Where does Yarrah’s chicken come from?

Yarrah uses a sizeable amount of chicken compared to other meats in its products. We do this because chicken is a more sustainable option than beef, for example. To produce one kilo of chicken, three kilos of feed is needed on average. For one kilo of beef, an average of 5-6 kilos is needed*.

We often get asked why cat and dog food containing organic chicken is so much more expensive than ‘normal’ food. Yes, food containing organic chicken is more expensive. But once you know why, you’ll understand.

An organic hen eats more than a normal hen

Our hens have space to move around outdoors. Hence they use more energy than hens that have been cooped up in small cages. What’s more, our hens have a stronger immune system and have less fat and meat on them.

An organic hen needs more space

Space costs money and our hens need far more outdoor living space (4 m² per hen) than their caged cousins (18 birds per m2), or even free-range hens (6 birds per m2). In densely populated countries in particular, land is expensive and the organic farmer needs to invest more heavily to run his business than a non-organic farmer does.

An organic hen eats… organic

You can’t just give an organic hen normal food, as then it won’t be an organic hen any more. The feed they get is thus more expensive than non-organic feed. The benefits are that the feed isn’t genetically modified and there aren’t any artificial additives or antibiotics in it.

An organic hen lives longer

As our hens grow less quickly than their caged, non-organic counterparts, it takes longer before they’re ready for slaughter. This makes it more expensive, including in terms of food costs. However, it does mean that the hens have a longer and happier life than their caged counterparts.

Quality control

Every two years our quality manager, Arthur Hartman, carries out inspections at our suppliers. Thus enabling him to see for himself whether the animals are genuinely being given plenty of space to roam around in and quite simply having a better life. He also checks compliance with all hygiene protocols in the abattoirs.

The organic chicken that Yarrah uses comes from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Italy.

*With the exception of the cattle that are completely grass-fed, such as the cattle that Yarrah procures from Uruguay.