Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Soy And Corn Free Chicken Feed | 20lb Bags? Not Enough

Switching your flock to a soy-and-corn free diet isn’t just a trend — it’s a targeted response to real problems: soft shells, digestive upset, and the nagging suspicion that fillers are shortchanging your hens’ health. The right blend delivers consistent laying without the inflammatory grains many chickens struggle to process.

I’m Mo Mahin — the founder and writer behind Furric. I’ve spent hundreds of hours cross-referencing feed mill sourcing, decoding ingredient labels, and analyzing verified owner reports to separate premium formulations from overpriced bags of dust.

To simplify your decision, I’ve assembled the most practical data on the best soy and corn free chicken feed to help you match a formula to your flock’s specific needs and your budget.

How To Choose The Best Soy And Corn Free Chicken Feed

Not all “soy-free” and “corn-free” labels are created equal. The bag may omit those two ingredients but still rely on cheap fillers that compromise protein density or mineral availability. A premium feed leans on alternative grains like wheat, barley, oats, and field peas, plus targeted calcium sources for shell formation.

Verify the Protein Content

Laying hens need a minimum of 16% crude protein to maintain egg production without depleting their own muscle mass. Mature birds benefit from a 16-18% window. Feeds below 16% may force you to supplement with high-protein treats, which can unbalance the diet. Check the guaranteed analysis on the bag — not the marketing copy.

Calcium Delivery Method

A soy-and-corn free feed should include a separate, high-particle-size calcium source — crushed oyster shell or limestone — that releases slowly throughout the night when the hen is forming the eggshell. Powders get flushed through too quickly. Look for phrases like “Oyster Strong System” or “separate calcium particles” in the description.

Grain Structure: Mash, Crumble, or Whole

Whole grain blends let chickens visually select ingredients, which some hens love but others waste. Crumbles and pellets ensure uniform consumption. “Mash” (fine powder) is ideal for fermenting — a process that boosts digestibility and reduces the amount of feed needed per bird, making an expensive bag last noticeably longer.

Quick Comparison

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Model Category Best For Key Spec Amazon
Wholesome Harvest 16% Layer Blend Mid-Range Budget-friendly transition to non-GMO 10lb bag; 16% protein; contains soy/corn Amazon
H and H Feed Layer 19% Mid-Range Small flocks with soy/corn sensitivity 20lb; 19% protein; soy & corn free Amazon
Prairie’s Choice Layer Crumble Mid-Range High egg production recovery 25lb; 16% protein; non-GMO Amazon
New Country Organics Classic Layer Premium Hot climate hens needing low-starch 25lb; 17% protein; corn & soy free Amazon
Purina Organic Layer Crumbles Premium Large breeds & steady calcium delivery 35lb; 16% protein; USDA organic Amazon
Scratch and Peck Grower Mash Premium Fermentation enthusiasts & chicks 40lb; 17% protein; corn & soy free Amazon
Mile Four Organic Grower Premium Picky eaters & sustainables 46lb; 18% protein; USA grown, organic Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

Premium Pick

1. New Country Organics Classic Layer Chicken Feed

Corn Free17% Protein

The New Country Organics Classic Layer is the benchmark for a true corn-free and soy-free feed. Its 17% protein comes from organic grains including wheat and barley, with a notably low-starch formulation that long-term reviewers in hot southern climates swear by for keeping hens cool and laying through summer. The flake texture contains visible grain pieces that chickens spend time sorting — which reduces boredom but may increase waste if you don’t ferment the fines.

Multiple verified buyers report feeding this exclusively for months with consistent one-egg-per-day production and glossy feather condition. The main operational note: the bag contains a noticeable amount of powder (fines). Experienced keepers recommend a 12-hour soak — the grains absorb all moisture, reducing waste to near zero and making the 25lb bag stretch further. Users who ferment report the powder problem disappears entirely.

Shell quality improved for most but a handful of users still needed supplemental oyster shell for the first two weeks, suggesting the included calcium source is adequate for maintenance but not for flocks with prior deficiency. The brand’s mill disclaimer — “no guarantee of 100% corn-free” due to shared equipment — is an honest caveat that allergy-sensitive keepers must weigh.

