Willow Hedge Farms

Independent Nutritional Testing Results

We sent samples of our chicken to two different labs for nutritional testing. The results? Our chicken really is exceptional.

Why We Tested Our Chicken

We wanted to know if our chicken was really as great as we thought it was. So in the fall of 2025 we sent samples of our chicken to two different labs for nutritional testing.

Quick Summary

Results in a nutshell

At the bottom of this page you can find the full reports with all the numbers—but if you aren’t so familiar with technical speak, here are the results in plain language:

  • Compared to conventionally raised chicken, our chicken is less inflammatory because of ~7× more balanced omega ratios.
  • Our chicken also supports the body’s ability to calm inflammation due to high levels of taurine, an amino acid involved in inflammatory signaling.
  • Due to elevated levels (between 200–900% of conventional chicken) of several amino acids, our chicken provides increased support for:
    • heart and cellular function
    • immune cell metabolism
    • gut cell metabolism
    • energy metabolism
Minerals
21% more iron
46% more calcium
Bottom line
If you think about your health in terms of inputs, this is a better input—food-first support without relying on added pills or powders.

Note: This is whole food, not a medical product. Individual outcomes depend on overall diet and lifestyle.

Nutritional Comparison

All values per 100g raw boneless skinless breast

Nutrient Willow Hedge Conventional Broiler (USDA) % Difference
Iron 0.45 mg 0.37 mg +21%
Calcium 7.3 mg 5 mg +46%
Omega-6 : Omega-3 2.85:1 ~15–20:1 ~5–7× more balanced
Taurine (free AA) 1939 µg/g ~193–260 µg/g* 7–10× higher
Glutamine (free AA) 947 µg/g ~268–363 µg/g* 2.6–3.5× higher
Serine 777 µg/g ~163–189 µg/g* 3–4× higher
Alanine 731 µg/g ~195–237 µg/g* 3–4× higher

*Published broiler breast free amino acid ranges. Conventional data sourced from USDA SR Legacy database and published broiler breast free amino acid studies. Full references below.

Interpretation

What This Actually Means

Holistic farming practices do more than change how a farm looks — they change what ends up in the meat. Movement, forage diversity, and whole-grain feed influence fatty acid balance and amino acid composition. These results reflect how the birds were raised and what they were fed.

Transparency

Full Lab Reports

Download the full reports with all numbers for review.

Lab report thumbnail
Download Nutrition Data
References
  • Conventional nutrient comparison: USDA SR Legacy database (and published broiler muscle studies).
  • Broiler free amino acid reference paper (example): PMC7597547
  • Pasture-raised omega ratio context (industry note): APPA
FAQs

Common questions

Were these samples cherry-picked?
No. Samples were randomly selected from regular processing batches.
How often will you test?
We plan to continue annual third-party testing to ensure transparency and consistency.
Are these values guaranteed in every single bird?
These are living creatures and will vary to some degree. These results represent tested samples from our production system.
Were the labs independent?
Yes. Samples were sent to two independent third-party laboratories for analysis. We did not conduct the testing ourselves.
What exactly was tested?
We tested: fatty acid profile (including omega ratios), mineral levels, free amino acid composition, and phytoestrogen concentration. Full reports are available above.
Is your chicken leaner than conventional chicken?
Our tested sample showed significantly lower total fat than USDA reference values. Fat levels can vary by age, diet, environment, and individual variation.
Why measure free amino acids?
Free amino acids represent the metabolically active pool in muscle tissue. They provide insight into how the birds were raised and how nutrients are distributed within the meat.
Are these results typical for pasture-raised chicken?
Research suggests pasture access and diet influence fatty acid and amino acid profiles, but results vary by farm, feed, and management. Many pastured operations report omega ratios around 7:1; ours tested closer to half of that—likely due to our soy-free feed.
Why don’t grocery store labels show this information?
Most retail labels show macronutrients (protein, fat, calories). Detailed amino acid or fatty acid profiles are not typically tested or disclosed.
Do these results mean your chicken treats inflammation or disease?
No. This is whole food, not a medical product. The data shows measurable nutritional differences compared to conventional broiler chicken.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

You’ve seen the numbers. Now experience the difference for yourself.

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