Bison vs The Others
Bison is either #1 or #2 in all but one category.
Venison comes in as #2 with quite a few top finishes as well.
**All Values based on 3½ oz. cooked (roasted) product [From the Nutrient Analysis Tool
|
| Bison | Beef | Pork | Salmon | Venison |
| Calories | 141.89 | 281.8 | 246.08 | 204.40 | 156.47 |
| Protein (g) | 28.18 | 25.8 | 26.89 | 21.93 | 29.97 |
| Fat (g) | 2.38 | 19.05 | 14.59 | 12.31 | 3.18 |
| Iron (mg) | 3.37 | 2.68 | .99 | .3 | 4.47 |
| Sodium (mg) | 56.66 | 60.53 | 58.54 | 60.53 | 53.58 |
| Potassium (mg) | 358.20 | 343.32 | 404.84 | 381.02 | 332.40 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | .90 | 7.58 | 5.33 | 2.48 | 1.24 |
| Monounsaturated Fat (g) | .94 | 8.29 | 6.46 | 4.4 | .87 |
| Polyunsaturated Fat (g) | .24 | .74 | 1.20 | 4.44 | .62 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 81.36 | 82.36 | 81.36 | 62.51 | 111.13 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bison healthier than beef?
Yes. Bison contains roughly 25% fewer calories and significantly less saturated fat than beef, while offering a stronger Omega-3 and CLA profile. In several cases, it's even leaner than skinless chicken or turkey.
Does bison have high iron levels?
It does, and this is one of the biggest gaps in the chart above. Bison delivers more heme iron, the most absorbable form, than beef, pork, or salmon, which matters if you're managing energy levels or supporting oxygen transport.
Why does bison have so much less saturated fat than beef?
Mostly diet and lifestyle. Beef cattle, especially conventional ones, are often grain finished and spend a good portion of their lives with limited movement. Bison graze on pasture their entire lives and simply move more, which changes how their bodies store fat. Less grain and more movement adds up to a meat that's naturally leaner, without any trimming or processing tricks involved.
Should I be worried about cholesterol in any of these meats?
Honestly, the differences here are smaller than people expect, all five sit somewhere between about 62 and 111 mg per serving, which isn't a huge range.
Salmon comes in lowest, venison highest. If cholesterol is a real concern for you, fat content probably matters more than these numbers alone, and that's where bison separates itself most clearly from beef and pork.