You have been anxiously waiting for your hens to lay their first eggs. You know that fresh eggs are wholesome and delicious. You also know that you need to feed your hens high-quality food to keep them healthy and laying eggs for you. There are so many types of chicken feed out there and it can be overwhelming to weed through the options and find the best one.
Many feeds are full of filler ingredients that won’t produce optimal results for you or your hens. To help you narrow down the options, we’ve compiled the following reviews of the best organic, natural, and non-GMO chicken feeds for your laying hens. Read on to learn more about our favorites and how they can help you raise a healthy, egg-laying flock.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Organic Feed
Scratch & Peck Feeds Organic Layer Feed
All organic and non-GMO ingredients
High in protein, calcium, and other vitamins
Environmentally friendly packaging
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Best Non-GMO Feed
Small Pet Select Layer Feed
Soy and corn free
Non-GMO materials
Good shelf-life if properly stored
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Best Natural Feed
Kalmbach Feeds All Natural
High in calcium and protein
Lower cost
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
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Manna Pro Layer Pellets
USDA certified organic and non-GMO
Highly nutritious
No artificial colors or flavors
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Homestead Harvest Non-GMO Layer
Non-GMO and minimally processed grains and seeds
Fortified with essential vitamins
Contains linseed oil, for Omega-3 fatty acids
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The 10 Best Chicken Feeds for Laying Hens
Scratch and Peck Organic Layer Pellets are a nutritious organic option for your hens, and our pick for the best chicken feed for laying hens overall. These pellets are certified organic and non-GMO. They contain only organic ingredients like wheat, peas, barley, and flaxseed meal. The addition of grubs gives these pellets a welcome protein boost. You won’t find any cheap fillers, like soy, in this feed, meaning your hens will get the nutrition they need without empty calories. This product is also a great source of calcium. Sufficient calcium is important in your chickens’ diet because it helps produce stronger eggshells. As a bonus, you can also give this feed to your ducks if you happen to raise both.
Nutritional Benefits: High protein, contains calcium and other vitamins
Recommended Chicken Stage: 20 weeks or older
Type of Feed: Pellets
Available Bag Size/s: 25 pounds
Main Ingredients: Wheat, peas, flaxseed, grubs
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Pros
All organic and non-GMO ingredients
No fillers
High in protein, calcium, and other vitamins
Environmentally friendly packaging
Cons
A little more expensive
Only available in one bag size
All ingredients in this non-GMO feed are sourced from the Pacific Northwest. The food is also produced there so everything is local. Small Pet Select Chicken Layer Feed is corn and soy-free. The whole grains and seeds that make up the mixture are high in protein. This feed is also high in calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. This food is also said to be easy on your hens’ digestive system so it may be good if your flock has a sensitive stomach. While it is non-GMO, it is not certified organic. This might be helpful if you are less concerned about the feed being organic and need it to have a longer shelf-life.
All organic and non-GMO ingredients
No fillers
High in protein, calcium, and other vitamins
Environmentally friendly packaging
- All organic and non-GMO ingredients
- No fillers
- High in protein, calcium, and other vitamins
- Environmentally friendly packaging
A little more expensive
Only available in one bag size
- A little more expensive
- Only available in one bag size
Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, omega-3 fatty acids
Recommended Chicken Stage: 18 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Whole grains, seeds
Available Bag Size/s: 10, 25, and 50 pounds
Main Ingredients: Peas, wheat, oats
Pros
Soy and corn free
Non-GMO materials
Good shelf-life if properly stored
Cons
Food is not organic
If you are looking for a feed that is not organic or non-GMO but still contains healthy and natural ingredients, then Kalmbach Feeds All Natural Layer Crumbles are a good choice. This product contains corn and soybean meal. Then it is fortified with a host of vitamins and minerals for a nutritional boost. No animal by-products are used in this feed, which makes it a healthier choice than other feeds that do include animal products as cheap fillers. Kalmbach Layer Crumbles are high in calcium which helps your hens lay eggs with stronger shells. It is available in both 25 and 50-pound bags.
