Top 7 Best Chicken Feeds for Healthy, Happy Hens (UK Guide)
Keeping your chickens healthy starts with what you put in the feeder. Whether you’re raising laying hens, backyard chickens, or free-range birds, the right chicken feed makes a huge difference to egg quality, feather condition, and overall wellbeing.
- Allen & Page Layers Pellets – Best All-Round Feed
- Dodson & Horrell Layers Pellets – Premium Quality Choice
- Garvo Alfamix – Best Mixed Feed Option
- Marriage’s Layers Pellets – Best Value for Money
- Smallholder Range Layers Pellets – Best for Small Flocks
- Heygates Layers Pellets – Best for Consistent Egg Laying
- Organic Chicken Feed (Various Brands) – Best Natural Option
- What Chicken Feed Do UK Chicken Keepers Recommend Most?
- What Chicken Feed Should You Choose?
- Our Final Thoughts
After researching UK best-sellers, owner reviews, and nutritional profiles, here are the top 7 chicken feeds in the UK that good chicken keepers swear by.


Allen & Page Layers Pellets – Best All-Round Feed
Best for: Daily feeding & consistent egg production
Allen & Page is one of the most trusted names in poultry nutrition. Their Layers Pellets are nutritionally balanced and designed to support strong shells, healthy feathers, and steady laying.
Why chicken keepers love it:
- High-quality protein
- Includes vitamins & minerals
- Reduces selective feeding
- Suitable for free-range & backyard hens
Dodson & Horrell Layers Pellets – Premium Quality Choice
Best for: Maximum nutrition & shell strength
This is a premium feed used by serious poultry keepers. It’s formulated to support digestion and egg quality, especially during heavy laying periods.
Key benefits:
- Excellent calcium levels
- Supports gut health
- High palatability (hens actually eat it)
Garvo Alfamix – Best Mixed Feed Option
Best for: Variety & natural feeding behaviour
If your chickens enjoy variety, Garvo Alfamix offers a balanced blend of grains, seeds, and pellets that mimics natural foraging.
Why it stands out:
- Encourages natural pecking
- High-energy mix
- Great for free-range birds
Check availability on Amazon UK
Marriage’s Layers Pellets – Best Value for Money
Best for: Budget-conscious chicken keepers
Marriage’s delivers reliable nutrition without the premium price tag. Ideal for larger flocks or anyone feeding chickens daily.
What we like:
- Affordable bulk bags
- Good egg production support
- Trusted UK miller
Smallholder Range Layers Pellets – Best for Small Flocks
Best for: Backyard & hobby chicken keepers
Designed with smallholders in mind, this feed focuses on balanced nutrition without unnecessary fillers.
Highlights:
- Great for mixed breeds
- Helps maintain feather condition
- Trusted by small-scale keepers
Heygates Layers Pellets – Best for Consistent Egg Laying
Best for: Reliable egg output year-round
Heygates has a long-standing reputation in UK farming. This feed is designed to keep hens laying consistently while maintaining health.
Why it’s popular:
- Stable nutritional profile
- Strong shell support
- Trusted agricultural brand
Organic Chicken Feed (Various Brands) – Best Natural Option
Best for: Organic & eco-conscious keepers
If you prefer organic feeding, several UK brands offer certified organic layers feed free from GM ingredients and artificial additives.
Ideal if you want:
- Natural ingredients
- No synthetic additives
- Eco-friendly farming approach
Browse organic chicken feed on Amazon UK
What Chicken Feed Do UK Chicken Keepers Recommend Most?
What Chicken Feed Should You Choose?
| Goal | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Daily feeding | Allen & Page |
| Premium nutrition | Dodson & Horrell |
| Budget-friendly | Marriage’s |
| Small flocks | Smallholder Range |
| Natural feeding | Garvo Alfamix |
| Organic | Certified organic feeds |
Our Final Thoughts
Choosing the right chicken feed isn’t just about eggs — it’s about healthy birds, strong feathers, and stress-free keeping. We always recommend watching how your hens respond and adjusting feed types seasonally.
Tip: Combine quality pellets with grit, clean water, and occasional treats for best results