Animal Feed Recipes for Chicken, Cattle, Sheep, Goat, and Pig Feed
Raising livestock can be a rewarding experience, whether you're doing it for fun, food, or as a full-time agricultural business. One of the most crucial aspects of taking care of animals is providing them with the right nutrition.
Commercial feed can be expensive and can often contain additives that some animal owners prefer to avoid. Many farms choose to create their own homemade animal feed from ingredients that are easily accessible, affordable, and tailored to the dietary needs of your livestock.
In this post, we've created some recipes or a cookbook and a step-by-step guide to making livestock feed for your herd. This goes over how to make your own chicken, cattle, goat, sheep, and pig feed from scratch, using common ingredients that promote healthy growth, milk production, and overall well-being for your livestock.
Why Make Your Own Feed?
When it comes to raising livestock—whether chickens, cattle, pigs, goats, or even sheep—one of the most important aspects of taking care of livestock is proper nutrition. While commercial animal feed is convenient and widely available, making your own feed has several benefits that are appealing to anyone looking to cut farm costs while providing high-quality nutrition for their animals.
Before starting to make your own DIY livestock feed, it's worth understanding Feed Conversion Ratios (FCR).
Feed Conversion Ratio or FCR is an effective way to measure the productivity of livestock by comparing the input (feed) required to produce an output (meat, eggs, etc). FCR provides a key performance metric to help evaluate the productivity and potential return on investment of an animal. It also can to experiment with different feed types, species, and inputs to determine how they may impact the animal FCR and ultimately its productivity.
Learn more about Livestock Feed Conversion Ratios
Many people make their own livestock feed mix. We've outlined a few reasons why you might want to consider making your own animal feed:
Cost-Effective Livestock Feed – Commercial feeds can be expensive, especially when you're raising multiple animals. Making your own feed can significantly reduce your feed costs. The price of ingredients in pre-packaged feed often includes not just the cost of the raw materials, but also the packaging, transportation, and sometimes a premium for brand names.
By purchasing ingredients in bulk—such as grains, soybeans, alfalfa, and other feed components—and mixing your own, you can lower your per-animal feed cost significantly. So if you are looking to reduce operational expenses and improve your bottom line you might look at making your own feed mix.
Customizable Nutrition – You can tailor the mix to meet the specific nutritional requirements of your animals, whether they’re laying hens, meat chickens, dairy cows, or pigs. Each of these animals needs different nutrition.
Each type of livestock has unique dietary requirements, depending on their age, purpose (egg production, meat, dairy, etc.), and environmental conditions. Commercial feeds are often generalized and may not fully meet the specific needs of your animals.
When you make your own feed, you can customize the nutritional balance for your animals. For example, laying hens need more calcium to produce strong eggshells, while meat pigs require a higher protein content to build muscle. This gives you the opportunity to create nutritious animal feed at home that also is cost-effective. You can adjust the protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate ratios to suit your specific animals, ensuring they thrive.
Fewer Additives – Homemade feed lets you control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary preservatives, artificial colors, or other unwanted additives that are sometimes found in store-bought feeds. Commercial feeds often contain additives, preservatives, and sometimes byproducts that you may not want to feed your animals. By making your own feed, you have complete control over the quality and composition of what your animals are eating.
You can choose organic, non-GMO, or locally sourced ingredients that meet your own ethical and health standards. Plus, you won’t have to worry about unnecessary fillers or artificial ingredients that might compromise the health of your livestock.
Sustainability – You can use locally sourced ingredients to be a more sustainable practice and reduce your carbon footprint as well as help out a local farmer.
Local byproducts from farms, mills, or food processors (like unsold produce, leftover grains, or pulp) can be repurposed as animal feed. Check with nearby businesses or farms for excess food waste that’s suitable for your livestock.
Ingredients for Homemade Livestock Feed
Before you begin, you need to understand the basic nutritional needs of each type of animal. Each type of animal will have different needs percentage-wise. Here’s an overview of what to include in their diets:
Protein – Essential for growth, egg production, and muscle development. Common protein sources include soybeans, alfalfa, peas, and fish meal.
