Layer 17% Protein Pellet

NatureWise® Layer 17% Protein Pellet is rated 4.9 out of 5 by 566.

Nutrena® NatureWise® Layer 17% Protein Pellet chicken feed is crafted just for the backyard birds you call family. With 17% protein—the highest amount for a poultry layer feed—it promotes healthy laying, strong shells, and vibrant yolks. Enriched with vitamins A, D₃, E, and calcium, it provides balanced nutrition for productivity and vitality. The pellet form encourages natural pecking and reduces waste, while our Herbal Blend and FlockShield® support digestion and immune health.

17.0% Crude Protein

6.0% Max Crude Fiber

2.5% Crude Fat

Ingredients

Whole Ground Corn, Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles, Rice Bran, Rice Bran Solvent Extracted, Calcium Carbonate, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Corn Germ Meal, Wheat Middlings, Salt, Citric Acid (a preservative), Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Extract, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Tagetes (Aztec Marigold) Extract, Rosemary Extract, Dried Bifidobacterium thermophilum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Verxite Granules, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Yeast Culture, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Silicon Dioxide, Oregano Essential Oil, Thyme Essential Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, Star Anise Essential Oil, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K activity), Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Manganous Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis

Nutrient Level

Crude Protein, minimum 17.0%

Lysine, minimum 0.75%

Methionine, minimum 0.35%

Crude Fat, minimum 2.5%

Crude Fiber, maximum 6.0%

Calcium, minimum 3.7%

Calcium, maximum 3.9%

Phosphorus, minimum 0.45%

Salt, minimum 0.25%

Salt, maximum 0.65%

Sodium, minimum 0.15%

Sodium, maximum 0.23%

Manganese, minimum 110 ppm

Selenium, minimum 0.3 ppm

Vitamin A, minimum 4,000 IU/lb

Vitamin D3, minimum 2,500 IU/lb

Vitamin E, minimum 20 IU/lb

Lactobacillus acidophilus, minimum 5.1 MIL CFU/LB

Lactobacillus casei, minimum 5.1 MIL CFU/LB

Bifidobacterium thermophilum, minimum 5.1 MIL CFU/LB

Enterococcus Faecium, minimum 5.1 MIL CFU/LB

Contains a source of live (viable) naturally occurring microorganisms.
Feeding Instructions

Start your bird on NatureWise® Chick Starter Grower 18% Protein Crumble, until 16 weeks of age.

Feed NatureWise® Layer 17% Protein Pellet as the sole diet beginning at 16 weeks of age or onset of lay.

Don’t let feeders run empty.

Clean feeders and waterers regularly.

Keep clean, fresh water available at all times.

Provide NatureWise® Poultry Grit free choice.

Provide NatureWise® Oyster Shell free choice after 16 weeks of age.

Why Choose Layer Pellet for Laying Chickens

Herbal Blend

We carefully craft our feeds with a unique blend of herbs and essential oils, ensuring your birds are nourished and beaming with a glow of good health.
FlockShield™

Formulated with ingredients to support a strong immune system, optimal digestion, and superior nutrient absorption in healthy flocks.
Egg Essentials

With 17% protein, vitamins A, D3, & E, and 3.7% calcium, our feed has what your hens need to continue laying healthy eggs with bright yolks.

Try NatureWise today.

$10 Off Your First Bag

See How NatureWise Layer Pellet Supports Healthy Eggs

Complete nutrition crafted with natural* ingredients along with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for laying hens.

*As defined by AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials)

Rated 5 out of 5 by Amamda from Good ingredients All I use now for my laying hens. Smells good, the ladies love it! Best of all, after changing from a different brand I noticed a decrease in poo smell. Can’t wait to try the meat bird feed and the chick starter/grower in the spring.

Date published: 2026-01-04

Rated 5 out of 5 by Daniel from Nutrition I have been giving this to my chickens for years and the eggs that are laid are both large and tasty. Its the only feed I buy for them.

Date published: 2025-12-19

NatureWise® Layer 17% Protein Pellet Reviews – page 2

Frequently Asked Questions About Layer Pellet

What is the best type of feed for laying chickens—textured, pellets, or crumbles?

The best feed form for your flock depends on their age, needs, and breed. NatureWise Layer 17% Protein Pellet is ideal for laying hens 16 weeks or older. Pellets provide consistent nutrition in every bite which helps to eliminate sorting by your birds.
What vitamins and minerals are essential for egg production?

Protein, vitamins A, D3 & E, and calcium are all important for egg production. NatureWise Layer 17% Protein Pellet is crafted with Egg Essentials to help your hens lay healthy eggs with bright yolks.
Is NatureWise Layer 17% Protein Pellet natural?

Yes! NatureWise Layer 17% Protein Pellet is crafted with natural* ingredients along with vitamins, minerals, essential oils, and amino acids. *As defined by AAFCO.
Can I give scratch grains to my hens?

Yes, scratch grains are fine as a treat. Nutrena’s NatureWise Scratch Grains are a great option, but they should make up no more than 10 percent of the daily diet. Most nutrition should come from complete layer feed such as NatureWise Layer 17% Protein Pellet.

Learn More on the Poultry Blog

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While there is still skepticism around the use of essential oils and more research to be conducted, some poultry farmers have integrated essential oils and other natural ingredients into their birds’ diets to promote flock health.
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NatureWise Feeds with Vitamin D for Healthy, Strong-Shelled Eggs

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The Power of Protein: Why Protein Matters for Layer Hens

Protein isn’t just crucial for chicks; it’s equally important for layer hens. As your hens mature and begin laying eggs, their nutritional needs change, and protein becomes a key nutrient to support their health and productivity.
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