What Really Goes Into Commercial Chicken Feed?

Chicken feed laced with additives!

When you open a bag of commercial chicken feed, you're not just seeing grains. Modern broiler feed is a carefully formulated blend of cereal grains, plant protein sources, fats, and a cocktail of feed additives—from antibiotics and synthetic vitamins to emulsifiers, acidifiers, and mineral chelates. [Keerthana & Renuka (2025)] [Abera (2025)]

These additives are meant to ensure optimal growth rates, nutrient absorption, and production efficiency in crowded, high-speed operations. However, consumer and regulatory pressure is prompting a shift: highly cited reviews point to phytogenic additives—like herbs, essential oils, organic acids, and probiotics—as natural, safer alternatives that can support gut health, disease resistance, and feed conversion without antibiotics. [Ayalew (2022)]

Knowing what’s in the feed tells you what’s ultimately in your food—and why “natural” alternatives are gaining interest.