Carbohydrates – Provide energy for daily activities and growth. Common carbohydrate sources include grains like corn, oats, barley, and wheat.
Vitamins & Minerals – These are vital for overall health. Offer a mix of vegetables, fruits, and mineral supplements to ensure your animals get the nutrients they need.
Fats – These provide extra energy, especially for pigs and cattle. Vegetable oils, animal fats, and grains like corn can be used.
Fiber – Keeps digestion running smoothly. Fiber-rich ingredients include hay, straw, and silage.
Livestock Feed Instructions:
Here are instructions on mixing the feed together.
Mix the dry ingredients (For each recipe) thoroughly in a large, clean container or barrel. Make sure the grains (oats, corn, barley) are evenly distributed and not clumped together.
Add the salt and minerals, then mix again to ensure everything is well incorporated.
If you want to add any supplements, such as diatomaceous earth or any specific vitamins, do so now and blend thoroughly.
Store the feed in a cool, dry, and airtight container to keep it fresh and free from pests.
Keep feed in a container that pests can't get into (and the animals can't get into as well) and away from direct sunlight to preserve the nutrients.
Let’s dive into the specifics of creating feeds for each type of animal.
Livestock Feed Recipe Cookbook
Based on the type of livestock you raise here are some feed recipes to try.
1. Chicken Feed (Layer & Broiler)
Chickens require different types of feed depending on whether they are laying hens (layers) or raised for meat (broilers). Here's how to make your own feed for each.
Feeding Tips for Layers
At-will Feeding: Provide feed at all times to ensure consistent laying.
Supplement with Grit: Include grit to help hens digest whole grains or coarse feed.
Fresh Water: Ensure clean water is always available.
Free-Range Supplements: If hens are free-range, they may eat bugs, greens, and other natural supplements, slightly reducing feed intake.
Avoid Spilled or Moldy Feed: Spoiled feed can harm health and reduce egg production and spilled feed is wasted. Check out some of our tips below to reduce feed waste.
Layer Feed Recipe (for Egg Production)
The best feed for laying hens provides the nutrients needed for egg production, shell quality, and overall health. A balanced layer feed supports consistent laying, strong eggshells, and a healthy flock.
Corn – 40-60% A good source of carbohydrates and energy.
Soybean Meal – 15-25% High in protein for egg production.
Wheat Bran – 15% Adds fiber for healthy digestion.
Alfalfa Hay – 5-10% Provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Oyster Shells – 2-5% Calcium is essential for strong eggshells.
Optional: Salt – 0.5-1% For electrolyte balance.
Optional: Poultry Premix – 0.5-1% A mineral and vitamin supplement.
Layer Chicken Feed Recipe (Example)
Ingredients | Purpose | Amounts / % |
Corn | Energy | 50% |
Soybean Meal | Protein | 25% |
Wheat Bran | Fiber | 15% |
Alfalfa Hay | Fiber | 6% |
Oyster Shells | Calcium | 3% |
Salt (optional) | Electrolytes | 0.5% |
Mineral Premix (optional) | Minerals | 0.5% |
By providing a well-balanced homemade layer feed, you can support optimal egg production, strong shells, and healthy hens year-round.
Broiler Feed Recipe (for Meat Production)
The best homemade feed for broiler hens focuses on promoting rapid growth, high feed efficiency, and healthy muscle development. Broilers grow quickly, and their diet should be formulated for their age and production stage to ensure optimal results.
Feed for Broilers
Broilers are typically fed in three stages:
Starter Feed (0-4 Weeks)
Corn – 55% Energy source for rapid growth.
Soybean Meal – 30% High protein for muscle growth
Fish Meal – 5% High in digestible protein, essential in starter diets
Vegetable Oil – 3% Boost energy density in the diet
Mineral/Vitamin – 5% Zinc, manganese, and selenium for immunity and growth.
