Best Feed for Laying Chickens – 2025 Reviews
If you’re like me, you probably started with backyard chickens dreaming of fresh eggs every morning—only to realize that what you feed them makes all the difference between occasional gifts and reliable production.
After a decade of testing feeds and watching how different formulas affect everything from yolk color to shell strength, I’ve learned that the right nutrition is what separates happy, productive hens from lackluster layers.
In this hands-on review, I’m sharing the feeds that actually deliver—based on real flock performance, ingredient quality, and what chickens themselves will eagerly eat.
Best Feed for Laying Chickens – 2025 Reviews
CountryMax 16% Protein Layer Pellets – Excellent Value for Flocks
CountryMax delivers outstanding value without compromising on quality. Their pellet formula reduces waste while providing complete nutrition for laying hens, ducks, and game birds.
I was impressed by how consistently this feed supported egg production across different flock types.
Purina Layena Crumbles – Trusted Nutrition with Probiotics
Purina’s Layena Crumbles have been a backyard staple for years, and for good reason. The balanced formula includes marigold extract for richer yolk color and probiotics for digestive health.
This is the feed I recommend to beginners because it’s consistently reliable.
Purina Layena+ Omega-3 Pellets – Healthier Egg Nutrition
For those wanting to boost their eggs’ nutritional profile, Purina’s Omega-3 formula is a game-changer. It delivers five times the omega-3s of standard eggs while supporting shell strength and immune health.
This is my go-to when I want to maximize the health benefits of our homegrown eggs.
Small Pet Select Pellets – Premium Non-GMO Blend
Small Pet Select takes a premium approach with their corn and soy-free formula that includes seeds, herbs, and probiotics. The 18% protein content supports strong production while the ingredient quality shines through.
This is the feed I choose when I want to splurge on my flock’s nutrition.
Manna Pro Layer Crumbles – Digestive Health Focus
Manna Pro’s crumble formula emphasizes digestive health with added probiotics and 16% protein for consistent laying. The smaller crumble size makes it easy for hens of all sizes to eat comfortably.
This feed works well for flocks with varying ages and breeds.
Manna Pro Layer Pellets – Omega-3 Fortified
Manna Pro’s pellet version offers the same digestive benefits as their crumbles but in a form that reduces waste. With added omega-3 and calcium, it supports both egg nutrition and shell strength.
This is a solid choice for keepers who prefer pellet feeding systems.
Prairie's Choice Non-GMO Feed – Natural Digestion
Prairie’s Choice focuses on natural nutrition with their non-GMO, antibiotic-free formula that’s easier for hens to digest. Grown and milled in the USA, this feed appeals to those wanting cleaner ingredients.
This feed works well for sensitive flocks or organic-minded keepers.
PTCOM Organic Blend – All-in-One Nutrition
PTCOM’s organic blend takes a comprehensive approach by including oyster shell for calcium and grit for digestion in one mix. The non-GMO formula with multiple grains provides balanced nutrition for health-conscious flocks.
This feed simplifies supplementation for those wanting an all-in-one solution.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
We know you’re skeptical of “best of” lists that feel like they’re just repeating marketing copy. That’s why we started with 10 popular chicken feeds and applied real-world testing criteria to narrow down to the 8 most effective options.
Our scoring system weights performance at 70% (how well it actually works for laying hens) and innovation at 30% (what makes it stand out from competitors). We looked at everything from egg consistency and shell strength to how eagerly different flocks consumed each feed.
For example, our top-rated CountryMax Layer Pellets scored 9.6 for its exceptional value and consistent results across multiple bird types, while the Prairie’s Choice Non-GMO feed earned 8.7 for its premium ingredients but higher cost.
We believe this balanced approach reveals the true performers—not just the best-marketed products. Every feed here has been vetted for actual flock performance, not just paper specifications.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Chicken Feed for Optimal Egg Production
1. Protein Content Matters
For laying hens, 16% protein is the sweet spot for maintaining egg production without excess weight gain. Higher protein (18%+) can benefit younger layers or during molting, but most mature hens thrive at 16%.
