What are the Ingredients in Purina High-Protein Chicken Feed?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

Purina high-protein chicken feed is specially formulated with a blend of ingredients to meet the dietary needs of different flock members. The specific ingredients in Purina high-protein chicken feed vary depending on the product line, such as Layena+ High Protein or Flock Raiser, but generally include a mix of grains, plant-based proteins, and specialized supplements for optimal nutrition.

Quick Summary

This article details the ingredients found in Purina's high-protein chicken feeds, highlighting common components like grains, plant protein products, and supplements such as black soldier fly larvae. It also covers the nutritional benefits these ingredients provide for laying hens and mixed flocks, and contrasts different Purina feed formulations.

Key Points

Diverse Ingredient Base: Purina high-protein feed typically combines grains like corn, plant proteins like soybean meal, and specific supplements to create a complete and balanced diet.
Specialized Protein Sources: Certain feeds, such as Layena+ High Protein, incorporate black soldier fly larvae to appeal to a chicken's natural foraging instincts and provide a highly digestible protein source.
Calcium for Eggshells: Layer feeds feature the Oyster Strong System, which blends oyster shell, Vitamin D, and manganese for a slow release of calcium to ensure strong eggshells.
Yolk Color Enhancement: Marigold extract is included to promote a rich, vibrant yellow color in egg yolks.
Gut Health Support: Probiotics, prebiotics, and yeast are added to many feeds to foster a healthy digestive system and support immune function.
Product Line Differentiation: Ingredient profiles and protein levels vary across products like Flock Raiser (20% protein for growing birds) and Layena+ High Protein (19% protein for laying hens) to address specific life stage needs.
Amino Acid Fortification: Essential amino acids like lysine and methionine are enhanced to support feather development, muscle growth, and overall hen health.

For backyard chicken keepers, understanding the ingredients in your flock's feed is crucial for ensuring their health, productivity, and the quality of their eggs. Purina offers a variety of high-protein feed options, each tailored to different life stages and nutritional goals. While the exact formula can vary between products, many share a core set of ingredients designed to deliver balanced, high-quality nutrition.

Core Ingredients in Purina High-Protein Feeds

Purina's high-protein chicken feed typically includes a blend of several key ingredient categories to create a complete and balanced diet. These include:

Grains and Processed Grain By-Products: Provides energy and fiber.
Plant Protein Products: Such as soybean meal, providing essential amino acids.
Specialized Protein Sources: Some feeds contain black soldier fly larvae for digestible protein and to satisfy foraging instincts.
Essential Amino Acids: Added to support muscle and feather health.
Vitamins and Minerals: A package to support immune function, bone density, and health.
Calcium Sources: For laying hens, calcium from sources like the Oyster Strong System is crucial for strong eggshells.
Prebiotics and Probiotics: Included for gut health and immune function.
Yolk Enhancers: Like marigold extract, for vibrant egg yolk color.

High-Protein Feed for Different Life Stages

Purina offers high-protein options tailored to specific needs, such as growth for chicks and calcium for laying hens.

Flock Raiser for Mixed Flocks

Purina Flock Raiser is a 20% protein feed for growing mixed flocks up to laying age. It supports growth, skeletal, and muscle development with grains, plant protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Layena+ High Protein for Laying Hens

For laying hens (18+ weeks), Layena+ High Protein has 19% protein and is formulated for egg production with higher calcium from the Oyster Strong System. It often includes black soldier fly larvae and marigold extract for egg quality and yolk color.

Comparison of Purina High-Protein Feeds


Feature	Purina Flock Raiser	Purina Layena+ High Protein
Target Flock	Growing broilers, ducks, geese, and mixed flocks up to laying age (18-20 weeks)	Laying hens (18+ weeks)
Crude Protein	Minimum 20.00%	Minimum 19.00%
Key Protein Sources	Grains, plant protein products	Black soldier fly larvae, grains, plant protein products
Calcium Content	Lower calcium levels (0.80% - 1.30%) optimized for growth	Higher calcium levels (3.25% - 4.25%) with Oyster Strong System for eggshells
Specialty Ingredients	Vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, and probiotics for growth and immunity	Black soldier fly larvae, marigold extract, Oyster Strong System, prebiotics, and probiotics
Primary Goal	Supports rapid growth and development for young, non-laying birds	Optimizes egg production, quality, and yolk color in laying hens
Typical Form	Pellets or crumbles	Pellets

What Makes Purina's Ingredients Unique?

Purina's unique ingredients include {Link: Purina Mills https://www.purinamills.com/chicken-feed/education/detail/what-to-look-for-on-the-chicken-feed-tag-to-help-choose-the-best-feed-for-your-chickens}:

Whole Grains.
Oyster Strong System for strong eggshells.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae for protein and foraging instincts.
Marigold Extract for yolk color.
No unnecessary additives.
Support for overall health.

Conclusion

Purina's high-protein chicken feeds utilize a variety of ingredients like grains, plant proteins, black soldier fly larvae, and the Oyster Strong System to meet the needs of different chickens. Products like Flock Raiser focus on growth, while Layena+ High Protein supports egg production. These feeds aim to provide balanced nutrition for healthy flocks and quality eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary protein source varies by product. Many Purina feeds use soybean meal and other plant protein products. Some high-end feeds also include black soldier fly larvae for added protein and to satisfy natural bug cravings.

No, many of Purina's standard and premium feeds are formulated without added antibiotics. However, medicated versions of some products, like chick starters, are available and explicitly state their inclusion of medication.

The Oyster Strong System is an exclusive blend of oyster shell, Vitamin D, and manganese found in Purina layer feeds. It provides a slow and steady release of calcium, particularly at night, to help hens form strong, healthy eggshells.

Marigold extract is added to enhance the color of egg yolks. It contains xanthophylls, natural pigments that give yolks a more desirable, rich golden-yellow hue.

While Purina offers a high-protein feed for growers called Flock Raiser (20% protein), regular layer feeds are typically too high in calcium and should not be given to chicks. Chicks need a specific starter feed, like Purina Start & Grow, until around 18-20 weeks of age.

Yes, many of Purina's layer feeds, such as Layena, are advertised as vegetarian formulas made with freshly ground North American grains and plant protein products. However, some premium feeds may include insects like black soldier fly larvae.

Probiotics and prebiotics are added to support the beneficial bacteria in a chicken's gut. This helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, and boosts the chicken's overall immune system.