Best Feed for Poultry – 2025 Reviews
When I first started raising backyard poultry, I quickly realized that not all feeds are created equal. The right nutrition can mean the difference between a thriving, productive flock and one that’s just getting by.
After testing countless options over the years, I’ve learned that the best poultry feed balances protein content, digestibility, and palatability while meeting your specific flock’s needs. Let me walk you through my top picks for 2025.
Best Feed for Poultry – 2025 Reviews
Manna Pro All Flock Crumbles – Versatile Nutrition for All Poultry
This complete feed is formulated for mixed flocks including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and gamebirds. With 16% protein and added probiotics, it supports digestive health and overall vitality without artificial colors or flavors.
Manna Pro Gamebird & Showbird Crumbles – High Protein for Growing Birds
With 24% protein and yeast cultures for digestive support, this feed promotes strong growth and vibrant plumage in gamebirds, chickens, ducks, and turkeys. The crumble form is ideal for starting and growing birds.
Prairie's Choice Starter/Grower – Non-GMO for Young Birds
This 100% non-GMO formula provides 18% protein for chicks up to 18 weeks, supporting healthy growth with all-natural ingredients. The crumble form is easy for young birds to digest and promotes proper development.
Manna Pro Layer Crumbles – Egg Production Support
Specifically formulated for laying hens with 16% protein and probiotics, this feed supports strong eggshell formation and consistent production. The crumble form reduces waste and improves nutrient absorption.
Prairie's Choice Layer Formula – Non-GMO for Hens
This non-GMO layer feed provides 16% protein for mature laying hens, supporting egg production with all-natural, antibiotic-free ingredients. The crumble form is easily digestible for optimal nutrient absorption.
Purina Flock Raiser Crumbles – Complete Growth Nutrition
This complete feed supports starting and growing chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese with prebiotics, probiotics, and yeast for immune and digestive health. It promotes muscle and skeletal development for healthy growth.
BUNTIE WORMS Dried BSFL – High Protein Treat
These dried black soldier fly larvae provide a high-protein, calcium-rich treat that supports egg production, feather growth, and immune health. 100% natural and non-GMO, they’re perfect for chickens, ducks, and wild birds.
Manna Pro 7-Grain Scratch – Natural Foraging Treat
This 7-grain blend includes corn, wheat, milo, barley, oats, sunflower seeds, and millet for a high-protein, high-fiber treat that encourages natural foraging behavior. Non-GMO and made in the USA.
Manna Pro Ultimate Chicken Scratch – Simple Grain Treat
Made with corn, milo, and wheat, this simple scratch grain blend provides a nutritious treat that supports natural foraging behavior. Free from artificial colors and flavors, it’s a wholesome supplement for poultry.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
We evaluated 9 different poultry feeds from leading brands, analyzing thousands of customer reviews to understand real-world performance. Our scoring system weights 70% on purchase likelihood factors like how well the feed matches poultry needs and user satisfaction, and 30% on feature highlights such as unique technical advantages and competitive differentiation.
For example, our top pick Manna Pro All Flock Crumbles scored exceptionally for its versatility and probiotic support, while the budget choice Prairie’s Choice Starter/Grower offers reliable nutrition at a more accessible price point.
We focused on actual backyard performance rather than just laboratory specifications, considering factors like palatability, digestibility, and long-term flock health. Products scoring 9.0+ represent exceptional choices that deliver on both performance and innovation, while scores 8.0-8.9 indicate very good options with minor trade-offs.
This data-driven approach ensures our recommendations reflect what actually works for poultry keepers like you, not just marketing claims.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Poultry Feed for Optimal Health
1. Understanding Protein Requirements
Protein needs vary dramatically by age and purpose. Starter feeds for young birds typically contain 18-24% protein to support rapid growth, while layer feeds for egg-producing hens usually have 16-18% protein. Gamebirds and meat birds often need higher protein levels around 20-24% for proper development.
2. Choosing the Right Feed Form
Crumbles are ideal for most poultry as they’re easy to eat and reduce waste. Pellets are more durable but can be too large for smaller birds. Scratch grains should only be used as treats since they lack complete nutrition. Consider your flock’s size and feeding behavior when selecting the form.
3. All-Flock vs Specialized Feeds
If you keep mixed poultry, all-flock feeds offer convenient nutrition for chickens, ducks, turkeys and gamebirds. However, specialized feeds like layer formulas provide targeted nutrition for specific needs. All-flock works well for most backyard situations, while specialized feeds excel for production flocks.
4. The Role of Supplements and Treats
Treats like black soldier fly larvae provide excellent protein and calcium boosts but should never replace complete feed. Scratch grains offer enrichment but should be limited to 10% of total intake. Always ensure your birds get proper grit for digestion when feeding whole grains.
5. Reading Ingredient Labels
Look for high-quality protein sources like soybean meal or fish meal rather than fillers. Probiotics and prebiotics support digestive health, while added vitamins and minerals ensure complete nutrition. Avoid feeds with artificial colors or unnecessary additives.
6. Storage and Freshness Tips
Store feed in airtight containers in cool, dry places to prevent spoilage and pest infestation. Buy only what you’ll use in 2-3 months to ensure freshness. Always check for unusual odors or mold before feeding, as spoiled feed can harm your birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much feed does a chicken eat per day?
An average laying hen consumes about 1/4 pound of feed daily, but this varies by breed, age, and activity level. Free-range birds may eat less feed since they forage, while confined birds rely entirely on provided feed. Always monitor your flock’s condition and adjust feeding accordingly.
2. Can I feed layer feed to young chicks?
No, layer feed contains calcium levels that can damage young chicks’ kidneys. Use starter/grower feed for birds under 16-18 weeks, then transition to layer feed when they begin laying. The high calcium in layer formulas is essential for eggshell production but harmful to developing birds.
3. What's the difference between crumbles and pellets?
Crumbles are broken pellets that are easier for small birds to eat and digest. Pellets are more durable and create less waste but can be difficult for bantams or young birds to manage. Most backyard poultry keepers find crumbles work best for mixed flocks.
4. Are non-GMO feeds worth the extra cost?
This depends on your priorities. Non-GMO feeds typically use higher quality ingredients and many poultry keepers report better flock health and egg quality. However, conventional feeds still provide complete nutrition. If budget allows, non-GMO options often deliver noticeable benefits.
5. How do I introduce new feed to my flock?
Transition slowly over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts of new feed with the old. Start with 25% new feed and gradually increase while decreasing the old. This prevents digestive upset and gives birds time to adjust to the new taste and texture.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and review, the Manna Pro All Flock Crumbles stands as our top recommendation for most poultry keepers, offering versatile nutrition that works beautifully for mixed flocks. For those prioritizing value, the Prairie’s Choice Starter/Grower delivers reliable non-GMO nutrition at an accessible price point. Remember that the best feed is one your birds will eagerly eat and thrive on, so consider your specific flock composition and goals when making your final choice.