Why we love it

  • True corn-and-soy free with certified organic grains
  • Low-starch formula keeps hens cool in hot weather
  • Ferments beautifully, eliminating virtually all waste

Good to know

  • Significant powder dust if fed dry
  • Shared milling equipment may cross-contact with corn
  • Premium tier price per pound
Long Lasting

2. Scratch and Peck Feeds Whole Grain Grower Mash

Corn & Soy Free40lb Bag

Scratch and Peck’s organic whole grain mash is the go-to choice for keepers who ferment their feed. The 40lb bag delivers 17% protein from a corn-free, soy-free base that includes black soldier fly larvae (grubs) — a natural protein boost that mimics a chicken’s ancestral diet. The mash form is ideal for fermenting with apple cider vinegar; regular fermenters report the feed transforms into a gel-like consistency with zero leftover dust, and the bag lasts roughly 30% longer compared to feeding dry.

Multiple long-term users note a dramatic improvement in coop smell — less ammonia, tighter droppings — which they attribute to the whole-ingredient fermentation process. Chickens that previously refused pellets or crumbles eagerly transitioned to this visible grain blend. The price point is the primary friction point, but owners with high-production layers argue the reduction in feed volume needed offsets the bag cost. The mash’s fine consistency can result in waste if fed dry without a no-spill feeder.

This is designed for 8-20 week growers, not adult layers, which is critical to note — it lacks the higher calcium load hens need for eggshell formation. Use it for pullets or as a supplement to a layer ration for adult birds. The certification stack (USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified) gives keepers a clean audit trail on every ingredient.

Why we love it

  • Outstanding fermentable mash; virtually eliminates waste
  • Black soldier fly larvae add natural, unprocessed protein
  • Coop odor noticeably reduced with fermented feed

Good to know

  • Grower formula — not suitable as a standalone layer feed
  • Dry feeding without a no-spill feeder creates waste
  • Premium price per pound; no bulk discount
Oyster Strong

3. Purina Organic Layer Hen Feed Crumbles

USDA Organic35lb Bag

Purina’s entry into the organic space brings its decades of feed science to a 35lb crumble bag that is USDA Organic but NOT soy-and-corn free. This inclusion is important for context — if your flock has a strict medical sensitivity to soy or corn, this feed will not meet that requirement. The crumble texture contains large-particle calcium (the Oyster Strong System) that breaks down slowly so calcium is bioavailable across the full 24-hour shell formation cycle, reducing thin-shell issues without separate supplementation for most flocks.

The 16% protein is the baseline for adult layers; keepers with heavy producers report consistent egg counts and thick shells. The bag is widely available and often the most affordable organic option per pound among the non-specialty brands. The main drawback is ingredient opacity — while certified organic, the exact grain blend is proprietary, and keepers who prefer full ingredient visibility (seeing each grain) will find this less transparent than whole-grain competitors.

Reviewers with large breeds (Orpingtons, Brahmas) appreciate the 35lb size for reducing ordering frequency. The crumble form minimizes the sorting behavior common with whole grains, ensuring each hen gets a balanced mouthful. If your flock doesn’t require corn or soy exclusion, this is a high-value organic staple. For strict elimination diets, skip to the previous or next product.

Why we love it

  • Oyster Strong System provides slow-release calcium for strong shells
  • USDA Organic certification at a reasonable per-pound price
  • Crumble reduces selective feeding behavior

Good to know

  • Contains corn and soy — not suitable for elimination diets
  • Proprietary grain blend lacks ingredient transparency
  • 16% protein is adequate but not optimized for high-production flocks
Best Value

4. H and H Feed Amazingly Tasty Layer Feed

Soy & Corn Free20lb Bag

H and H Feed’s layer formula occupies a unique spot as one of the few verified soy-free and corn-free feeds available on Amazon at a mid-range price point. The 20lb bag packs 19% protein — the highest protein concentration in this roundup — from organic Fertrell vitamins and minerals blended into a fine mash texture. Long-term customers (some reporting 65+ orders over 5 years) cite unwavering consistency of quality, fresh milling, and zero complaints of mold or rancid oils even with repeated purchasing.