Limestone and Dicalcium Phosphate – 2% For calcium
Grower Feed (4-6 Weeks)
Corn – 60% Energy source for rapid growth.
Soybean Meal – 25% A high-quality protein source rich in amino acids
Wheat or Barley – 5% An alternative to corn, provides energy and protein
Vegetable Oil – 4% Boost energy density in the diet
Mineral/Vitamin – 5% Zinc, manganese, and selenium for immunity and growth.
Limestone and Dicalcium Phosphate – 1% For calcium
Finisher Feed (6 Weeks to Market Weight)
Corn – 65% Energy source for rapid growth.
Soybean Meal – 20% High protein for muscle growth
Vegetable Oil – 5% Boosts energy density in the diet
Wheat Bran – 5% An alternative to corn, provides energy and protein
Mineral/Vitamin – 4% Zinc, manganese, and selenium for immunity and growth.
Limestone and Dicalcium Phosphate 1% Calcium
Broiler Chicken Feed Recipe (Example)
Ingredients | Purpose | Amounts / % |
Corn | Energy | 65% |
Soybean Meal | Protein | 20% |
Wheat Bran | Fiber | 5% |
Vegetable oil | Fiber | 5% |
Minerals | Vitamins | 5% |
Tip: You can also add fresh kitchen scraps, vegetables, or cracked grains to diversify their diet.
2. Cattle Feed (Dairy & Beef Cattle)
Cattle feed will depend on whether you’re raising dairy or beef cattle. Dairy cattle need more nutrients to support milk production, while beef cattle focus on building muscle mass.
Dairy Cow Feed Recipe
The best DIY feed for dairy cattle ensures high milk production, health, and reproductive performance. A well-balanced diet should provide the right mix of energy, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
TMR (Total Mixed Ration)
Most dairy farms use a TMR to ensure cows receive a balanced diet in every bite. A typical TMR might include:
Forages (Alfalfa silage, hay) 50-70% This provides fiber and moisture, aiding digestion.
Grains (corn, barley) 20-40% Adds energy for milk production.
Protein Sources (soybean meal, cottonseed) 5-10% A protein source to boost milk production
Minerals, Vitamins, and Byproducts 5-10% Ensures adequate vitamins and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus.
Clean, Fresh Water: Critical for milk production as milk is 87% water.
Dairy Cow Feed Recipe (Example)
Ingredients | Purpose | Amount / % |
Hay | Fiber | 70% |
Grains | Energy | 20% |
Soybean meal | Protein | 5% |
Minerals | Overall health | 5% |
Feeding Tips
Proper feeding management ensures optimal milk production, cow health, and farm profitability!
Feed for Stage of Lactation: Adjust feed for early lactation (high energy), mid-lactation (maintenance), and dry periods (lower energy).
Monitor Body Condition: Over or underfeeding can harm milk production and health. This can also be affected during hot or cold spells when the animals are stressed.
Monitor Rumen Health: Ensure sufficient fiber to prevent acidosis.
Beef Cattle Feed Recipe
The best feed for beef cattle depends on their production stage (e.g., growth, finishing, or maintenance), as well as the availability of feed resources. Here are some basic feed ratios for beef cattle.
For weaned calves (400–700 lbs):
Forage – 60-70% (grass hay or silage).
Grain – 30-40% (corn or barley).
Protein – 12-14% (soybean meal or distillers grains).
General Maintenance Diet
Mature beef, not being fattened.
Silage, Hay, Pasture grass – 80-100% Provides fiber for digestion.
Grain – 0-20% Only needed for extra energy.
Finishing Diet
For cattle in the final growth phase.
Forage – 10-20% (corn silage or hay).
Grain – 70-80% (corn or barley).
Protein – 12-14% (distillers grains, cottonseed meal).
Beef Cattle Feed Recipe (Example)
Ingredients | Purpose | Amount / % |
Hay | Fiber | 80% |
Corn | Energy | 10% |
Soybean Meal | Protein | 5% |
Minerals | Electrolyte balance | 5% |
Beef cattle may also benefit from additional fat sources like vegetable oil or animal fats, especially if you want to add extra weight.