Soy and corn free
Non-GMO materials
Good shelf-life if properly stored
- Soy and corn free
- Non-GMO materials
- Good shelf-life if properly stored
Food is not organic
- Food is not organic
Nutritional Benefits: High in protein and calcium
Recommended Chicken Stage: 18 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Crumbles
Available Bag Size/s: 25 and 50 pounds
Main Ingredients: Corn, soybeans, wheat
Pros
High in calcium and protein
Lower cost
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
Cons
Not Non-GMO or organic
- Manna Pro Layer Pellets for Chickens
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Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, calcium, and fiber
Recommended Chicken Stage: 16 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Pellets
Available Bag Size/s: 10 and 30 pounds
Main Ingredients: Corn, soybean meal, barley, oats
If you are looking for a USDA-certified organic and non-GMO pellet feed for your laying hens, then Manna Pro Layer Pellets are a good choice. They contain all organic ingredients like corn, barley, oats, and soybeans. These pellets are also nutritional powerhouses with protein, fiber, healthy fats, calcium, and many other vitamins necessary for your chickens’ health. This food also contains no artificial colors or flavors. It also does not contain any pesticides. This food is a little more expensive than some of the others on this list due to the fully organic ingredients. The lack of pesticides also means it is perishable, so only buy what you can use in a short time period to prevent spoilage and waste.
High in calcium and protein
Lower cost
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
- High in calcium and protein
- Lower cost
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
Not Non-GMO or organic
- Not Non-GMO or organic
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Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, calcium, and fiber
Recommended Chicken Stage: 16 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Pellets
Available Bag Size/s: 10 and 30 pounds
Main Ingredients: Corn, soybean meal, barley, oats
Pros
USDA-certified organic and non-GMO
Highly nutritious
No artificial colors or flavors
Cons
Pricey compared to other options
Can spoil if not used quickly
- Homestead Harvest Non-GMO Whole Grain Layer Blend
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Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids
Recommended Chicken Stage: 18 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Whole grains
Available Bag Size/s: 40 pounds
Main Ingredients: Corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa
If you are looking for a minimally processed and non-GMO product for your hens, then you might want to check out Homestead Harvest Non-GMO Whole Grain Layer Blend. This feed is a wholesome mix of grains and seeds that your chickens will love. It is fortified with calcium and other minerals. It also contains linseed oil, a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, and kelp. Kelp is a good natural source of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. All of these are essential to good chicken health. The product is only available in a 40-pound back and it will spoil if kept for too long. This may be problematic if you don’t plan to use it quickly.
USDA-certified organic and non-GMO
Highly nutritious
No artificial colors or flavors
- USDA-certified organic and non-GMO
- Highly nutritious
- No artificial colors or flavors
Pricey compared to other options
Can spoil if not used quickly
- Pricey compared to other options
- Can spoil if not used quickly
Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids
Recommended Chicken Stage: 18 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Whole grains
Available Bag Size/s: 40 pounds
Main Ingredients: Corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa
Pros
Non-GMO and minimally processed grains and seeds
Fortified with essential vitamins
Contains linseed oil, for Omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
Only one bag size
Can spoil if not used quickly enough
- Mile Four Organic Layer Feed for Chickens & Ducks
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Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, calcium, and other necessary minerals and vitamins
Recommended Chicken Stage: 20 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Whole grains
Available Bag Size/s: 23 pounds
Main Ingredients: Peas, wheat, flax, alfalfa
Mile Four Organic Layer Feed is another good choice if you are looking for a whole grain organic feed. It is also soy and corn-free and made from certified organic and non-GMO ingredients. The minimal processing ensures a healthy feed that your chickens will like to eat. Instead of pellets or crumbles, this feed is made of recognizable grains. It is enhanced with nutrient-rich fish meal and dried kelp. You can also give this feed to your ducks if you raise both, cutting down on the cost of buying two different types of feed. This might come in handy because the one drawback of this food is that it does not keep for very long due to the lack of preservatives.
