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What do Pasture-Raised Chickens Eat? A Guide

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When it comes to raising chickens, there are various methods and practices to choose from. One popular and increasingly preferred approach is raising chickens on pasture. Pasture-raised chickens have access to fresh air, open fields, and a more natural environment. This article will delve into the topic of what do pasture-raised chickens eat, exploring their diet, the benefits of pasture-raising, and the impact on the quality of meat and eggs.

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Understanding Pasture-Raised Chickens

What is Pasture-Raised Chicken?

Pasture-raised chickens are birds that are raised in a natural environment where they can freely roam and forage for their food. These chickens have access to open fields, fresh air, and sunshine, allowing them to engage in natural behaviors such as dust bathing, searching for insects, and preening. This natural lifestyle contributes to healthier and tastier meat.

Differentiating Pasture-Raised and Free-Range Chicken

While the terms “pasture-raised” and “free-range” are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two. Free-range chickens are given access to the outdoors, but this doesn’t necessarily imply access to pastures. In contrast, pasture-raised chickens are raised on actual pastures, allowing them to forage for grass, insects, and other natural food sources.

Our chickens are pasture-raised. They go back to their coop each night and e close them up for their safety at dusk. We reopen the coop at sunrise and they spend all day in the pasture.

Benefits of Pasture-Raised Chickens

Pasture-raised chickens offer numerous benefits, both for the welfare of the chickens themselves and for the consumers who enjoy their meat and eggs.

Healthier and Safer Meat

Research has shown that pasture-raised chickens have higher levels of beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and beta-carotene compared to conventionally raised chickens. These chickens also tend to have lower levels of saturated fat. The natural, stress-free environment in which pasture-raised chickens are raised contributes to the production of healthier and safer meat.

Improved Egg Quality

Pasture-raised chickens also produce eggs of higher quality. Studies have demonstrated that organic eggs from pasture-raised chickens contain double the level of omega-3 fat, triple the amount of vitamin D, four times more vitamin E, and seven times more beta-carotene compared to conventionally raised chickens. These enhanced nutritional profiles make pasture-raised eggs a healthier choice for consumers.

Humane and Ethical Treatment

One of the key advantages of pasture-raising chickens is providing them with a more humane and ethical treatment. Chickens raised in pastures have the freedom to engage in natural behaviors and exhibit contentment. In contrast, chickens raised in factory farms are often subject to overcrowding, stress, and cruel conditions. By choosing pasture-raised chickens, consumers can support animal welfare and enjoy meat and eggs that are produced in a more ethical manner.

Closeup of domestic chicken feeding on traditional rural barnyard. what do pasture raised chickens eat, pasture raised chickens, raising chickens