the values associated with responsibly raised meat: growth hormones are not part of humane and responsible practices; crowding animals is contrary to humane treatment; and while judicious use of antibiotics can be a part of responsible animal care, it should ideally be minimized and used only when absolutely necessary, rather than as a routine practice.