What To Feed Your Koi

Koi Food

There are so many different types of Koi Carp Food to feed your koi on the market and this can make it hard to chose the right food for your Koi that’s why we have come up with this feeding help page answering some frequent questions.

Here at Cotswold Koi we stock a large variety of koi foods on our website  below are some helpful tips of what to feed and when.

 

Nutrient Type	Recommended Percentage/Amount	Sources and Notes
Proteins	Young koi: 40% / Older koi: 30-35%	Fish meal, soya meal, corn germ
Fats (Lipids)	5-8% of total diet	Wheat germ, fish meal, corn oils
Carbs	30-40%	Preferably from vegetables and fruit, avoid rice, wheat, and corn
Fibre	Less than 5%	Corn, oats, wheat germ
Vitamins	Essential (B, C, A, D, K)	Added to prepared koi food
Minerals	Ensure balanced intake	Some minerals from water, iron, copper, iodine, and magnesium from food

 

The Importance of Vitamins and Minerals for Koi Health

Vitamins and minerals although required in smaller quantities are equally important for the health of koi fish. Vitamins such as vitamin C and E help boost their immune system, while minerals like calcium and phosphorus contribute to proper bone development.

Recommended Protein, Fat, and Carbohydrate Levels for Koi

When coming up with a feeding plan for your Koi, the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates is essential. As a general guideline protein should make up around 30-40% of their diet, while fats should account for around 6-8%. Carbohydrate levels can vary but they should generally be kept below 30% to prevent digestive issues.

Making sure that your koi have a well-rounded balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and specialized fish food will help meet their vitamin and mineral requirements.

 

How to Choose The Right Food For Koi Fish

Different types of koi fish food (pellets, live food and treats )

Koi carp are not picky eaters and they can thrive on a variety of food. The most common types of food for koi are pellets and live food. Pellets are a popular choice because they are convenient and provide a balanced diet. They come in different sizes to accommodate the mouth size of the koi fish and different choices to aid there health. Live food, such as worms or insects can be a great treat for koi fish and can help stimulate their natural foraging behaviour.

Quality of Koi fish Food

When choosing a Koi Carp Food, it is very important to consider the quality of the product. Look for high-quality food that is specifically made for koi. Check the ingredients list to make sure that it contains a good balance of nutrients and does not have excess amount  of fillers or artificial additives.

The food should have a high protein content, as koi fish are primarily carnivorous and require protein for growth and muscle development. Try to avoid food that contains high amounts of fat, as this can lead to obesity and other health issues which we don’t want

Recommendations for Specific Dietary Needs

(Growth, Colour Enhancement, Digestion)

Depending on your goals for your koi , you may need to think about a specific dietary need. If you would like to promote growth, look for food that is high in protein and contains growth enhancers such as spirulina.

To enhance the coloration of your koi fish, choose food that is rich in carotenoids, which can help bring out their vibrant colours. Spirulina enhances Red, orange and yellow shades Shrimp meal, chlorella, plankton, marigold petals promotes natural colouring Here at Cotswold Koi we would recommend Saki-Hikari Colour Enhancing this is a high quality koi food which promotes superb colouring – Rich in pure-cultured Spirulina and Zeazanthin, promoting vivid colour enhancement of the Hiban (red areas) without negatively impacting on the Shiroji (white areas) – Includes a strain of Bacillus bacteria called Hikari-Germ. Hikari-Germ is good bacteria which, when fed, becomes active in the Koi’s intestinal tract. Hikari-Germ creates beneficial digestive enzymes thereby improving the digestive capacity of Koi. Hikari-Germ also helps support the fish’s own good bacteria, helping prevent a build up of bad bacteria thereby helping build up stronger natural defences. Furthermore, waste that is excreted is highly decomposed by the activity of the bacteria, which helps maintain the quality of water while also reducing the load on the filter, therefore reducing maintenance. – Feed when the water temperature is 15 degrees C or above.

A more affordable alternative and the brand we use at Cotswold koi is Aqua source this food Aqua Source Colour Boost Koi Food is a very high quality colour enhancing food, specially formulated to produce rich and vibrant colours. There are four colour enhancing components in the food, as well as a rich quantity of usable protein, vitamins and minerals.

