The Ingredient Difference: What Sets
Premium Feed Apart From the Rest

How clean whole grains, transparent sourcing, and premium nutrition support stronger eggs and healthier hens for the long term

Sarah M., Chicago, IL

• 5 min read

They want healthy birds, beautiful eggs, and a sense of confidence that the nutrition they choose every day is genuinely supporting their flock. However, most people quickly discover that not all feeds are created the same.

Behind every handful of feed lies a story of ingredients, sourcing, farming practices, and nutritional philosophy that can dramatically influence a hen’s health and egg production.

Scratch and Peck has always approached feed differently. Instead of chasing convenience or reducing costs through heavy processing, the brand focuses on whole grains, clean nutrition, and sourcing that respects both animals and ecosystems.

For years they have championed organic agriculture, transparent ingredient lists, and local partnerships that build long term sustainability. The result is a feed that feels real, smells real, and nourishes birds in a way that aligns with their natural instincts.

This editorial explores what sets Scratch and Peck apart, why their hero ingredients matter, and how clean whole grain nutrition directly impacts the health of your birds and the quality of the eggs they produce.

Whether you are a new chicken owner or an experienced keeper, understanding these ingredient choices will help you feed with confidence.

Why Clean Ingredients Matter More Than Ever

Better nutrition creates stronger birds, richer eggs, and more consistent laying cycles

Modern chickens live in environments that rely on balanced feed to provide most of their nutrition. Since they cannot roam wide fields every day and forage for fresh grains, greens, seeds, insects, and minerals, the quality of their feed becomes crucial to their overall wellbeing. What you pour into their feeder becomes the foundation of feather strength, bone density, immune health, and egg quality.

Many commercial feeds use processed grains or heavy filler content. These formulas may fill a bird’s stomach but do not provide the depth and complexity of real whole grain nutrition. Birds digest these lower quality feeds quickly, often losing the slow burning energy and nutrient richness they naturally thrive on. Over time this can contribute to thin shells, dull feathers, or inconsistent laying patterns.

Scratch and Peck takes the opposite approach. They prioritize whole grains that are minimally processed and naturally rich in nutrients. Clean grains help birds maintain steady digestion, stable energy, and a healthy metabolism. When paired with organic plant based oils, a comprehensive mineral profile, and targeted vitamins, the result is a feed that supports birds from beak to feather.

Hero Ingredient Spotlight

A deeper look into the whole food ingredients inside Scratch and Peck formulas and why they matter

As one of the core grains in the formula, organic wheat provides a steady source of energy. It supports natural digestive rhythms and allows birds to remain active throughout the day. Because the wheat remains in a whole form, hens absorb nutrients more effectively and maintain better gut function.

Peas deliver clean plant based protein which supports muscle tone, feather strength, and consistent laying patterns. They offer amino acids that hens need to produce high quality eggs while staying energetic and healthy.

Barley contributes natural fiber which helps regulate digestion and keeps birds comfortable. It supports gut health, nutrient absorption, and long term vitality for birds of all breeds and sizes.

Flaxseed is known for its omega rich profile. These healthy fats support feather shine, immune balance, and overall vitality. Birds with regular access to omega rich ingredients often show stronger immunity and more vibrant plumage.

Natural oils play an essential role in a hen’s diet. Sunflower oil helps birds absorb fat soluble vitamins, supports glossy feathers, and improves overall egg quality. It also delivers a concentrated form of energy that birds use during active laying cycles.

Fish meal provides dense protein and essential nutrients that support egg development and muscle strength. Birds benefit from the naturally occurring fatty acids that contribute to healthier yolks and sustained energy.

Calcium from limestone is vital for hens that lay regularly. It supports bone strength and plays a direct role in the formation of eggshells. With the right calcium levels birds produce shells that are thick, durable, and resistant to cracking.

The Power of the Vitamin and Mineral Premix

Balanced micronutrients that support internal health, eggshell integrity, and long term resilience

The vitamin and mineral premix inside Scratch and Peck formulas includes essential nutrients that hens need to stay strong. This blend includes monocalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, ground limestone, and important minerals like zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, and iron. These nutrients support bone structure, feather quality, and immune function.

A full range of vitamins such as A, D3, E, and the complete B complex ensures hens maintain healthy metabolism, proper growth, and consistent laying cycles. These vitamins help convert food into energy, support reproductive health, and keep birds in peak condition across the year.

The premix also features organic botanicals including origanum oil, cinnamon bark oil, and thyme oil. These plant based extracts support gut function, promote healthy digestion, and help maintain internal comfort. Kelp meal adds naturally occurring minerals from marine environments, which many birds rarely access in a backyard setting.

Together, this mix enhances every aspect of flock health.

Certifications That Build Trust

How Scratch and Peck maintains transparency, quality, and responsible sourcing

Every feed produced by Scratch and Peck is certified organic. This means clean grains, no synthetic pesticides, and no artificial ingredients. It also reflects a commitment to real food farming.

This certification requires regular independent testing to confirm that the feed contains no genetically modified ingredients. It is one of the most widely respected assurances of clean sourcing.

Scratch and Peck partners with farmers and suppliers across North America who share their commitment to premium quality and sustainable agriculture.

Their feed is developed with guidance from veterinarians, farmers, scientists, and researchers who practice responsible and humane farming.

As a B Corp, Scratch and Peck upholds high standards for environmental responsibility, community support, and ethical business practices.

These certifications offer peace of mind and affirm that every step from sourcing to production is held to the highest standard.

How Clean Nutrition Improves Egg Quality

Why better ingredients create stronger, richer, healthier eggs

Egg quality is one of the clearest reflections of a hen’s overall health. When birds receive steady nutrition from clean whole ingredients, their eggs improve in visible and nutritional ways.

Stronger shells result from balanced calcium and mineral levels. Richer yolks develop through natural fats, oils, and omega nutrients. Consistent laying happens when birds maintain a stable metabolism supported by high quality protein sources. Birds also maintain healthier feathers, brighter eyes, and better immunity, which all contribute to their general vitality.

What Real Chicken Keepers Are Saying

Honest feedback from owners who made the switch

“My hens lay more consistently and their shells feel noticeably stronger.”

“The clean ingredients make all the difference. My flock eats every bit.”

“The feather health improvement was obvious. They look brighter and more active.”

Key Benefits of Organic Layer Crumbles

What makes this feed one of the most trusted choices for chicken keepers

Supports Consistent Nutritious Egg Production

This formula provides balanced protein, whole grain energy, and essential micronutrients that help hens lay steadily through the year. Every scoop supports shell strength, yolk richness, and overall egg reliability.

Perfect Size and Formulation for Any Breed

The crumble texture makes feeding easy for flocks of all sizes. Small breeds, large breeds, heritage birds, and mixed flocks all eat comfortably and absorb nutrients efficiently.

Organic Non GMO and High Quality Ingredients

Every ingredient is thoughtfully sourced and certified to be clean, real, and free from synthetic additives. Birds receive whole grains and natural oils that support long term health and vitality.

Soy Free and Corn Free Formulation

This feed avoids common fillers and heavy grains that can overwhelm digestion. Birds stay comfortable, active, and consistent with a formula designed for natural balance.

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Sarah M.

Chicago, IL