Non-GMO and minimally processed grains and seeds
Fortified with essential vitamins
Contains linseed oil, for Omega-3 fatty acids
- Non-GMO and minimally processed grains and seeds
- Fortified with essential vitamins
- Contains linseed oil, for Omega-3 fatty acids
Only one bag size
Can spoil if not used quickly enough
- Only one bag size
- Can spoil if not used quickly enough
Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, calcium, and other necessary minerals and vitamins
Recommended Chicken Stage: 20 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Whole grains
Available Bag Size/s: 23 pounds
Main Ingredients: Peas, wheat, flax, alfalfa
Pros
Highly nutritious
Minimally processed
Whole grain texture your chickens may enjoy
Cons
Can spoil quickly
A little on the pricey side
- Amazingly Tasty Organic Feed
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Nutritional Benefits: High in protein and other nutrients
Recommended Chicken Stage: 16 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Whole grains and pellets
Available Bag Size/s: 20 pounds
Main Ingredients: Plant and animal protein products
This Amazingly Tasty Organic Feed is unique in that it combines both whole grains and pellets. It is also produced and shipped every 2 weeks so it does not sit in a warehouse or other storage facility before it gets to you. We had a difficult time tracking down specific ingredients for this blend, but they do claim it is soy-free, organic, and non-GMO. It is enhanced with oyster shells and an organic vitamin booster for maximum nutrition.
Highly nutritious
Minimally processed
Whole grain texture your chickens may enjoy
- Highly nutritious
- Minimally processed
- Whole grain texture your chickens may enjoy
Can spoil quickly
A little on the pricey side
- Can spoil quickly
- A little on the pricey side
Nutritional Benefits: High in protein and other nutrients
Recommended Chicken Stage: 16 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Whole grains and pellets
Available Bag Size/s: 20 pounds
Main Ingredients: Plant and animal protein products
Pros
Always fresh
High in protein and essential vitamins
Organic and non-GMO
Cons
Specific ingredients not listed
Supply may be limited as it is only made every 2 weeks
- Prairie’s Choice Non-GMO Layer Formula
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Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Recommended Chicken Stage: 18 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Crumbles
Available Bag Size/s: 25 pounds
Main Ingredients: Ground corn, ground soybean meal
Prairie’s Choice Non-GMO Backyard Layer feed is a solid option if you are looking for a non-GMO layer feed. The product is high in protein and fiber, giving your birds some of the nutrients that are essential to their health. If your birds have had trouble digesting their chicken feed in the past, the Prairie’s Choice crumble style feed may be a good choice for them as it is easier to digest than some other types of feed. The ingredients are non-GMO, so they maintain their essential nutrients. Along with protein and fiber, this feed also contains plenty of calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins and minerals essential to your chickens’ health.
Always fresh
High in protein and essential vitamins
Organic and non-GMO
- Always fresh
- High in protein and essential vitamins
- Organic and non-GMO
Specific ingredients not listed
Supply may be limited as it is only made every 2 weeks
- Specific ingredients not listed
- Supply may be limited as it is only made every 2 weeks
Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Recommended Chicken Stage: 18 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Crumbles
Available Bag Size/s: 25 pounds
Main Ingredients: Ground corn, ground soybean meal
Pros
Non-GMO feed
Easy to digest
High in protein, fiber, and other nutrients
Cons
A little more expensive
Limited ingredients
- Purina Organic Layer Crumbles Chicken Feed
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Nutritional Benefits: High in protein and calcium
Recommended Chicken Stage: 18 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Crumbles
Available Bag Size/s:3 35 pounds
Main Ingredients: Corn, soybean meal, wheat
The Purina Organic Layer Crumbles are a good bargain option for organic chicken feed. They are high in protein and calcium. One unique feature they claim is the oyster shells they use will break down slowly over time, leading to better calcium absorption and stronger eggshells. This feed is USDA-certified organic and uses non-GMO ingredients. The crumbles are easy for your hens to digest, but they can lead to more food waste than other styles as it is fairly loose.
