A healthy animal starts with a strong foundation, and that foundation begins on day one. Whether you’re raising chicks or piglets, the first weeks of life are crucial for growth, immunity, and lifelong performance. That’s why choosing the right starter feed is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a livestock owner.
At Kreamer Feed, we’ve been producing high-quality animal starter feed since 1947. As a family-owned and operated company, we understand what it takes to raise strong animals. We’ve built our legacy on helping farms do just that.
Let’s take a closer look at starter feed, what makes it effective, and how to choose the best starter feed for your chicks and piglets.
What Is Starter Feed and Why Does It Matter?
Starter feed is a specially formulated type of animal feed designed for the early stages of life. Unlike grower or finisher feeds, starter feeds are packed with higher levels of protein, energy, and essential nutrients to support rapid development and immune system strength.
For young animals like chicks and piglets, those first few weeks are critical. Their digestive systems are developing, their bones are growing, and their immune defenses are just beginning to form. A well-formulated starter feed helps ensure:
- Healthy weight gain
- Strong bone and muscle development
- Early immunity and disease resistance
- Efficient feed conversion
Without the right start, animals may experience long-term setbacks that affect their productivity, health, and overall value. This is why quality starter feed is not optional. It is essential.
Chick Feed: Fueling Healthy Growth for Chicks
Chicks grow fast. Within just a few weeks, they triple in size and begin building the structure for lifelong productivity. A well-balanced chick feed gives them everything they need to thrive.
Look for starter feeds that include:
- 18 to 20 percent high-quality protein
- Balanced amino acids like lysine and methionine
- Essential vitamins and minerals including A, D, E, B-complex, calcium, and phosphorus
- Natural or organic ingredients when possible
At Kreamer Feed, we offer organic chick feed options that meet USDA Organic standards and are free of antibiotics, hormones, and GMOs. Our formulas support healthy growth for chicks while aligning with your farm’s values and goals.
Piglet Feed: Supporting Early Piglet Nutrition
Piglets are born with limited nutrient reserves and depend heavily on quality piglet feed after weaning. The transition from milk to solid food can be stressful, which makes proper nutrition even more important.
Key components of good piglet nutrition include:
- Highly digestible proteins for rapid muscle development
- Added vitamins and trace minerals such as zinc, copper, and selenium for immune support
- Energy-rich grains and fats to fuel activity and growth
- Gut-friendly ingredients like probiotics or yeast cultures to aid digestion
The goal is to help piglets adjust to solid feed smoothly while promoting growth and gut health. Our Kreamer Feed starter feeds for piglets are carefully crafted to give your animals the nutritional edge they need from the beginning.
Livestock Feed Tips: Getting the Most From Starter Feeds
Here are a few proven tips to help you maximize the value of your starter feed program:
- Always provide clean, fresh water along with feed
- Keep feeders low and accessible for young animals
- Store feed in a cool, dry area to preserve quality
- Avoid mixing old feed with new to reduce spoilage risk
- Monitor growth closely and adjust feed types as animals mature
Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out, these small steps can make a big impact on animal health and performance.
Trust Kreamer Feed for a Healthy Start
When you choose starter feed from Kreamer Feed, you’re not just buying a bag of grain. You’re investing in generations of experience, trust, and dedication to quality. Since 1947, we’ve partnered with local growers and built a reputation for reliable, consistent livestock feed that supports your farm’s success.
Explore our full line of chick feed, piglet feed, and organic starter feeds at KreamerFeed.com and see why families like yours have trusted us for almost 80 years.
We’ve helped raise strong animals for decades. Let us help you raise yours.