Nutrena Nature Smart Organic Chick Starter Grower Feed: Is Organic Worth It for Your Flock

Before diving into the details, you need to understand what this feed is designed to do. 

Raising chicks isn’t just about feeding—it’s about building a strong foundation for growth, immunity, and long-term productivity. Nutrena Nature Smart Organic Chick Starter Grower Feed positions itself as a clean, organic option for chicks from hatch to 16 weeks. 

The real question is whether the higher price and non-medicated formula deliver meaningful advantages for your flock over conventional feeding choices long term, especially when management practices and overall flock care play a major role in determining health outcomes and long-term performance for your birds.

This feed is formulated specifically for early-stage development when your chicks require consistent, nutrient-dense nutrition. With a 20% protein content and crumble texture, it supports steady growth while remaining easy for young birds to consume. You benefit from:

• High palatability that encourages regular eating
• Minimal waste due to crumble consistency
• A complete feed that removes the need for supplements

Because it’s designed as a sole ration, you can simplify your feeding routine without compromising nutritional balance.

Understanding the nutritional profile helps you evaluate whether this feed aligns with your goals.

Protein and Amino Acids

The 20% crude protein supports muscle development and feather growth. Essential amino acids like lysine and methionine play a key role in body structure and feather quality, especially during rapid growth phases.

Minerals for Development

Balanced calcium and phosphorus levels help support bone formation. This is critical during early life stages when skeletal development directly impacts long-term health and mobility.

Energy and Digestibility

Moderate fat levels provide energy without overloading your chicks, while controlled fiber content keeps digestion manageable for developing systems. This balance helps reduce feeding stress and supports consistent growth.

One of the biggest selling points is ingredient transparency. This feed uses organic grains such as corn, soybean meal, and wheat middlings as its base. You also get:

• No animal byproducts
• No synthetic additives
• Added probiotics and prebiotics for gut health

If you’re focused on clean feeding practices, this formulation aligns well with natural poultry care standards.

This product stands out primarily because of its organic and non-medicated approach, but that comes with both advantages and responsibilities.

Advantages

• USDA-certified organic ingredients
• Non-GMO formulation
• No antibiotics or coccidiostats
• Suitable for organic egg or meat production

Limitations

• Requires stricter hygiene and flock management
• No built-in disease prevention from medication
• Higher cost compared to conventional feeds

If you’re not prepared to manage cleanliness and biosecurity carefully, the lack of medication could become a drawback.

You can feed this product from hatch until around 16 weeks as a complete ration. Fresh water should always be available, and feeding areas must remain clean and dry. To maintain results:

• Monitor feed intake daily
• Keep bedding clean to reduce disease risk
• Transition gradually to a grower or layer feed at the right stage

Consistency plays a major role in how well your chicks perform on this feed.

Many poultry keepers report steady growth and strong feather development when using this feed. The crumble texture helps ensure even consumption, while the added probiotics support digestive stability.

However, results depend heavily on your overall management. Even high-quality organic feed cannot compensate for poor sanitation or overcrowding.

This feed sits in the premium price range, which may raise concerns if you’re managing a larger flock. You’re paying for:

• Organic certification
• Higher-quality ingredient sourcing
• Added digestive support

For backyard poultry keepers or small-scale producers, this investment often feels justified. On the other hand, if your priority is minimizing cost per pound, conventional feeds may offer better short-term value.

This product is a strong fit if you:

• Raise backyard chickens with a natural approach
• Want organic certification for your eggs or meat
• Prioritize ingredient quality over cost

It may not be ideal if you:

• Run large-scale operations
• Prefer medicated feeds for convenience
• Need maximum cost efficiency

Choosing an organic chick feed reflects your overall approach to poultry care. Nutrena Nature Smart Organic Chick Starter Grower Feed delivers balanced nutrition, clean ingredients, and reliable early growth support. If you’re committed to raising chicks naturally and are willing to maintain proper hygiene and management, it can be a worthwhile investment.

However, it’s not a shortcut solution. The absence of medication means you must stay proactive about flock health. For the right setup, though, the benefits can outweigh the extra effort.

You can find this feed on Chewy, and while browsing, it’s worth exploring other poultry supplies and gift ideas to support your flock.