Non-GMO feed
Easy to digest
High in protein, fiber, and other nutrients
- Non-GMO feed
- Easy to digest
- High in protein, fiber, and other nutrients
A little more expensive
Limited ingredients
- A little more expensive
- Limited ingredients
Nutritional Benefits: High in protein and calcium
Recommended Chicken Stage: 18 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Crumbles
Available Bag Size/s:3 35 pounds
Main Ingredients: Corn, soybean meal, wheat
Pros
Organic and non-GMO ingredients
High in calcium
Cons
Corn and soy are the main ingredients
Crumbled texture can lead to more food waste
- Brown’s Layer Booster Feed
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Nutritional Benefits: Good source of protein and calcium
Recommended Chicken Stage: 18 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Pellets
Available Bag Size/s:3 20 pounds
Main Ingredients: Corn, soybean meal, wheat
Brown’s Layer Booster Feed is not organic or non-GMO. It does boast an all-natural blend that contains no animal by-products. Instead, it gets all of its nutrients from plants and supplemental vitamins and minerals. This feed is high in calcium and protein, two key components for chicken health. Because it is not organic, it is less expensive than some other feeds.
Organic and non-GMO ingredients
High in calcium
- Organic and non-GMO ingredients
- High in calcium
Corn and soy are the main ingredients
Crumbled texture can lead to more food waste
- Corn and soy are the main ingredients
- Crumbled texture can lead to more food waste
Nutritional Benefits: Good source of protein and calcium
Recommended Chicken Stage: 18 weeks and older
Type of Feed: Pellets
Available Bag Size/s:3 20 pounds
Main Ingredients: Corn, soybean meal, wheat
Pros
Less expensive
No animal by-products
Cons
Feed is not organic
Does not use non-GMO materials
Less expensive
No animal by-products
- Less expensive
- No animal by-products
Feed is not organic
Does not use non-GMO materials
- Feed is not organic
- Does not use non-GMO materials
Buyer’s Guide – Finding the Best Chicken Feed for Laying Hens
Now that you have read our reviews, we will cover some tips for deciding which chicken feed is the best for your needs.
Important Things to Consider When Finding the Right Chicken Feed
Our reviews covered the best options available for organic, non-GMO, and natural chicken feed. When you are deciding which chicken feed to buy, you will first want to decide which of these three options you want.
Organic—Cannot contain animal by-products, antibiotics, or genetically modified ingredients
Non-GMO—Cannot contain any genetically modified ingredients
Natural—Loosely defined; in our list, the natural foods do not contain animal by-products, although they are not organic or non-GMO
Organic foods are often thought to be the healthiest as they don’t contain harmful additives. They do tend to spoil a little more quickly as they lack preservatives.
- Organic—Cannot contain animal by-products, antibiotics, or genetically modified ingredients
- Non-GMO—Cannot contain any genetically modified ingredients
- Natural—Loosely defined; in our list, the natural foods do not contain animal by-products, although they are not organic or non-GMO
There are also several different formats you can buy your chicken feed in. The ones discussed in our list include the following:
Pellets—Pellets are compact, dehydrated pieces
Crumbles—Coarse, oatmeal-like material
Whole Grains—Seeds, grains, and nuts in their natural format
The choice of format is really a matter of what your chickens prefer. Pellets are the most common, while whole grains are usually the least processed. Crumbles may be easier to digest for chickens with sensitive stomachs, but they can also lead to more food waste.
- Pellets—Pellets are compact, dehydrated pieces
- Crumbles—Coarse, oatmeal-like material
- Whole Grains—Seeds, grains, and nuts in their natural format
What Makes a Good Chicken Feed?
Your hens need several nutrients to optimize health and laying. Protein is a key component of any good chicken feed. It is necessary for healthy functioning bodies. Laying hens also need plenty of calcium. Phosphorus and vitamin D are needed with calcium as they work together to form strong eggshells.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our reviews and learned more about the best chicken feed for laying hens, you should be confident that you can make the right choice for your needs. Whether you decide to use an organic, non-GMO, or natural feed, our top three picks of the best chicken feeds for laying hens will meet your needs. Scratch and Peck Feeds Organic Layer Feed, Small Pet Select Chicken Layer Feed, and Kalmbach Feeds All Natural Layer Crumbles are all solid choices for layer feed that will keep your hens happy and healthy.
Featured Image Credit: LesiChkalll27, Shutterstock
