food for koi carp

Koi food is chosen according to the size of the fish, the water temperature and the objective: daily feeding, growth, colour or cold weather. Floating or sinking pellets, in Mini, Medium or Large, from Hikari, Saki-Hikari, Aquifood and Malamix.

How to choose koi food?

• Pellet size: Mini (Aquifood 2-3 mm) for young koi, Medium (4-5 mm) for medium-sized koi, Maxi or Large (6-7 mm) for large koi. The pellets must fit easily into the mouth of the smallest fish.
• Season: wheat germ foods (Hikari Wheat-Germ, Aquifood Wheat-Germ Winter) when the water is cool, in spring and autumn; staple or growth foods during the main season.
• Use: daily food (Hikari Staple, Saki-Hikari Balance, Aquifood), growth or colour ranges (Saki-Hikari Growth and Color), treats (silkworms, Koï Stick, Koi Snack) as a supplement.
• Floating or sinking: floating food allows you to observe the fish and adjust the ration; sinking food is suitable for shy fish and deep ponds.
• Packaging: from 500 g bags to 10 kg and larger sacks: choose a size that will be consumed within one season to keep the food fresh.

Pellet size guide:

Frequently asked questions

How much food should I give my koi?

Give only what the fish consume within a few minutes, in several small meals rather than one. Remove any leftovers: excess food pollutes the water and the filter.

What food should I use for koi when the water is cold?

Switch to a wheat germ food, such as Hikari Wheat-Germ, Aquifood Wheat-Germ Winter or Saki-Hikari Multi Season, and reduce the quantities. When the fish no longer come to the surface, stop feeding.

Should I feed koi in winter?

No when the water is very cold: koi eat little or nothing at all. Gradually resume feeding in spring with food suitable for cool water.

Floating or sinking pellets?

Floating food allows you to see what is being eaten and to monitor the fish. Sinking food is useful for shy fish or to supplement the ration at the bottom.

Can I give koi food to goldfish?

Yes, by choosing a Mini pellet suitable for their size.

Read more: choosing good food for your koi carp, what food to use when the temperature is cold and feeding baby koi. See also Hikari food, Aquifood food and food dispensers.

Experts since 1998. Have a question about feeding your koi? Write to support@foudebassin.com or call +32 10 86 03 54.