Choosing the right grower feed for chickens supports healthy development, sturdy bodies, and strong future lay capabilities. This guide reviews top corn-free and soy-free options that emphasize organic or non-GMO certifications, balanced protein, and practical feeding formats. Whether you raise heritage breeds or hybrids, these picks prioritize quality ingredients and transparent nutrition.
The following table highlights five grower feeds that align with popular needs: protein level, organic certifications, grain bases, and suitability for chicks through growing pullets. Use this summary to quickly compare key attributes as you read the full product profiles.
| Product | Protein | Grain/Base | Certifications | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scratch & Peck Whole Grain Grower Crumbles | 17% | Whole grain | USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified | Crumbles | Corn-free, soy-free |
| Scratch & Peck Whole Grain Grower Mash | 17% | Whole grain | USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified | Mash | Corn-free, soy-free |
| New Country Organics Pastured Perfect Grower/Broiler | 19% | Pasture-based grains | Certified Organic, Non-GMO | Pellet/Feed | Corn-free, soy-free |
| Manna Pro Medicated Chick Starter Grower | 18% | Chick starter blend | Medicated (Amprolium) | Crumble | For baby chicks; coccidiosis protection |
| Mile Four Organic Grower Pellet | 18% | Organic grains | Organic, Non-GMO | Pellet | Corn-free, soy-free |
In the sections that follow, each product is presented with a focused overview, key features, and practical considerations to help you pick the best grower feed for your flock. All selections emphasize nutrition, food safety, and ease of use for American backyard and small-scale poultry keepers.
Scratch and Peck Feeds Whole Grain Grower Crumbles
The Whole Grain Grower Crumbles from Scratch and Peck Feeds are designed to support robust growth in chickens and ducks with a 17% protein content. The crumble form facilitates easy eating for birds at various stages of development. It is corn-free and soy-free, aligning with producers seeking non-traditional grain bases. Certification includes USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified status, signaling a commitment to high-quality ingredients without fillers or medications.
Key advantages include nutritionally complete formulation, strong development for hybrid and heritage breeds, and quality-driven sourcing. The absence of corn and soy can appeal to flocks with sensitivities or specific dietary plans. For managers who value certified organic nutrition and strict product transparency, this feed offers a dependable option for growing birds from hatch to pullet stages. Practical considerations include storage in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness and adherence to feeding guidelines for optimum growth rates.
Overall, this product emphasizes premium ingredients and certifications, making it a strong pick for conscientious flock managers prioritizing organic standards and a cleaner grain profile.
Scratch and Peck Whole Grain Grower Mash
The Grower Mash offers a 17% protein formulation designed to support healthy development in chickens and ducks. It is corn-free and soy-free, which can benefit birds with dietary restrictions or specific farmer preferences. Like the crumbles version, it carries USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project certifications, reinforcing a commitment to quality and traceability.
This mash form provides a different feeding experience, particularly during cooler months or when birds prefer a softer texture. It is described as fermentable, which may align with feeding strategies aimed at improving gut health and digestion. Producers should note the need for appropriate moisture management to prevent clumping and to ensure consistent intake by birds of varying ages.
With premium ingredients and organic certifications, the Grower Mash stands as a practical alternative for growers who value a corn- and soy-free base while managing chick development and early pullet growth.
New Country Organics Pastured Perfect Grower/Broiler
New Country Organics offers a pastured Perfect Grower/Broiler feed formulated for growing chickens with a 19% protein level. The formulation emphasizes simplicity with fewer ingredients, reflecting a straightforward approach to nutrition. The feed is corn-free and soy-free, aligning with niche dietary preferences and organic standards. Certified Organic and Non-GMO status provides assurance about production practices and ingredient sourcing.
Key considerations include its suitability for pastured poultry systems, where outdoor access and diverse forages complement formulated feeds. The blend’s simpler formulation may simplify sourcing and reduce potential allergen exposure. While the 40 lb bag size is convenient for larger flocks, smaller flocks may find the volume less economical. This product is designed to meet the nutritional demands of growing birds while supporting sustainable farming practices.
For owners prioritizing organic certification, a clean ingredient list, and a higher protein percentage suitable for broiler growth, this New Country Organics option represents a compelling choice.
Manna Pro Medicated Chick Starter Grower
This Manna Pro chick starter grower is medicated with Amprolium, designed to help prevent coccidiosis during early growth. It delivers an 18% protein level to support healthy weight gain and muscle development in baby chicks and pullets. The medicated formula protects young birds from common intestinal parasites, contributing to a stronger start and improved long-term vitality.
In addition to the medicated protection, the feed is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, supporting immune function and overall development. This product is particularly suitable for backyard flocks or operations where coccidiosis risk is a concern, especially in crowded or humid environments. Users should follow label directions for dosage and life-stage transitions to ensure proper transition to non-medicated feeds as birds mature.
