Pasture-raised chickens primarily eat a natural diet of grass, seeds, insects, and worms, supplemented with grains for balanced nutrition.
Pasture-raised chickens enjoy a diverse, natural diet that includes grass, insects, seeds, and supplemental feed. Unlike conventional chickens confined to barns, pasture-raised birds forage freely, resulting in healthier meat and eggs. Let’s explore their diet in detail.
The Natural Diet of Pasture-Raised Chickens
Chickens are omnivores with a varied diet that changes with the seasons. Their wild ancestors, the red junglefowl, foraged for diverse foods, and modern pasture-raised chickens maintain similar eating habits.
Foraged Foods
- Grass and greens: Chickens consume various grasses, clover, and other pasture plants
- Insects: They eat beetles, worms, grubs, and other protein-rich bugs
- Seeds and grains: Wild seeds and grains from pasture plants supplement their diet
- Small animals: Occasionally they’ll eat small frogs, lizards, or mice
This natural foraging behavior provides important nutrients and keeps chickens active. Learn more about how far free-range chickens roam to understand their natural behaviors.
Supplemental Feeding for Pasture-Raised Chickens
While foraging provides significant nutrition, most pasture-raised operations supplement with grain-based feed to ensure balanced nutrition year-round.
Common Feed Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose | Nutritional Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Organic corn | Primary energy source | Provides beta-carotene, phosphorus, and vitamins |
| Flame-roasted soybeans | Protein source | Contains healthy oils and vitamin E |
| Oats | Fiber source | Provides beta-glucan enzymes for digestion |
| Limestone | Calcium supplement | Essential for strong eggshells |
Why Organic Feed Matters
Many pasture-raised operations insist on organic feed for several reasons:
- Avoids pesticide residues that can accumulate in chicken fat
- Prevents exposure to herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup)
- Supports non-GMO agriculture
- Reduces environmental contamination from agricultural chemicals
According to Wrong Direction Farm, organic feed reflects the true cost of producing food without toxic byproducts.
Seasonal Variations in Chicken Diet
A pasture-raised chicken’s diet changes significantly with the seasons:
Spring and Summer
- Abundant fresh grass and greens
- More insects available
- Less supplemental feed needed
Fall and Winter
- More reliance on supplemental feed
- Fewer insects available
- Possible fermented feed to aid digestion
Farmers often adjust feed formulations seasonally. For example, they might increase protein content in winter when insects are scarce.
The Role of the Gizzard
Chickens have a unique digestive adaptation called a gizzard that allows them to process tough foods:
- Muscular organ that grinds food with small stones (grit)
- Essential for digesting whole grains and seeds
- Allows chickens to extract nutrients from fibrous plants
This explains why chickens can thrive on grains while other animals like cows cannot. As noted by Pasturebird, the gizzard makes grains a species-appropriate food for chickens.
Impact on Meat and Egg Quality
The pasture-raised diet directly affects the quality of chicken products:
Meat Quality
- Darker, more flavorful meat from varied diet
- Higher omega-3 fatty acids from grass consumption
- Better fat profile from natural foods
Egg Quality
- Darker yolks from carotenoids in grass
- Thicker egg whites
- Higher vitamin content
For more on egg quality, see our article on why chicken eggs might be watery.
Common Questions About Pasture-Raised Chicken Diets
Can chickens survive on pasture alone?
While chickens can get significant nutrition from pasture, most operations supplement with grain feed to ensure complete nutrition, especially in winter.
Why not feed chickens 100% grass like cows?
Chickens lack the multi-chambered stomachs of ruminants. Their gizzard helps process grains but can’t extract enough nutrition from grass alone.
How much of their diet comes from pasture?
Estimates vary, but pasture typically provides 20-30% of total nutrition in good weather, with the remainder coming from supplemental feed.
Do pasture-raised chickens need grit?
Yes, grit (small stones) is essential for their gizzards to grind food. Chickens naturally consume grit when foraging.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Pasture-raising chickens offers several advantages:
- More humane living conditions
- Lower environmental impact than factory farming
- Healthier food products
- Support for small farms
The pasture-raised system creates a virtuous cycle where chickens improve the land through natural fertilization while getting optimal nutrition from diverse forage.