The colour boost foods Ingredients:
White Fish Meal, Fish oil, Carotene, astaxanthin, spirulina, paprika, clay, minerals, Prebiotics, vitamin A
Composition:
Protein 38%, Carbohydrates 40%, crude fat 7%, crude fibre 5%, ash 7.5%

Both Saki Hikari and Aqua Source have a Varity of different types of koi food available how ever you decide to enhance your Koi. We also stock alternative koi food take a look at our website to see all that is available.

Additionally, some koi fish may have digestion issues, so it is important to choose food that is easy to digest and does not lead to bloating or constipation. Consider consulting with a veterinarian or experienced koi fish keeper for specific dietary recommendations based on your koi’s needs. You may like to think about a floating or sinking food.

How Much to Feed

Overfeeding your Koi can have a massive affect on your pond it can deteriorate your water quality leading to dangerous levels of toxins in your water it can also lower oxygen levels, damage the kidney and internal organs of the Koi. It will also increase the biological waste in your pond from the Koi and the un eaten food. The rule of thumb is to feed your Koi enough food that they can eat within 5 minutes of it being in the water any uneaten food should be removed after this time to prevent the above from happening.

Optimal Feeding Times

The timing of feeding your Koi is also important. The Ideal time you should feed your koi is in the morning or early afternoon. This will allow them enough time to digest their food before the temperatures of the water drop in the evening. Feeding in the morning is particularly beneficial as it mimics their natural feeding behaviour.  Avoid feeding them late in the evening as they may not have enough time to digest the food before night-time when their activity levels decrease naturally.

 Feeding Koi Behaviour and The Weather Conditions

While having a set feeding schedule is important, it’s also essential to observe your koi fish’s behaviour and adjust their feeding accordingly. If they seem less interested or are not coming to the surface to eat, it may be a sign that they are not hungry.

Weather conditions can affect their appetite as well . For example during extremely hot days they may be less active and want to eat less. Always pay attention to their cues and make necessary adjustments to ensure they are getting the right amount of food each day .

Feeding your koi fish is not as simple as tossing some food into the pond and calling it a day. To keep your Koi in optimal health and happiness, it’s very important to follow the best feeding practices. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Feeding techniques to encourage natural foraging behaviour

Koi fish are natural foragers, and it’s a good idea to replicate this behaviour during feeding times. Rather than scattering the food in one spot of your pond, try tossing it across the water’s surface. This will encourage your koi to swim and search for their food, just like they would in the wild. Not only does this make feeding more fun for them, but it also helps prevent competition and aggression among the fish.

2. Monitoring koi fish during feeding to ensure healthy competition

While it’s important to avoid excessive competition during feeding, a bit of  healthy competition can be beneficial. Koi fish are social creatures, and a little competition for food can help them stay active and engaged. However, it’s important to monitor their behaviour closely.

If you notice any individuals consistently being pushed away from the food, it may be a sign of aggression or bullying. In this case, consider offering multiple feeding areas in your pond or using feeding rings to ensure that all the fish have access to their fair share of food at each feed.

Always remember any uneaten food should always be removed after 5 minutes to keep your koi and pond happy and heathy 

Over Feeding and Its Consequences

Overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes koi fish owners make, and it can have server effects on the health of your Koi. and your water quality. When you overfeed your koi, they consume more food than they actual need which will lead to excessive waste production. This waste then accumulates in the pond, causing water quality issues and potentially harmful algal blooms.

Overfeeding can lead to obesity in koi  koi fish can become overweight if they consume more calories than they can burn off through their daily activities. Obesity can lead to a host of health problems, such as decreased swim bladder function, increased susceptibility to diseases, and a reduced overall lifespan.

Underfeeding and Nutritional Deficiencies

While overfeeding is a common mistake, underfeeding can be equally detumental to your koi fish. When koi fish are not provided with enough food, they may not receive all the essential nutrients that they need for properly grow and develop. This can result in nutritional deficiencies, compromising their immune system and making them more susceptible to diseases and infections and parasites.

Underfeeding can also stunt the growth of your koi fish. Without sufficient nourishment, they may fail to reach their full genetic potential, resulting in smaller and less vibrant Koi fish. It’s important to strike a balance and provide your koi  with enough food to meet their nutritional needs without overdoing it.

.

