Best Arginine-Rich Foods for Chickens

Ranked by arginine content among foods safe for chickens in the Creature Feast catalog.

Sunflower Seeds per 100g: 2,400mg arginine Sunflower seeds are a strong arginine source for chickens. Arginine is essential for poultry because unlike mammals, chickens cannot synthesize it endogenously. It supports immune function, muscle growth, and nitric oxide production that regulates blood flow to the reproductive tract.

Lentils per 100g cooked: 620mg arginine Lentils provide excellent arginine for chickens, supporting the immune responses and growth processes that rely on this truly essential amino acid. In breeding flocks, adequate arginine supports sperm quality in roosters and egg fertility.

Peas per 100g: 428mg arginine Peas deliver meaningful arginine that is fully essential for chickens, unlike for mammals who can partially synthesize it. The arginine in peas supports the nitric oxide signaling that regulates blood flow and immune cell function in the flock.