Best Feed for Cattle – 2025 Reviews

Cattle feed isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ve got complete feeds that provide balanced nutrition, mineral supplements for specific deficiencies, and protein concentrates for growth phases. Complete feeds like the New Country Organics options are great when forage quality is poor, while minerals like the Purina Wind and Rain Storm supplement what’s missing in your pasture.

Then there are specialized feeds for specific life stages—grower formulas for young cattle, dairy feeds for milk production, and maintenance blends for mature animals. Knowing what type your operation needs is the first step to choosing wisely.

Cattle need protein for growth and milk production, energy from carbohydrates and fats, minerals for bone health and metabolic functions, and vitamins for overall wellness. The exact requirements depend on age, production stage, and forage quality.

For example, growing calves need 14-16% protein, while maintenance animals might only need 10-12%. Mineral needs vary too—magnesium is crucial for pasture cattle to prevent tetany, while calcium and phosphorus ratios affect bone development. Always match the feed to your specific nutritional gaps.

Organic feeds like the New Country Organics line offer the advantage of being non-GMO and free from synthetic pesticides, which matters if you’re marketing organic beef or dairy. However, they typically cost more and might not always show dramatic performance differences in conventional operations.

Conventional feeds often provide excellent nutrition at lower cost points. The decision really comes down to your marketing goals, personal philosophy, and budget constraints. Both can support healthy herds when chosen carefully.

This is where many farmers get confused. Mineral supplements are essential when your forage or base feed lacks specific nutrients. Products like the Himalayan Secrets salt lick or Kalmbach High Mag block target specific deficiencies without replacing your main feeding program.

Complete feeds should be your go-to when forage quality is poor, during high-production periods like lactation, or when you need guaranteed nutrition levels. They’re more expensive but provide peace of mind that all nutritional bases are covered.

Your feeding approach should align with your operation’s goals. Beef operations focused on growth might prioritize high-energy feeds like the Nutrena Grower/Finisher, while dairy operations need protein-rich formulations that support milk production.

For maintenance herds, simpler options like whole oats or maintenance blends work well. The key is understanding what you’re trying to achieve—maximum weight gain, sustained milk production, or simply keeping animals healthy—and choosing feeds that support those specific objectives.

Learning to read feed labels is crucial. Look for the guaranteed analysis showing protein, fat, fiber, and mineral levels. Check the ingredient list—the first few items make up the bulk of the feed. For example, ‘whole oats’ as a first ingredient means it’s grain-based, while ‘soybean meal’ indicates high protein.

Also watch for additives like probiotics that aid digestion, or medications if needed. Understanding what you’re feeding helps you make informed decisions and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Feed costs can make or break an operation’s profitability. While premium feeds might seem expensive, they often deliver better feed conversion efficiency—meaning animals gain more weight or produce more milk per pound of feed. Cheaper options might require feeding more to achieve the same results.

Consider the total cost of production, not just the price per bag. Sometimes spending a bit more on quality feed actually saves money in the long run through better health, higher production, and reduced waste.

Mineral supplements like the Purina Wind and Rain Storm provide specific vitamins and minerals that might be lacking in your pasture or base feed. They’re not meant to be the primary nutrition source but rather fill nutritional gaps. Complete feeds like the Nutrena Grower/Finisher contain balanced protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals to serve as the main diet when forage isn’t sufficient.

Think of minerals as insurance against deficiencies and complete feeds as the main course. Most operations benefit from using both strategically based on their specific needs and forage quality.

Feeding rates depend on animal weight, production stage, and forage quality. As a general rule, cattle eat 2-3% of their body weight in dry matter daily. For example, a 1,200-pound beef cow might need 24-36 pounds of total feed per day, while a high-producing dairy cow could require more.

Always start with manufacturer recommendations and adjust based on body condition scores. Underfeeding costs you in poor performance, while overfeeding wastes money. Regular monitoring and adjustment are key to efficient feeding.

Organic feeds like the New Country Organics options deliver value if you’re marketing organic products or have personal preferences for natural ingredients. They’re certified non-GMO and free from synthetic pesticides, which matters for some operations.

However, for conventional operations, the performance difference might not justify the cost premium. The decision really comes down to your market, philosophy, and budget. Both organic and conventional feeds can support healthy herds when properly formulated.

Cattle need extra magnesium during periods of lush grass growth, particularly in spring when pastures are high in potassium that interferes with magnesium absorption. This is when grass tetany risk is highest.

Products like the Kalmbach High Mag block are specifically designed for these situations. If you see nervousness, muscle twitching, or grazing issues during rapid pasture growth, magnesium supplementation becomes crucial for preventing serious health problems.

While it’s convenient, one-size-fits-all feeding rarely optimizes performance or costs. Growing calves need higher protein for development, lactating cows require energy-dense rations for milk production, and maintenance animals do fine with simpler feeds.

Group animals by production stage and feed accordingly. This might mean having separate rations for calves, lactating cows, and dry cows. The extra management pays off in better health and more efficient use of feed resources.