What’s the Best Chicken Feed? Ultimate Guide for Healthy, Happy Hens in 2025

Are ya tired of standing in the feed store aisle, staring at dozens of chicken feed options and wondering which one’s actually worth your money? Trust me, I’ve been there too! After raising chickens for years, I’ve learned that picking the right feed isn’t just about price – it’s about giving your flock exactly what they need to thrive.

In this comprehensive guide, I’m gonna share everything you need to know about choosing the best chicken feed for your backyard chickens. Whether you’ve got baby chicks, growing pullets, or egg-laying hens, I’ve got you covered!

Why Chicken Feed Matters More Than You Think

Before we dive into specific brands and types, let’s talk about why good chicken feed is so important. Your chickens health, egg production, and even the taste of those eggs depends largely on what they eat.

Think of it this way – you are what you eat, and so are your chickens! And those eggs you collect? They’re directly influenced by the nutrition your hens receive.

Understanding Different Types of Chicken Feed

Chickens have different nutritional requirements depending on their age and purpose Here’s a breakdown of the main types

Starter Feed

• Protein content: 18-20%
• For: Baby chicks up to 8 weeks
• Texture: Usually crumbles (easier for tiny beaks)
• Can be: Medicated or non-medicated

Grower Feed

• Protein content: 16-18%
• For: Pullets from 8-18 weeks
• Helps: Support growth and development
• Texture: Often crumbles or small pellets

Layer Feed

• Protein content: 16%
• For: Hens over 18 weeks old
• Special feature: Higher calcium content for eggshell production
• Texture: Available as crumbles, mash, or pellets

All-Flock or Flock Raiser

• Protein content: 16-20%
• For: Mixed flocks of different ages
• Note: Additional calcium needed for layers (like oyster shell)

Feed Formats: What’s the Difference?

The physical form of your chicken feed matters almost as much as what’s in it:

• Mash: Finely ground feed, good for chicks but can be wasteful
• Crumbles: Mash that’s been processed into small pieces, less waste
• Pellets: Compressed feed that reduces waste, best for older birds
• Whole grain: Unprocessed grains that chickens can scratch through

Top Chicken Feeds for 2025

After reviewing multiple sources and considering feedback from countless chicken keepers, here are some of the best chicken feeds on the market:

Best Overall Layer Feed: Small Pet Select Chicken Layer Feed

• Type: Non-medicated, mixture of pellets and organic layer feed
• Protein content: High protein with Omega 3
• Features: Non-GMO, corn-free, soy-free
• Special ingredients: Seeds and herbs, natural ingredients from Pacific Northwest
• What we love: Fresh, high-quality ingredients with no fillers

Best Budget-Friendly Option: Manna Pro Chick Starter

• Type: Medicated crumbles with Amprolium (protects against coccidiosis)
• Ingredients: Corn, soybean meal, wheat middlings
• For: Chicks from birth to 16 weeks
• Features: 18% protein content, fortified with vitamins and minerals
• What we love: Affordable and effective for raising healthy chicks

Best for Calcium Supplement: Manna Pro Oyster Shell

• Type: Shell-grit supplement
• Features: Made from crushed oyster shell and coral calcium
• For: Layers and pullets (from 18 weeks)
• Benefits: Builds strong eggshells (remember, eggshells are 95% calcium carbonate!)
• What we love: Heat-treated for purity, resealable bag

Best Whole Grain Option: Scratch and Peck Feeds

• Type: Organic, non-medicated whole grain
• Protein content: 16%
• Features: Non-GMO Project Verified, soy-free
• Origin: Family farms in Pacific Northwest
• What we love: Minimally processed, supports sustainable farming

Best for Chicks: Prairie’s Choice Chicken Feed

• Type: Non-medicated crumbles
• Protein content: 18%
• Features: Non-GMO, grown and packaged in USA
• Ingredients: Non-chemically processed soybean meal
• What we love: Easy to digest, creates balanced diet for growing chicks

Best Nutrient Profile: Kaytee Laying Hen Diet

• Type: Pellets
• Protein content: 16% with balanced amino acids
• Special ingredients: Probiotics, flax seeds, marigold extract (for rich yolk color)
• For: Hens 18+ weeks
• What we love: Produces excellent eggs with strong shells

Best for Layers: Brown’s Layer Booster Daily Diet

• Type: Pellets
• Protein content: 16%
• Features: High calcium formula, natural plant protein
• For: Laying hens 18+ weeks
• What we love: Increases egg yield with nutritious ingredients