3. Pig Feed (Weaner & Finisher)
Pigs grow pretty rapidly and need different types of feed at different stages of their growth. Weaners (young pigs) require more protein to support rapid growth, while finishers (pigs ready for market) need more energy to add layers of fat.
Weaner Pig Feed Recipe
Feeding weaner pigs properly is essential for promoting healthy growth, efficient feed conversion, and a strong immune system.
Weaner pigs (typically 5–12 weeks old) require energy for rapid growth, protein to support muscle development, vitamins, and minerals.
Corn – 50% A high source of energy
Soybean Meal – 30% Adds protein for growth.
Alfalfa Hay or Grass – 5-15% Provides fiber and bulk.
Fish Meal or Milk Powder – 5% Provides additional protein for rapid growth.
Weaner Pig Feed Recipe (Example)
Ingredients | Purpose | Amount / % |
Corn | Energy | 50% |
Soybean Meal | Protein | |
Alfalfa Hay or Grass | Fiber | 15% |
Fish meal or Milk Powder | Additional protein | 5% |
Finisher Pig Feed Recipe
The best feed for finisher pigs focuses on maximizing weight gain efficiently while maintaining meat quality. Finisher pigs are typically in the weight range of 50–120 kg (110–265 lbs), and their diets should prioritize energy and moderate protein to achieve optimal growth and fat deposition.
Corn – 50-60% High energy source
Soybean Meal – 20-25% Protein to support muscle growth.
Wheat or Barley – 10% Adds fiber and bulk.
Vegetable Oil or Animal Fats – 10% Increase fat content and promote weight gain.
Pigs also require a mix of vitamins and minerals, so adding a commercial premix is a good idea, especially for young pigs.
Finisher Pig Feed Recipe (Example)
Ingredients | Purpose | Amount / % |
Corn | Energy | 60% |
Soybean Meal | Protein | 20% |
Wheat Bran | Fiber | 10% |
Vegetable Oil | Weight Gain | 10% |
4. Goat Feed (Dairy, Mohair, and Meat)
The goat feed you make will depend on whether you’re raising goats for dairy, meat, or wool and the conditions you're raising them. Dairy and Angora goats need more nutrients to support milk and fleece production, while meat goats focus on building muscle mass. But goats may not need grain all the time and it is wise to start them on this slowly.
Dairy Goat Feed Recipe
Feeding dairy goats properly is essential to support high milk production, maintain good health, and ensure reproductive efficiency.
Alfalfa Hay (or high-quality legume hay) – 60-70% Rich in Calcium and a large part of their diet
Oats (whole or rolled) – 10-15% Digestable fiber and carbohydrates.
Corn (cracked or ground) – 5-10% High in energy
Soybean Meal (or alfalfa pellets) – 3-7% Source of protein
Barley (cracked) – 3-5% high-energy grain that supports milk production and muscle development.
Diatomaceous Earth (food grade) – 0.5-1% Parasite control and gut health.
Trace Mineral Salt or Goat Mineral Supplement – 0.5-1% For healthy lactation
Dairy Goat Feed Recipe (Example)
Ingredients | Purpose | Amounts / % |
Hay | Calcium and fiber | 65% |
Oats | Fiber and Carbohydrates | 15% |
Corn | Energy | 10% |
Soybean Meal | Protein | 5% |
Barley | Energy | 3% |
Diatomaceous Earth | Gut Health | 0.5% |
Minerals | Healthy Lactation | 0.5% |
Meat Goat Feed Recipe
Feeding meat goats properly ensures optimal growth, muscle development, and overall health. The best diet depends on their age, weight, production stage (e.g., growing, finishing, or maintenance), and forage availability.
Grass Hay (or mixed hay) – 50-60% Foundation of their diet. Includes fiber that aids in digestion.
