Best Chicken Feed for Egg Production – 2025 Reviews
You know that feeling when you check the nesting boxes and find another perfect, brown egg? It’s like a little daily victory – but only if your hens are getting the right nutrition to keep those eggs coming. I’ve been raising backyard chickens for over a decade, and I’ve learned that the difference between sporadic laying and consistent production often comes down to one thing: the feed.
Through trial and error (and plenty of egg counts), I’ve discovered that the best layer feeds balance protein for muscle health, calcium for strong shells, and digestibility for optimal nutrient absorption. In this hands-on review, I’m sharing the feeds that actually delivered results in my coop – no fluff, just real experience from one chicken keeper to another.
Best Chicken Feed for Egg Production – 2025 Reviews
Purina Organic Layer Feed – Oyster Strong System for Egg Production
This USDA Organic certified feed features a unique Oyster Strong system that provides steady calcium release during egg formation, supporting incredibly strong shells.
With 16% protein, probiotics for digestive health, and no GMOs or pesticides, it’s designed for hens to produce consistently high-quality eggs while maintaining overall vitality.
CountryMax Layer Pellets – Complete Feed for Multiple Poultry
This versatile pellet formula provides complete 16% protein nutrition for laying hens, ducks, and game birds, making it ideal for mixed flocks.
The uniform pellets reduce waste and sorting, ensuring every bite delivers balanced vitamins and minerals for steady egg production and strong shells.
Small Pet Select Layer Pellets – Corn and Soy Free Formula
This premium feed boasts 18% protein from non-GMO ingredients, including sunflower, pumpkin, and flax seeds for enhanced omega-3s and overall nutrition.
Completely free from corn, soy, and fillers, it supports digestive health with probiotics and botanicals, promoting strong egg production and vibrant feathers.
Purina Layena Layer Feed – Rich Yellow Yolks and Strong Shells
This trusted layer feed uses xanthophyll from marigolds to produce deep yellow egg yolks, while providing essential calcium for strong shells and amino acids for feathering.
With prebiotics, probiotics, and yeast, it supports immune and digestive health, helping hens maintain consistent egg production through their laying cycle.
Manna Pro Layer Pellets – Omega-3 Enriched for Healthy Eggs
These pellets provide 16% protein with added omega-3 fatty acids to support healthier eggs and vibrant feathering, plus probiotics for optimal digestion.
Free from antibiotics, artificial colors, and flavors, it’s a complete feed designed to promote strong eggshells and consistent laying performance in backyard hens.
Manna Pro Layer Crumbles – Probiotics for Digestive Health
This crumble-form feed offers 16% protein and probiotics to aid digestion and nutrient absorption, supporting strong egg production and overall hen wellness.
Designed for easy pecking and reduced waste, it provides balanced vitamins and minerals, including calcium for robust eggshells, in a highly digestible format.
Prairie's Choice Non-GMO Layer Feed – All-Natural Nutrition for Hens
This non-GMO, all-natural feed is antibiotic-free, gluten-free, and medicated-free, providing 16% protein for laying hens 16 weeks and older.
Grown, milled, and packaged in the USA, it focuses on high-quality, balanced nutrition that’s easier to digest, promoting steady egg production and hen health.
Country Heritage Layer Crumble – Balanced Nutrition for Egg Layers
This crumble-form feed delivers 16% protein fortified with vitamins and minerals, specifically designed for laying hens from 16 weeks onward to support egg production.
The crumble form enhances consumption and provides proper nutritional balance for health and quality eggs, making it a straightforward option for backyard flocks.
GrubTerra Dried Fly Larvae – High-Protein Supplement for Egg Production
This supplement features dried black soldier fly larvae with 36-42% protein and high calcium content, designed to boost egg production and shell strength when added to regular feed.
Sourced from the USA, Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica, it’s non-GMO and free from additives, providing a nutritious treat that supports immunity and feather health.
PTCOM Organic Chicken Feed – Calcium-Rich Blend with Oyster Shell
This organic feed blend includes corn, oats, sunflower seeds, oyster shell, wheat, and grits, offering 16.15% protein and 5% calcium for laying hens.
With slow-release calcium from oyster shell and grit for digestion, it aims to support bone health, egg quality, and prolonged production in a non-GMO formula.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
You might be wondering how we sorted through the clutter of chicken feeds to find the true performers. Well, we didn’t just glance at labels – we put 10 different layer feeds through real-world testing in backyard coops, focusing on what actually matters for egg production.
Our scoring system is built on a 70% weight for real-world performance – think consistent laying, shell strength, and overall hen health – and 30% for innovation and competitive edges like unique calcium systems or organic certifications. This means a feed had to deliver results where it counts, not just have fancy packaging.
For example, our top-rated Purina Organic feed earned an Excellent 9.2 rating for its outstanding shell quality and organic integrity, while the CountryMax pellets scored a Very Good 8.9 by offering reliable performance at a budget-friendly price. The gap between them isn’t huge – it’s about whether you value premium features or pure cost-effectiveness.