Best for All Ages: PICKY NEB Dried Mealworms

• Type: Organic protein supplement
• Features: 100% natural, high protein, no additives or preservatives
• Benefits: Boosts immune system, helps with molting, increases egg production
• What we love: Resealable bag, no refrigeration needed, money-back guarantee

What Real Chicken Keepers Say

I find it super helpful to hear from other chicken owners about what works for them. Here’s some wisdom from actual backyard chicken keepers:

“I am somewhat new to chickens (mine are 6 mos old) and when I was just about finished with the starter/grower I asked the question about feed. On the advice of the folks on here I went with an “all flock” feed with 20% protein with a side of oyster shell for the layers. Best thing ever!! My flock is slick and pretty and lay eggs that are extremely hard.” – mossyoakpro

“My Coop The internet is full of wannabe “experts” that are writing blogs for clicks and fame, but know nothing about chickens. Chickens are a fad right now, and the internet is reflecting that. I’d rather them make use of byproducts from the fish industry that work for this purpose, than add them to a landfill and burden the environment further by creating a whole new pipeline for chicken feed protein. Chickens are scavengers, they don’t need organic grass fed filet mignon for their protein needs.” – K0k0shka

What to Look for in Quality Chicken Feed

When comparing different feeds, here’s what to consider:

1. Quality of Ingredients

Look for feeds with high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Many chicken keepers try to avoid feeds with too many fillers like corn and soy.

2. Life Stage Appropriateness

Make sure the feed matches your chickens’ current life stage – using the wrong feed can cause health problems!

3. Organic and Non-GMO Certification

If this matters to you, look for certified products to avoid pesticides, chemicals, and GMOs.

4. Texture and Form

Consider what your chickens prefer and what creates less waste in your setup.

5. Price and Package Size

Calculate cost per pound and buy the appropriate amount for your flock size.

Common Feeding Problems & Solutions

Sometimes chickens can be picky eaters or have other feeding issues. Here’s how to handle common problems:

If Your Chickens Refuse to Eat

• Check if they’ve been eating other things (hay, grass, etc.)
• Ensure they have enough grit for digestion
• Try offering healthy treats like apple cores, broccoli, or pumpkin
• Move them to a warm, dry area if they seem unwell

Overfeeding Concerns

Free-range chickens rarely overeat, but coop chickens should be monitored. Watch out for dominant hens that might eat more than their fair share. Avoid too many treats and table scraps which can lead to obesity.

How Much & How Often to Feed

For proper feeding:

• Feed adult chickens twice daily (morning and evening)
• Chicks need smaller, more frequent meals (6-8 times daily)
• The average medium-weight laying hen needs about 1/4 pound (1/2 cup) of feed daily
• A hen needs approximately 4 pounds of quality protein feed to lay 12 eggs

Don’t forget to always provide fresh, clean water – consider a chicken waterer to make this easier!

My Personal Experience

When I first started with chickens, I tried to save money on feed and quickly learned my lesson! My hens laid fewer eggs, the shells were thinner, and the yolks weren’t that beautiful golden color we all love. Once I switched to a quality feed (I personally use an organic layer feed similar to the Small Pet Select), the difference was amazing.

I’ve found that mixing in some dried mealworms as treats a few times a week makes my girls super happy and helps with protein intake, especially during molting. I also keep oyster shell available free-choice so they can take what they need for calcium.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all “best” chicken feed – the right choice depends on your chickens’ ages, needs, and your budget. However, the options I’ve reviewed above consistently perform well for backyard chicken keepers.

Remember – your chickens are what they eat! Investing in quality feed pays off with healthier birds, better eggs, and fewer health problems down the road.

Do you have a favorite chicken feed that works wonders for your flock? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Happy chicken keeping!

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Disclaimer: I’m not an animal nutritionist, just a passionate chicken keeper sharing what’s worked for me and other chicken owners. If your chickens have special needs or health concerns, consult with a poultry veterinarian.

Amish chickens are fed a natural diet of homegrown grains (like corn, wheat, and oats), supplemented with kitchen scraps (vegetable peels, old bread), and allowed to forage for bugs and plants.

Neither pellets nor crumbles are inherently “better”; crumble is ideal for chicks and young pullets due to its smaller size and easier digestion, while pellets are generally preferred for adult layers and broilers to reduce waste, as chickens tend to be pickier with smaller food particles.