The primary frustration is the bag size. Keepers with 10+ hens report the feed disappears quickly, and the absence of a larger bag option or bulk discount means ordering monthly. That said, the protein density reduces the need for high-protein treats, and several owners noted that egg production remained steady even through winter without any additional supplementation. The mash form is best for fermenting — it mixes into a smooth slurry that hens consume completely, minimizing fines waste.

A caution on the fine texture: feeding dry in a standard trough results in dust that some chickens sneeze through. Pairing with a shallow fermentation bucket eliminates this issue entirely. The Fertrell vitamin base gives this feed a distinct nutritional edge for flocks showing signs of feather dullness or reduced activity.

Why we love it

  • Highest protein at 19% among all reviewed feeds
  • Verified soy-free and corn-free with consistent quality over years
  • Fertrell vitamin blend supports feather and comb health

Good to know

  • Only available in 20lb bag; flocks over 10 go through it quickly
  • Fine mash creates dust when fed dry
  • No bulk discount; regular monthly orders needed for larger flocks
Top Shelf

5. Mile Four Organic Chicken Feed (46 lbs)

USA Grown18% Protein

Mile Four’s 46lb grower feed is the gold standard for keepers who want full traceability: 100% USA-grown certified organic grains, non-GMO, corn-free, and soy-free, milled fresh from family farms. The 18% protein is ideal for 8-20 week growers or as a top-tier supplement for layers. The whole grain format — visible wheat, oats, peas, and lentils — makes it a feast for visual eaters who reject monotonous crumbles.

The key operational detail is that chickens can be picky with whole grains. Several reviewers noted their birds initially ignored the lentils and peas, only eating them after a 7-10 day adjustment period. Once acclimated, the birds thrived — glossy feathers, bright combs, steady growth. The 46lb bag is the largest in this roundup, making the per-pound cost competitive despite the high upfront number, and the compostable bag with handle is a thoughtful touch for reducing plastic waste.

This is a grower formula, not a layer complete. It lacks the high calcium load for shell formation, so adult layers need a separate oyster shell supplement. A few owners use this as a treat or partial ration ( per bag is a tough line-item for a full flock) and blend it with a lower-cost base feed. The quality difference is unmistakable in the egg yolk color — deep golden orange — when used as even a 30% ration mix.

Why we love it

  • 100% USA-grown organic grains with full traceability
  • Whole grain format satisfies visual eaters
  • Compostable bag with sturdy carrying handle

Good to know

  • Grower formula — requires separate calcium for laying hens
  • Birds may initially reject lentils/peas; transition period needed
  • Significant upfront cost per bag
Easy Transition

6. Prairie’s Choice Non-GMO Backyard Chicken Feed Layer

Non-GMO25lb Bag

Prairie’s Choice is a non-GMO, antibiotic-free, gluten-free layer crumble with 16% protein, milled and packaged in the USA. It’s the simplest entry point for keepers moving away from commodity feeds without diving into the premium tier immediately. The crumble texture reduces the selective sorting that whole grains invite, and the 25lb bag is a manageable size for small-to-medium backyards.

Multiple verified purchasers reported that switching to this feed restored egg production within days after a slump — one reviewer specifically noted that their hens stopped laying in a warm January and resumed within 48 hours of starting Prairie’s Choice. That correlation suggests the non-GMO base plus balanced amino acid profile fills gaps left by cheaper grocery-store feeds. The default calcium level is adequate for most hens, but thin-shell issues emerged for a few users during peak laying, easily fixed with a side-dish of oyster shell.

The crumble does produce some fines at the bottom of the bag, but significantly less than mash-style feeds. The flavor is “unflavored” — no added oils or artificial attractants — so transition-hesitant birds may take a day or two to accept it. Mixing it 50/50 with the old feed for the first week is a standard workaround. Given the sub-premium price, this is the most logical stepping stone between generic feed and a corn/soy-free specialty formula.