We also considered factors like digestibility, ingredient quality, and how chickens actually responded to the feed. Because let’s be honest, if your hens won’t eat it, the best formula in the world won’t matter. Our goal was to cut through the marketing and give you insights based on hands-on experience and data-driven analysis.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Chicken Feed for Optimal Egg Production
1. Understanding Protein Levels for Laying Hens
Protein is the building block for eggs, and most layer feeds contain between 16-18% protein. 16% is standard and works well for most backyard flocks, but if your hens are in high production or under stress, 18% can provide an extra boost. Too little protein might reduce egg size and frequency, while too much can be wasteful and expensive.
Look for feeds that use quality protein sources like soybean meal or seeds, as they’re more digestible and better utilized by your hens.
2. The Critical Role of Calcium in Egg Production
Calcium is non-negotiable for strong eggshells – without it, you’ll end up with fragile eggs that break easily. Most layer feeds include around 3-4% calcium, often from sources like oyster shell or limestone.
Some premium feeds, like Purina’s Oyster Strong system, provide slow-release calcium that’s available throughout the egg formation process. If your feed doesn’t have enough, you might need to offer supplemental oyster shell free-choice.
3. Crumbles vs Pellets: Which Should You Choose?
This often comes down to your hens’ preferences and your management style. Crumbles are easier for younger or older birds to eat and can reduce waste, but they might be messier. Pellets are more uniform, often less dusty, and can prevent selective eating where hens pick out favorite bits.
In my experience, crumbles work well for flocks with mixed ages, while pellets are great if you have issues with feed waste or want consistency.
4. Organic vs Conventional Feeds: What's the Difference?
Organic feeds are certified to be free from synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs, which appeals to many health-conscious owners. They often come with a higher price tag but can provide peace of mind about ingredient quality.
Conventional feeds are more affordable and still provide excellent nutrition – many, like Purina Layena, include probiotics and essential nutrients without the organic certification. The choice here is really about your priorities and budget.
5. The Benefits of Probiotics in Chicken Feed
Probiotics support digestive health by promoting good gut bacteria, which can lead to better nutrient absorption and overall hen wellness. Feeds with probiotics, like many Manna Pro options, can help reduce digestive issues and keep your flock more resilient to stress.
While not essential, they’re a valuable addition, especially if your hens have experienced health challenges or you’re looking to optimize egg production.
6. How to Read and Understand Feed Labels
Feed labels can be confusing, but focus on a few key elements: the guaranteed analysis (protein, fat, fiber, calcium), the ingredient list (look for whole foods versus by-products), and any additives like vitamins or probiotics.
Also, check the life stage recommendation – layer feeds are for hens 16 weeks and older. Avoid feeds labeled for all life stages if you’re specifically targeting egg production, as they might not have the right calcium levels.
7. When to Use Supplements Like GrubTerra
Supplements like dried fly larvae are great for boosting protein and calcium intake, but they should never replace a complete feed. Use them as treats or mix-ins to enhance diet variety and nutrition.
They’re particularly useful during molting, cold weather, or when you want to improve shell quality. Just remember to keep supplements to less than 10% of the total diet to avoid unbalancing the nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ideal protein percentage for layer feed?
For most laying hens, 16% protein is ideal and sufficient for consistent egg production. However, if your flock is under stress, molting, or in extremely high production, you might consider feeds with 18% protein for an extra boost. Higher protein isn’t always better – it can lead to wasted feed and higher costs without significant benefits for average backyard flocks.
2. How much calcium do laying hens need?
Laying hens require about 3-4% calcium in their diet to form strong eggshells. If your feed doesn’t provide enough, you might notice thin or brittle shells. Many quality layer feeds include adequate calcium, but if not, offering free-choice oyster shell allows hens to self-regulate their intake based on their needs.
3. Should I feed my chickens crumbles or pellets?
It depends on your flock’s preferences and your setup. Crumbles are often easier for birds to eat and can reduce selective feeding, but they might create more dust. Pellets are less messy and can minimize waste, but some hens might find them harder to consume. I recommend trying both to see what your girls prefer – many feeds offer both forms.
4. What does non-GMO mean in chicken feed?
Non-GMO means the feed ingredients are not genetically modified organisms. This is important for owners who prefer more natural feeding options and want to avoid potential allergens or environmental concerns. While non-GMO feeds like Prairie’s Choice can be beneficial, they’re not necessarily more nutritious than conventional feeds – it’s a personal choice based on values and priorities.
5. Can I mix different feeds together?
Yes, but do it carefully to avoid nutritional imbalances. If you’re mixing feeds, ensure they have similar protein and calcium levels to prevent issues like weak shells or reduced production. It’s often better to stick with one complete feed and use supplements like GrubTerra larvae as treats rather than mixing multiple base feeds.
Final Verdict
After testing all these feeds, I can confidently say that the best choice depends on your specific situation. If you want premium, organic nutrition that delivers exceptional egg quality, the Purina Organic feed is worth the investment. For budget-friendly reliability, the CountryMax pellets consistently perform without breaking the bank. Remember, the right feed should keep your hens healthy, your egg basket full, and your mind at ease – happy feeding!