Watch for quality protein sources like soybean meal, fish meal, or sunflower seeds rather than fillers.
2. Pellet vs. Crumble: Which is Better?
Pellets reduce waste significantly since chickens can’t pick out favorite ingredients, but some birds prefer crumbles for easier eating. If you have mixed flocks with different sized birds, crumbles often work better for everyone.
I’ve found that pellets save me money in the long run, but crumbles can be worth the extra mess for picky eaters.
3. Calcium for Strong Shells
Laying hens need extra calcium for eggshell formation. Look for feeds with added oyster shell or limestone, or be prepared to offer separate calcium supplements.
Without adequate calcium, you’ll see thin shells, broken eggs, and potentially health issues for your hens.
4. The Probiotic Advantage
Feeds with probiotics and prebiotics support digestive health, which means better nutrient absorption and overall flock vitality. This is especially valuable during stress periods like weather changes or introducing new birds.
My flocks on probiotic-enhanced feeds consistently show better feather condition and more consistent production.
5. Organic vs. Conventional
While organic and non-GMO feeds offer peace of mind about ingredients, they come with a significant price premium. For many backyard keepers, the nutritional difference may not justify the cost unless you’re specifically aiming for organic eggs.
I recommend starting with a quality conventional feed and only upgrading if you see specific benefits for your flock.
6. Storage and Freshness
Chicken feed loses nutritional value over time, so proper storage is crucial. Use airtight containers in cool, dry areas to prevent mold and pest contamination.
Buy only what you’ll use in 2-3 months, and always check for freshness when opening new bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much feed does a laying chicken eat per day?
Most laying hens consume between 1/4 to 1/3 pound of feed daily, depending on their size, age, and activity level. During colder months or peak production, appetites may increase slightly.
Always provide free-choice access to feed rather than scheduled meals for optimal nutrition.
2. When should I switch from starter feed to layer feed?
Transition to layer feed when your pullets reach 18-20 weeks of age or when you see the first eggs appearing. Make the switch gradually over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts of layer feed with their current ration.
Starting too early can cause kidney damage from excess calcium, while starting too late may affect initial egg quality.
3. Can I mix different chicken feeds together?
While you can mix feeds, it’s generally not recommended because it disrupts the carefully balanced nutrition in complete feeds. If you need to transition between brands, do it gradually over a week or two.
Supplementing with treats is fine, but keep them to less than 10% of total intake to maintain balanced nutrition.
4. Why are my chickens not eating their feed?
Chickens may refuse feed due to freshness issues, mold contamination, or simply not liking the formulation. First check that the feed smells fresh and isn’t clumped or discolored.
If the feed seems fine, try a different form (pellets vs. crumbles) or brand—some flocks have strong preferences you’ll need to accommodate.
5. Do I need to provide additional supplements with layer feed?
Quality complete layer feeds should provide all essential nutrients, but many keepers offer oyster shell for extra calcium and grit for digestion. Watch your eggs—if shells seem thin, add calcium; if you see whole grains in droppings, add grit.
Otherwise, a good layer feed alone is sufficient for most flocks.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and observation, the truth about chicken feed is simpler than you might think: the best feed is the one your hens will reliably eat that delivers consistent results. While premium ingredients and special formulations can make a difference, the fundamentals of good nutrition—adequate protein, proper calcium, and digestible formats—matter most.
Whether you choose our top-rated CountryMax for unbeatable value, Purina for proven reliability, or splurge on organic options, what matters is finding the feed that keeps your flock healthy and productive. Remember that the perfect feed for your neighbor’s chickens might not be right for yours—observe your birds, track their production, and don’t be afraid to switch if something isn’t working.
Happy hens lay better eggs, and it all starts with what you put in their feeder.