Best Chicken Treats 2026: Healthy Flock Snacks
Compare 6 of the best chicken treats for 2026, from dried mealworms to black soldier fly larvae and fruit blends, with feeding limits and molt-season tips.
Treats are how you bond with your flock, ease boredom, support molt, and train birds to come running at dusk. A good treat is high in protein, wholesome, and exciting enough that chickens drop everything to chase it. The key is moderation: treats should stay around 10 percent of the diet so they support, rather than replace, balanced feed. Get the balance right and you have happier, friendlier birds. Overdo it and you risk diluting the nutrition that keeps hens laying.
We compared popular chicken treats using ingredient lists, protein and calcium content, value per pound, and the recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We did not feed these to our own flock. Instead we weighed the features that matter most: nutritional value, especially protein for molt and calcium for eggshells, quality ingredients, and how much chickens reliably love them. Below are six options we recommend, a comparison table, and guidance for treating your flock the smart way.
Best Chicken Treats 2026
Pecking Order Pecking Order Mealworm Sprinkles, 5 lb
$16.00 on Amazon
Protein-rich dried mealworm treat in a big 5-pound bucket that chickens go wild for.
Joyprotyn Joyprotyn Black Soldier Fly Larvae, 5 lb
$24.99 on Amazon
Non-GMO larvae with far more calcium than mealworms for strong eggshells and growth.
Fluker's Fluker's Dried Soldier Worms, 16 oz
$8.88 on Amazon
Protein- and calcium-packed dried grubs, a natural treat at a budget-friendly price.
Love My Girls Love My Girls Fruit & Worms, 5 lb
$12.99 on Amazon
Corn-free multi-grain blend with fruit and mealworms for variety and foraging fun.
WORMSKING WORMSKING Dried Mealworms, 2 lb
$19.99 on Amazon
Classic dried mealworms for chickens and wild birds, a reliable high-protein staple.
WORMSKING WORMSKING Soldier Fly Larvae, 5 lb
$28.99 on Amazon
Big-value bag of dried black soldier fly larvae for calcium-rich treating year-round.
How Do These Chicken Treats Compare?
| Product | Price | Type | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pecking Order mealworms | $16 | Mealworms | 5 lb | Best overall |
| Joyprotyn BSF larvae | $25 | Soldier fly larvae | 5 lb | Calcium, eggshells |
| Fluker's soldier worms | $9 | Soldier grubs | 16 oz | Budget pick |
| Love My Girls blend | $13 | Grain + fruit + worms | 5 lb | Variety, foraging |
| WORMSKING mealworms | $20 | Mealworms | 2 lb | Classic staple |
| WORMSKING BSF larvae | $29 | Soldier fly larvae | 5 lb | Bulk calcium value |
How We Picked These Chicken Treats
We did not hand-feed these to our own birds. Instead we compared ingredient lists, protein and calcium content, value per pound, sourcing, and the consistent patterns in verified owner reviews, then judged each against what makes a healthy, well-loved treat. We weighted four factors most heavily. First, nutritional value, especially protein for molt and growth and calcium for eggshell strength. First-rate ingredients without fillers came second. Third, how reliably chickens devour the treat, which makes it useful for training. Fourth, value per pound, since treats are bought often. Variety rounded out the picture.
A Closer Look at Each Option
Pecking Order Mealworm Sprinkles, 5 lb
Our top overall pick pairs a chicken-favorite ingredient, protein-rich dried mealworms, with a generous 5-pound bucket at a friendly price, so you can treat and train regularly without running out. Mealworms are the gold standard of chicken treats: high in protein, irresistible, and great for building a recall or coaxing birds into the coop. The resealable bucket keeps them fresh and rodent-safe. For most keepers wanting one reliable, well-loved treat that delivers protein and value, this is the easy choice.
Pros: High protein, chicken favorite, big value bucket, great for training.
Cons: Lower in calcium than soldier fly larvae.
Joyprotyn Black Soldier Fly Larvae, 5 lb
For laying hens, this non-GMO black soldier fly larvae treat brings far more calcium than mealworms, supporting strong eggshells and healthy bone development alongside its high protein. The 5-pound bag treats a flock for a long while, and the calcium edge makes it especially valuable for productive layers and growing birds. Chickens take to larvae as eagerly as mealworms. If your priority is eggshell quality and overall nutrition rather than just a tasty reward, this is a standout pick at a reasonable price.
Pros: High calcium for eggshells, non-GMO, high protein, good size.
Cons: Pricier than basic mealworms; still a treat, not a calcium replacement.
Fluker's Dried Soldier Worms, 16 oz
The budget pick delivers dried soldier grubs packed with protein and calcium in a smaller 16-ounce bag at the lowest price here, making it perfect for trying insect treats or keeping a flock of a few hens happy without a big spend. The natural grubs suit chickens, backyard birds, and even reptiles, so nothing goes to waste in a multi-pet home. For new keepers or anyone wanting an affordable calcium-and-protein treat in a manageable quantity, it covers the basics well.
Pros: Very affordable, protein and calcium, natural grubs, versatile.
Cons: Small bag; runs out fast with a larger flock.