Oats (whole or rolled) – 20% Provide energy and promote steady weight gain
Corn (cracked or ground) – 15% A high-calorie grain that helps fatten up meat goats
Soybean Meal (or alfalfa pellets) – 7% Offers protein for muscle development
Molasses (optional) – 2% Excellent source of energy and can help increase feed intake due to taste.
Diatomaceous Earth (food grade) – 0.5-1% Parasite control and gut health.
Trace Mineral Salt or Goat Mineral Supplement – 0.5-1% Supports overall health and muscle development.
Meat Goat Feed Recipe (Example)
Ingredients | Purpose | Amounts / % |
Hay | Calcium and fiber | 60% |
Oats | Fiber and Carbohydrates | 20% |
Corn | Energy | 12% |
Soybean Meal | Protein | 5% |
Molasses | Energy | 2% |
Diatomaceous Earth | Gut Health | 0.5% |
Minerals | Healthy Lactation | 0.5% |
Mohair Goat Feed Recipe
Feeding mohair goats properly is crucial for their overall health and the quality of their fiber production. These goats, bred for their fine fleece, need a balanced diet that supports their growth, fiber production, and reproduction while maintaining a healthy coat and body condition.
Grass Hay (or mixed hay) – 60-80% Foundation of their diet. Includes fiber that aids in digestion.
Oats (whole or rolled) – 10-20% Provide energy and promote steady weight gain
Corn (cracked or ground) – 10-15% A high-calorie grain that helps fatten up meat goats
Soybean Meal (or alfalfa pellets) – 7-10% Offers protein for muscle development
Molasses (optional) – 1% Excellent source of energy and can help increase feed intake due to taste.
Diatomaceous Earth (food grade) – 0.5% Parasite control and gut health.
Trace Mineral Salt or Goat Mineral Supplement – 0.5-1% Supports overall health and muscle development.
Mohair Goat Feed Recipe (Example)
Ingredients | Purpose | Amounts / % |
Hay | Calcium and fiber | 65% |
Oats | Fiber and Carbohydrates | 15% |
Corn | Energy | 10% |
Soybean Meal | Protein | 7% |
Molasses | Energy | 1% |
Diatomaceous Earth | Gut Health | 0.5% |
Minerals | Healthy Lactation | 0.5% |
Goats that have access to a good quality pasture will have a reduced need for grain.
5. Sheep Feed (dairy, wool, and meat)
Here are some DIY sheep feed recipes tailored for dairy, wool, and meat production. Each formula is based on a balanced nutritional profile to meet specific needs.
Dairy Sheep Feed Recipe
This recipe is designed to support milk production in sheep. As with any change go slow and monitor your herd for how they are adjusting.
Alfalfa Hay or Pellets – 40% The foundation of their diet. Includes fiber that aids in digestion.
Barley – 30% This is a high-energy grain that supports milk production and muscle development.
Corn – 20% Also a high-energy grain that supports milk production and muscle development.
Soybean Meal – 5% A great source of protein
Minerals and Salt – 3% Supports overall health and muscle development.
Molasses – 2% Excellent source of energy and can help increase feed intake due to taste.
Dairy Sheep Feed Recipe (Example)
Ingredients | Purpose | Amounts / % |
Hay | Fiber | 60% |
Oats | Fiber and Carbohydrates | 20% |
Corn | Energy | 12% |
Soybean Meal | Protein | 5% |
Molasses | Energy | 2% |
Diatomaceous Earth | Gut Health | 0.5% |
Wool Sheep Feed Recipe
This recipe is optimized for high-quality wool growth:
Grass Hay – 50% The foundation of their diet. Includes fiber that aids in digestion.
Oats – 25%
Sunflower Meal – 15% Rich in protein making it valuable for growth, lactation, or wool production.
Minerals and Salt – 5% Supports overall health and muscle development.
Molasses – 5% Excellent source of energy and can help increase feed intake due to taste.