How to Promote Optimal Growth in Koi Fish through Feeding

In terms of promoting  growth in koi , feeding strategies play a important role. The first step is to ensure that you are feeding your koi with a balanced and nutritious diet. Look for koi food that is specifically formulated to support growth and development. These foods are usually high in protein, which is essential for muscle growth. Additionally, they often contain a good balance of fats and carbohydrates to provide energy.

Another important aspect of feeding strategies for growth is the frequency of feeding. To maximize growth potential, it’s generally recommended to feed your koi multiple times a day. This helps ensure that they receive a constant supply of nutrients throughout the day, which can aid in their growth. However, be mindful not to overfeed them as this can lead to other health problems.

Balancing Growth and Overall Health Considerations

While promoting growth is important, it’s also vital to consider the overall health of your koi fish. Rapid growth can sometimes put strain on their internal organs, so finding the right balance is key. One approach to achieve this is to use a gradual feeding strategy. Start by feeding small portions several times a day and gradually increase the portion sizes as your koi grow. This allows their bodies to adapt and ensures that their organs can keep up with their growth.

Always  maintaining a clean and well-maintained pond environment is crucial for the overall health and growth of your koi . Regular water changes, proper filtration, and adequate aeration can contribute to their well-being. Remember to monitor water parameters, such as ammonia and nitrite levels, to ensure that they remain within appropriate ranges. A healthy pond environment promotes healthy growth and helps prevent diseases and parasites

Also you could use an Automatic Koi feeder this is easily set up and programmed to feed your koi in regular intervals through the day to obtain maximum growth through the spring and  summer months this is when the koi do most of there growing  water temperatures make a big difference to growth in koi as do Genetics

Automatic Koi Feeders

Automatic Koi Feeders will allow you to take a break now and again with the assurance that your fish are being fed regularly. They can be left unattended for long periods of time.

They have been about for quite a time now and in recent years have certainly become more affordable Bearing in mind it is better to feed a little and often as apposed to one big feed a day, they are fast becoming an essential piece of kit for the Koi keeper. Here at Cotswold Koi we would recommend  EVO Feed Automatic 

 

Supplemental Feeding Techniques 

In addition to their regular diet, you can consider supplementing your koi fish with various techniques.

One supplemental feeding technique is the use of live food. Live food, such as earthworms or brine shrimp, can provide additional nutrients and stimulate natural foraging behaviour in koi fish. This can be particularly beneficial for young koi that are still developing their hunting skills. However, be sure to only feed live food that is safe and free from any potential contaminants.

another supplement is to add Takazumi Kien-Pro KIEN PRO is a complementary food for Koi. It compensates for important nutrients that are lost in the production process of granular feed. The improved KIEN PRO helps to aid your fish during digestion. The unique mix of herbs, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, carbohydrates and minerals/trace elements and probiotics and enzymes will allow all organs involved in digestion to function in harmony. Also, the beneficial microorganisms will eagerly use the enzymes and herbs that are in the KIEN PRO.

By employing these feeding strategies, balancing growth and overall health considerations, and incorporating supplemental feeding techniques, you can promote optimal growth in your koi fish.

Remember, each koi fish is unique, so it’s important to monitor their growth and adjust their feeding regime accordingly. With proper care and attention, your koi will thrive and display impressive growth in your pond.

Koi Treats

It can be nice to treat your Koi to the occasional treat and We stock a Varity of different Koi treats always feed in moderation.

One that we recommend is Evolution Aqua’s Pond Treats are natural treats to supplement the diet of all pond fish. These high protein treats can be fed to your fish along with their regular food. Evolution Aqua’s Pond Treats should be fed as an additional supplement to the regular diet of your pond fish. It is recommended that you give pond treats to your fish only when the water temperature of the pond is above 16 degrees Celsius. The Pond Treats Variety Mix consists of 4 different treats: Mealworm, Silkworm, Gammarus (Freshwater Shrimp) and Shrimp.

We also stock Cloverleaf Koi Treats Absolute Koi Insect Koi Treats have been blended to our Cloverleaf Absolute unique recipe. This blend is scientifically proven to offer a nutrient-rich mix, comparable with the fish’s natural feeding behaviour when in the wild.
The advantage of feeding a prepared Insect based diet such as Absolute Koi Treats your feeding a food comparable to a live food treat but without any of the risks of introducing any parasites or bacteria that they could contain and result in infecting your fish. Available in orange and Garlic