What is Chicken Feed Made Of? A Deep Dive into Poultry Nutrition

As a chicken owner, you want to provide your flock with the best nutrition possible But when you pick up a bag of chicken feed, have you ever wondered exactly what’s in those little pellets or grains? Chicken feed seems simple enough, but there’s actually a lot of science and research behind that balanced diet in a bag.

We’ll talk about the main ingredients in most chicken feeds and why they’re so important for your birds’ health and productivity. We’ll also talk about how you can change or improve your chickens’ diet with different feeds and supplements. Let’s get into the details of poultry nutrition!

The Main Ingredients in Commercial Chicken Feed

The majority of commercial chicken feeds are made up of four primary components:

Grains

Grains make up 50-70% of standard chicken feeds. Whole grains give you the carbs, proteins, and vitamins you need for energy, growth, and organ function. Common grains are:

• Corn: The primary grain in most feeds, provides carbohydrates for energy.

• Wheat: Supplies protein, fiber, and B vitamins.

• Soybeans: A legume high in plant-based protein.

• Oats: Contain fiber, protein, and vitamin B complex.

Some feeds also incorporate grains like millet, barley, and sorghum. The grain content provides the bulk of a chicken’s daily calories.

Protein Meals

Chicken feeds contain 15-25% protein meals from plant and animal sources. Common proteins are:

• Soybean meal: A byproduct of soybean oil production that’s rich in protein.

• Canola meal: The residue from canola oil processing, also high in protein.

• Fish meal: Provides protein and omega-3s for development and egg quality.

• Meat meal: Animal-derived protein from poultry or livestock byproducts.

These protein meals supply essential amino acids for muscle growth, feathers, and egg production.

Fats and Oils

Chicken feed includes 3-6% added fats and oils for concentrated energy. These include:

• Vegetable oils: Soybean, canola, and linseed oils provide calories and omega-3s.

• Animal fats: Poultry fat or pork lard contributes energy and palatability.

Fats help chickens absorb vitamins A, D, E and K. The fatty acids also support immunity and development.

Vitamins and Minerals

Thirty to three percent of the feed formula is a vitamin and mineral mix. This provides essential micronutrients like:

• Calcium and phosphorus for bone strength and eggshells.

• Sodium and chlorine for electrolyte balance and digestion.

• Antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E to reduce cell damage.

• B-vitamins for energy metabolism and enzyme production.

With a balanced premix, chickens get the micronutrients they need in each bite.

Other Common Feed Ingredients and Additives

In addition to the four basic components above, chicken feeds often contain other ingredients for enhanced nutrition:

• Enzymes like phytase to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

• Prebiotics and probiotics for gut health and immunity.

• Amino acids like methionine and lysine to balance proteins.

• Binders such as bentonite clay to improve pellet quality.

• Natural flavors for increased palatability and feed consumption.

• Antioxidants like ethoxyquin to preserve freshness.

Some feeds also include medications like:

• Antibiotics for disease prevention and growth promotion (controversial due to overuse concerns).

• Anti-coccidials to control intestinal parasites in younger chickens.

The ingredients work synergistically to provide complete and balanced nutrition.

What’s in Organic and Non-GMO Chicken Feeds?

There are feeds made with different ingredients for chicken owners who want their birds to eat organic or non-GMO foods:

• Organic grains and meals grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

• Non-GMO verified ingredients that are not genetically modified.

• Plant-based proteins instead of animal byproducts.

• Prebiotics and probiotics replace antibiotics for gut health.

• Natural vitamins and minerals instead of synthetic versions.

• Enzymes and oils from non-GMO sources like sunflowers.

• Herbs and spices for antioxidants and immune support.

Though more expensive, these feeds allow you to avoid ingredients like GMOs or medication while still providing balanced nutrition.

Key Differences in Starter, Grower, and Layer Feeds

Not all chicken feeds are created equal. Formulations are tailored to the specific growth phases and needs of the birds:

Starter Feeds

• High protein level of 18-24% to support rapid chick growth.

• Medicated versions prevent coccidiosis in vulnerable chicks.

• Small crumble or mash for easy eating and digestion.

Grower Feeds

• Lower protein around 16-18% as growth rate slows.

• Added calcium and phosphorus for bone development.

• Pellet or crumble for juvenile chickens.

Layer Feeds

• 16-18% protein for egg production.

• Increased calcium around 3.5% for egg shell strength.

• Added nutrients like vitamin D3, selenium, and lutein for egg quality.

• Pellet form reduces waste for housed laying hens.

Tailoring feed to age and purpose ensures nutritional needs are met throughout the chicken’s life.

Supplements to Round Out Your Chickens’ Diet

While commercial feeds provide balanced nutrition, supplements can be beneficial:

• Grit aids digestion, especially for free-range chickens.

• Oyster shell provides additional calcium for layers.

• Probiotics and prebiotics enhance gut health and immunity.

• Electrolytes can reduce heat stress in hot climates.

• Vegetable scraps add variety and nutrients.

• Fruits for natural sugars and antioxidants.

• Mealworms offer protein and enrichment.

Discuss supplements with your veterinarian to create a complete diet.

Key Takeaways on Chicken Feed Ingredients

• Chicken feed provides carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals in balanced amounts.

• The bulk comes from grains like corn and wheat that supply energy.

• Protein meals from soybean, canola, and animals provide essential amino acids.

• Added fats and oils boost calorie density for weight gain.

• Vitamin-mineral mixes give chickens the micronutrients they need.

• Organic, non-GMO, and medication-free feeds are available.

• Formulations differ between starter, grower, and layer rations.

• Supplements like grit and probiotics can enhance the diet.

Now that you know what goes into chicken feed, you can make informed choices about your flock’s nutrition. A quality complete feed will provide the carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals chickens need to stay happy and healthy in a simple package!