by 
The Curious Bag
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Safe chicken feed is essential for the health of chickens, but also vital to the well-being of consumers. Understanding the source of chicken feed and its components can help you make an educated decision on its safety.
Fishmeal
Chickens need protein as a main part of their diet, but using a concentrated, high-quality protein is important for health safety. Fishmeal, waste products from fisheries or fish harvested purely for fishmeal, is an optimal source of protein and provides the best value.
Grain
Grain, especially wheat, is a safe and necessary element of a chicken's daily diet. It comes in a variety of forms and from varying sources. Checking the label will help determine if each element is natural and minimally processed.
Chicken Scratch
Cracked corn mixed with whole grains, called chicken scratch, is part of a safe chicken feed but does not make up a complete day's diet.
Bugs and Worms
Allowing the chickens to roam their pen and grass-covered home enables them to obtain other sources of protein through eating bugs and worms.
Water
Chickens need plenty of clean water throughout the day as a part of a safe feed diet. As long as the water is clean and replaced every morning, it will remain free of bacteria and harmful parasites.
Source:
The Poultry Club: Handling and Welfare
My Backyard Chicken Farm: Healthy Chicken-Feed Mix
More Information:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Importation of Contaminated Animal-Feed Ingredients
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