Why we love it

  • Reliably restored egg production for multiple users within days
  • Non-GMO, antibiotic-free, gluten-free at a sub-premium price
  • Crumble format minimizes ingredient sorting

Good to know

  • 16% protein — adequate but not optimized for heavy producers
  • Some fines/dust at the bottom of the bag
  • Transition period needed if birds are used to flavored or medicated feed
Entry Level

7. Wholesome Harvest Non-GMO Whole Grain Layer Blend

Non-GMO10lb Bag

Wholesome Harvest’s 10lb layer blend is a non-GMO, granule-style feed that includes oyster shell, probiotics, and omega-3s from linseed oil. It’s the most accessible (and smallest) bag in this lineup at 16% protein. Note that it DOES contain cracked corn and soybeans — this is a non-GMO feed, not a corn/soy-free feed. For keepers whose primary goal is eliminating GMOs without restricting those grains, this is a decent trial bag.

The 10lb size is both asset and liability. Small-flock owners (3-5 bantams) report the bag lasting up to two weeks, making it easy to store in a pantry without rodent risk. Larger flocks polish it off in days, and the cost per pound is higher than any other option here. The granule texture — a mix of cracked grains, pellets, and oyster shell pieces — encourages natural foraging behavior, and chickens reportedly go “crazy” for it, per multiple 5-star reviews.

The calcium content from oyster shell is sufficient for maintenance, but reviewers with production breeds still supplemented with extra shell. The probiotic inclusion is a nice touch for digestive health during weather changes or stress. If your ultimate goal is strict corn and soy elimination, skip this; the next product in this list is a better fit. If you’re simply avoiding GMOs and want a low-commitment trial, the palatability is remarkable.

Why we love it

  • Extremely palatable — chickens consistently go crazy for it
  • Includes probiotics for digestive health and omega-3 enrichment
  • 10lb size is perfect for small flocks or trials

Good to know

  • CONTAINS corn and soy — not suitable for elimination diets
  • Small bag size yields high per-pound cost for larger flocks
  • 16% protein is baseline; active layers may need additional protein

FAQ

Can I feed soy-and-corn free feed to chicks?
Yes, but you must match the protein level to the life stage. Starter feeds need 18-20% protein. Grower feeds (8-20 weeks) perform well at 17-18%. Adult layers can sustain on 16%. Some soy-and-corn free grower blends like Scratch and Peck’s Whole Grain Mash (17%) are suitable for pullets but lack the high calcium load layers need for eggshell formation. Always verify the bag’s guaranteed analysis — not the brand’s marketing — before feeding to chicks.
What alternative grains replace corn and soy in these feeds?
The primary substitutes are wheat, barley, oats, field peas, lentils, and millet. These grains provide carbohydrates and fiber without the pro-inflammatory compounds some chickens react to. Protein levels are maintained with alfalfa meal, flaxseed meal, pumpkin seeds, sunflower kernels, and black soldier fly larvae (grubs). The best blends use at least three of these sources to provide a complete amino acid profile — methionine and lysine are often supplemented with organic oregano oil and kelp meal.
Will my hens lay fewer eggs on corn-free feed?
Not if the protein and amino acid levels are adequate. Corn is primarily a carbohydrate source with modest protein (8-9%). Removing it does not inherently reduce egg output if the replacement grains deliver 16-18% total protein and ample lysine. Many keepers report egg production actually increases after switching because the hens aren’t filling up on low-nutrient filler. The key metric is the crude protein percentage on the guaranteed analysis, not the presence or absence of corn.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most gardeners with laying hens, the best soy and corn free chicken feed winner is the New Country Organics Classic Layer because it delivers certified organic grains, a true corn-and-soy free formula at 17% protein, and the low-starch blend keeps hens comfortable through high-heat laying slumps. If you want the highest protein density in a mid-range bag, grab the H and H Feed 19% Layer. And for the whole-grain fermentation crowd, nothing beats the Scratch and Peck Grower Mash for waste-free feeding and noticeably better coop air.