Love My Girls Fruit & Worms, 5 lb
For variety and foraging fun, this corn-free, multi-grain blend mixes fruit and mealworms into a gourmet treat that encourages natural scratching and pecking. The mixed textures and flavors keep birds interested and busy, which helps ease boredom in a confined run. Being corn-free appeals to keepers managing their flock's diet carefully. It is more of an enrichment-and-variety treat than a single-nutrient powerhouse, but for keepers who want to mix things up and keep their hens entertained, it is a fun, wholesome choice.
Pros: Variety blend, corn-free, encourages foraging, eases boredom.
Cons: Lower protein density than pure insect treats.
WORMSKING Dried Mealworms, 2 lb
This is the classic dried mealworm staple in a mid-size 2-pound bag, suitable for chickens and wild birds alike. It is a dependable high-protein treat for keepers who want a trusted favorite in a quantity that fits a smaller flock or occasional treating. The mealworms work for training, molt support, and everyday bonding, and the dual-purpose appeal means leftover treats can go to the wild-bird feeder. A solid middle-ground option between the bargain small bags and the big value buckets.
Pros: Reliable high protein, chicken favorite, versatile for wild birds.
Cons: Smaller bag; lower calcium than larvae.
WORMSKING Soldier Fly Larvae, 5 lb
This big 5-pound bag of dried black soldier fly larvae is the bulk-value pick for keepers who want calcium-rich treating year-round at a lower cost per pound. Like other soldier fly larvae, it offers more calcium than mealworms, supporting eggshell strength while still delivering the protein chickens crave. Buying in volume makes sense for larger flocks or anyone who treats daily for training. If you have settled on larvae as your treat of choice, the big bag keeps you stocked and saves money over time.
Pros: Bulk value, calcium-rich, high protein, great for big flocks.
Cons: Large quantity may go stale for very small flocks.
Treating Your Flock the Smart Way
- Keep treats to 10 percent. Balanced feed should make up the bulk of the diet.
- Offer grit free-choice. Chickens need grit to digest treats, grains, and forage.
- Boost protein during molt. Insect treats support feather regrowth when birds need extra protein.
- Use treats to train. A consistent call paired with mealworms builds a quick, reliable recall.
- Skip the hazards. Avoid moldy, salty, sugary foods, raw beans, avocado, and chocolate.
Treats are a joy of keeping chickens, but they work best as a small, thoughtful part of a balanced diet. Watch that birds keep eating their regular feed, maintain good weight, and lay well, and dial back treats if laying drops or birds get picky. For nutrition questions or signs of illness, consult a poultry veterinarian or local extension office. This guide is educational and complements good everyday feeding practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much treats can I give my chickens?
Treats should make up no more than about 10 percent of your flock's daily diet, with the other 90 percent coming from a balanced layer or grower feed. Chickens love treats and will fill up on them given the chance, but too many dilute the protein, calcium, and vitamins in their feed, which can hurt laying and overall health. A small handful scattered in the afternoon is plenty for a typical flock. Think of treats as a supplement and training tool, not a meal.
Are dried mealworms or black soldier fly larvae better?
Both are high-protein insect treats chickens adore, but they differ in nutrition. Dried mealworms are protein-rich and a longtime favorite. Black soldier fly larvae offer protein plus far more calcium, which supports strong eggshells and bone health, making them a great choice for laying hens. Many keepers prefer black soldier fly larvae for the calcium boost. Either works as an occasional treat or training reward. Whichever you choose, keep treats to about 10 percent of the diet so they do not crowd out balanced feed.
Can treats help during molt?
Yes. During molt, chickens regrow feathers, which are mostly protein, so their protein needs rise and laying often pauses. Offering extra protein from treats like mealworms or black soldier fly larvae can support feather regrowth and help birds bounce back faster. You can also switch to a higher-protein feed during heavy molt. Keep treats balanced with their regular ration, and make sure birds always have access to fresh water and, for layers, calcium from oyster shell on the side.
Do chickens need grit to eat treats?
Yes, chickens need grit to digest most treats and any whole grains, seeds, or foraged material. Grit is small, hard stone that collects in the gizzard and grinds food, since chickens have no teeth. Birds with access to coarse soil pick up some naturally, but confined flocks and those eating treats, scratch, or table scraps should have insoluble grit available free-choice. Note that grit is different from oyster shell, which provides calcium for eggshells. Layers benefit from both offered separately.
What treats should I avoid feeding chickens?
Avoid anything moldy, spoiled, very salty, sugary, or greasy, along with a few specific hazards: raw or dried beans, which contain toxins unless cooked, avocado pits and skin, chocolate, and large amounts of raw potato peels with green spots. Onions in quantity and anything heavily processed are also poor choices. Stick to wholesome treats like insect proteins, vegetables, fruit in moderation, and purpose-made chicken snacks. When in doubt, leave it out, and keep treats to a small share of the overall diet.
Can I use treats to train my chickens?
Absolutely. Chickens are food-motivated and quickly learn to come running to a familiar treat call or container shake, which makes herding them into the coop at dusk or moving them between areas much easier. Scattering a favorite treat like mealworms also encourages natural foraging and can ease boredom in a confined run. Use small amounts so training does not blow past the 10 percent treat limit. A consistent sound paired with treats builds a reliable recall in just a few days.
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