Wool Sheep Feed Recipe (Example)
Ingredients | Purpose | Amounts / % |
Hay | Fiber | 50% |
Oats | Fiber and Carbohydrates | 25% |
Sunflower Meal | Protein | 15% |
Minerals | Overall health | 5% |
Molasses | Energy | 5% |
Meat Sheep Feed Recipe
For meat sheep, the percentage of hay or other nutrients in their diet depends on their growth stage and the intensity of their feeding program. This recipe is for fast and efficient growth:
Grass Hay – 40% The foundation of their diet. Includes fiber that aids in digestion.
Corn – 20% Also a high-energy grain that supports milk production and muscle development.
Barley – 20% This is a high-energy grain that supports milk production and muscle development.
Soybean Meal – 10% A great source of protein
Minerals and Salt – 5% Supports overall health and muscle development.
Molasses – 5% Excellent source of energy and can help increase feed intake due to taste.
Meat Sheep Feed Recipe (Example)
Ingredients | Purpose | Amounts / % |
Hay | Fiber | 40% |
Corn | Energy | 20% |
Barley | Energy | 20% |
Soybean Meal | Protein | 10% |
Minerals | Overall health | 5% |
Molasses | Energy | 5% |
Livestock Feeding Tips: All of these recipes are a starting place. It's a good idea to always adjust your ratios for your herd. Adjusting the feed mix and ratios based on the sheep’s breed, size, and life stage will help them get the nutrients that they need at the growth stage they need them.
Make sure to introduce grain and feed gradually to prevent digestive issues and provide clean water at all times.
As always, regularly assess the health and productivity of your sheep, monitor for herd health, and tweak the formula as needed.
Tips for Mixing and Storing Animal Feed
Whether you’re feeding poultry, cattle, or small animals, understanding the best practices for mixing feed, feed preparation and storage can help maintain nutritional quality, prevent contamination, and reduce waste. This might be achieving the right balance of ingredients during mixing to selecting the proper storage containers, these tips will guide you in providing your animals with a nutritious and safe diet, ultimately supporting their growth and productivity.
Use a Feed Grinder/Mixer: A feed grinder or a grain mill is handy for making sure your ingredients are the right size. This ensures proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Storage: It is very important to store your feed well. Store your feed mix in cool, dry, and airtight containers to prevent spoilage or pest infestations. A silo or grain bin works best for large quantities. You can also cut down the amount of feed loss you have by tracking how much feed you are using by measuring the amounts you add here. Using a farm management software like Farmbrite can help with this.
Balance Nutrients: Provide a balanced mix. Over-reliance on one ingredient like corn or soybeans for instance can lead to nutritional imbalances. Always try to aim for a mix that includes protein, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Add Fresh Ingredients: Adding fresh greens, fruits, and kitchen scraps can help diversify your animals’ diet and provide additional vitamins and minerals. Chickens go crazy for a pumpkin in the fall and goats will love some leaves to eat. (Be sure to avoid feeding them anything toxic, such as onions, garlic, or citrus.)
Adapt your feed to your animal's changing needs - The ability to adjust your feed mixture to suit the changing nutritional needs is another benefit of a DIY feed. For instance, during different seasons, you might need to adjust your feed recipe:
Winter: Livestock may require more energy or calories during the colder months. You might increase the fat content in their feed to accommodate those needs.
Pregnancy or Lactation: Female animals that are pregnant or nursing will need higher levels of protein and calcium to support their young.
With homemade feed, you can easily adapt your recipe based on the specific needs of your animals at any given time, ensuring they always receive optimal nutrition.
Conclusion
Making your own feed for your livestock (chickens, cattle, and pigs) is not only a cost-effective feed solution but also a way to ensure your animals are getting a nutritious, well-balanced diet without unnecessary additives. With careful planning and the right ingredients, you can create feed tailored to your animals’ specific needs and help them thrive. Whether you're raising a small backyard flock or running a larger operation, taking control of your animals' nutrition is a smart and rewarding step in your farming journey. Let us know how it goes. Need help managing your livestock, try Farmbrite's livestock management software.
Happy Farming!