As a medicated starter-grower, it represents a practical option for those prioritizing disease prevention during early growth, with the trade-off of using a feed that includes a medication as part of the growth plan.
Manna Pro Chick Starter Feed, Non-Medicated
This non-medicated chick starter from Manna Pro covers chicks from hatching to about 16 weeks with balanced nutrition and essential vitamins and minerals. The feed is designed to support strong immune systems, proper bone growth, and overall development without added medications. The emphasis on a well-rounded vitamin/mineral profile helps establish a healthy foundation for future laying hens.
Non-medicated feeds are favored by backyard keepers seeking natural nutrition with fewer additives. The product combines practical nutrition with a straightforward feeding plan, making it easy to introduce to hatchlings and to transition to grower feeds as birds mature. While it provides robust nutrition, users should monitor flock needs and adjust feeding rates to maintain optimal growth without overconditioning.
Manna Pro All Flock Crumbles
This All Flock Crumbles from Manna Pro is designed to cover a variety of poultry, including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and game birds. The 16% protein level supports general growth and maintenance across mixed flocks. The formula includes probiotics to support digestion and gut health, which can be beneficial when mixing diverse bird types in a single feed system.
The crumble format enhances ease of feeding for birds of different sizes, from small chicks to larger pullets. It is marketed as free from artificial colors or flavors, aligning with natural feeding preferences. For owners managing multi-species flocks, this product provides a single, versatile option to meet various nutritional needs without managing separate feeds.
When selecting this feed, consider flock composition and potential digestibility differences among species. Probiotics can aid digestion, but ensure the protein level aligns with the growth demands of your youngest birds and the production goals of your flock as it matures.
Scratch and Peck Grower Grit Supplement
Grower Grit from Scratch and Peck Feeds complements feed with insoluble grit, aiding digestion by grinding feed in the gizzard. This essential supplement is sized for growers aged around 8 weeks to 20 weeks, making it a steady addition during the grower phase. The grit comes in multiple sizes, with options for Chick, Grower, and Layer, allowing flexible feeding across life stages.
Grit is especially important in grain-based diets, where the mechanical digestion process benefits from mineral-rich particles. The product emphasizes sustainable sourcing (sustainably sourced) and is designed to support gizzard health and overall digestion. For backyard flocks, keep grit in a separate dish or on the coop floor, ensuring birds have constant access as they explore new feeds and forages.
Mile Four Organic Grower Pellet
The Mile Four Organic Grower Pellet provides an 18% protein level with 100% USA-grown organic grains. The corn-free and soy-free formulation reduces the risk of certain nutrient gaps and aligns with organic and non-GMO standards. As a non-medicated feed, it focuses on steady growth and health without preventative medications. The pellets are milled locally, supporting regional farming practices and freshness.
Pellets can reduce waste and sorting issues common with crumbles, making administration easier for larger flocks. This option is well-suited for a household flock or small farm seeking a straightforward pellet-based feed that delivers consistent nutrition for growing chickens. Consider storage conditions and feeding rates to match flock size and growth goals, especially during peak growth spurts.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Grower Feeds
- Protein Levels: Look for feeds in the 17–19% range for growing chicks and pullets to support muscle development without excessive fat gain. Higher protein is often beneficial during early growth, while a gradual transition to lower protein is common for older birds.
- Grain Basis: Corn-free and soy-free options may suit birds with sensitivities or align with organic/non-GMO preferences. Whole grain versus mash or crumble formats affect feeding ease and absorption.
- Certifications: USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Non-GMO certifications signal product integrity and ingredient quality. Medicated feeds ( Amprolium) are suitable in specific coccidiosis prevention plans but are not appropriate for all flocks.
- Format And Feeding Style: Crumbles and crumbles-like feeds are easier for small birds; pellets offer reduced waste and consistent intake for larger flocks. Consider the age and flock size when choosing texture and packaging.
- Flock Diversity: If managing mixed flocks (chickens and ducks or game birds), an all-flock or multi-species feed can simplify feeding, while species-specific feeds may optimize nutrition for particular needs.
- Grit And Digestive Health: Grower grit supports gizzard digestion in grain-based feeds. Provide grit separately and ensure it’s accessible to birds at all times.
- Medical Considerations: Medicated feeds are designed to reduce coccidiosis risk in young birds, but transitions to non-medicated formulations should be planned as birds mature.
When evaluating options, compare protein content, ingredient sourcing, and how well the product aligns with your flock’s age range, housing setup, and management goals. For many hobbyists, combining a high-quality organic grower feed with supplemental grit and clean water provides a reliable baseline for healthy growth and long-term productivity.