One of the best and most exciting parts of raising koi is feeding your colorful pets. Watching your ornamental fish come to the water’s surface and even enjoying food from your palm is genuinely the most rewarding experience as a pet owner.
Even better, it’s a relaxing bonding experience between you and your finned pet.
Feeding them, however, can be a little tricky, especially if you are a newbie to raising koi fish.
After all, the type of food you feed to your koi fish makes a significant difference in their health, scale colors, and growth.
To keep your koi fish healthy, happy, and look elegant, you must know what you should be feeding them.
And guess what? I will help you discover everything you need to know about feeding your koi fish.
See also:
Even better, I am going to review the best koi food options that will help you maintain the striking color, elegance, and health of your fish.
So, let us get started!
Table of Contents
What Do Koi Eat?
Koi are majestic, elegant, bright, and colorful ornamental fish that descended from the well-known carp. Decades ago, there were only blue, back, white, and red koi fish.
Today, these aquatic creatures have been bred in different combinations to create a diverse variety of patterns and colors.
Koi are omnivorous inherently. And, they are not as picky as other types of pet fish. As a matter of fact, these pets eat about anything that will not eat or harm them.
Unlike other aquarium fish, koi have an amazingly strong digestive system, meaning they will practically feed on almost anything.
Koi fish, in the wild, feed on plant debris, leaves, algae as well as animal feces. Since you are keeping them in an aquarium or pond, you have to feed them with a wide array of animal and plant-based koi food.
The truth is, anything you usually eat can also be added to the diet of your fish. That means your koi diet may include rice, breadcrumbs, fruits, carbohydrate-rich food, and vegetables.
Other Koi Feeding Tips
Want to make your koi fish live a long, happy, and healthy life? Then, heed these tips and words of advice.
- From insects and small bugs to algae and plants, koi literally eat anything. They even love people’s food, such as watermelon, peas, rice, shrimp, lettuce, and cereal.
- Do not feed them before a storm. Koi need more oxygen as they digest their food. And, when it is raining, the levels of oxygen in the air will dip down.
- Avoid feeding your koi if the aquarium pump breaks. Keep in mind that these fish need some oxygen when digesting their food.
- Koi prefer carbohydrate-rich food in late autumn and early spring. In addition, high protein content food is best in early summer during their ideal mating season.
- Larger koi prefer pebble food, while smaller ones need to eat small fish food or flakes.
- Feed them consistently, and soon, they will recognize you and even greet you when approaching the pond or aquarium.
- Lastly, koi feeding is enjoyable, relaxing, and even therapeutic. So, enjoy your precious time with your beloved fish.
Koi Food Comparison Chart 2023
Looking for the best fish food for your koi carp? Why not check out this detailed and informative comparison koi food chart?
Which Are The Best Koi Foods To Buy?
Want something a bit more specific? Searching for the best koi food that suits your lifestyle, budget, and preferences.
- Best Overall – Tetra Koi Vibrance Pond
“Formulated scientifically for ornamental fish, this potent food contains a plethora of vitamins for optimum health, metabolism, growth, and enhanced colors.” - Bets Budget – Kaytee Premium Koi Food
“This wallet-friendly koi food has a perfect blend of essential vegetable and animal proteins, as well as other minerals for vibrant colors and adequate fish growth.” - Best Veggie Option – Tetra PlecoWafer Fish Food
“Made with fiber, algae meal, and zucchini, this fish food provides a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet for koi as well as bottom-feeding herbivores.” - Best Color Enhancer – Hikari Gold Koi Food
“Designed to enhance your fish’s color pigmentation on their scales, this fish food is also formulated for boosting the immune system, improved digestion, and optimal health.” - Best for Smaller Koi – Blue Ridge Goldfish and Koi Food
“Used by the premier American breeders of koi fish, these high quality floating pellets encourage healthy fish growth and will not pollute the pond water.” - Best for Warm Water – Tetra Growth Formula Koi Food
“Provides exceptional nutrition for overall health, longevity, and energy of your koi fish, ornamental goldfish, or other types of outdoor fish.” - Best All-Season – Dainichi All-Season Koi Food
“Fortified by a medley of minerals, vitamins, and proteins, this option is truly an ideal year-round development and growth fish food.” - Best for Koi Growth – Dainichi Premium Koi Food
“With a perfect mix of indispensable pre-biotics, vitamins, and minerals, this fish food is indeed ideal for growth, maintenance, and optimal health.”
Reviews Of The Best Koi Foods in 2023
One of the most effective ways to score the best koi food is to read a lot of different reviews online. And guess what? I am going to make things easier on your end by sharing reviews of the best koi food products in one place.
1. Tetra Koi Vibrance Pond
(Best Overall)
When it comes to koi food, there is nothing quite like this superior Tetra product. After all, it was specially formulated to meet all the nutritional requirements of all goldfish and koi.
In fact, it has all the minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, fiber, and proteins that your ornamental fish needs for a healthy immune system and optimal growth.
Furthermore, it supports a variety of their biological activities as well as metabolic changes. And, unlike other fish food, this product does not make the pond or aquarium water cloudy, thanks to its 95% digestible capability.
On top of it all, it enhances the vibrant yellow and red colors of your fish since it has a unique combination of minerals.
Key Features:
- Suitable for all sizes of goldfish and koi
- Does not cloud the water
- Soft floating sticks
- Ideal daily diet
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | 31% |
| Crude fat content | 5% |
| Crude fiber | 2% |
| Sizes available | 4.94 oz, 1.43 lbs, 2.42 lbs, 3.08 lbs, 5.18 lb, 8.27 lbs and 16.5 lbs |
Pros
- Prevents algae growth and pollution
- Easy to consume for the fish
- Contains a medley of vitamins and minerals
- High protein content
- Koi love it
Cons
- Does not have Vitamins K, E, D and A
2. Kaytee Premium Koi Food
(Bets Budget)
They do not call Kaytee as one of the best koi products for nothing. Not only is it an extremely affordable option, but it also contains the crucial ingredients needed for longevity, health, and proper growth.
Even better, it enhances the bright and stunning colors of your pets, thanks to its complete and nutritious diet.
Another upside to this product is it does not create pollution and waste on your pond or fish tank.
And, did I mention that it comes from a reputable and trustworthy brand?
Key Features:
- Reduces wastage of food
- Superior quality
- Perfect mix of minerals and proteins
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | 35% |
| Crude fat content | 5% |
| Crude fiber | 4% |
| Sizes available | 3 lbs, 10 lbs and 25 lbs |
Pros
- Balanced mixture of proteins and vitamins
- Quickly breaks down for easy and immediate consumption
- Superior quality koi food
- Right blend of proteins
- Super affordable
Cons
- Flavor is low quality
3. Tetra Plecowafer Fish Food
(Best Veggie Option)
Algae is a common koi fish food source, meaning this Tetra product can be an excellent addition to your fish’s diet.
Since plecos and koi have similar dietary needs, your fish will significantly benefit from the ingredients used in this fish food product, especially the zucchini.
Offering a healthy and well-balanced diet, this fish food also contains algae meal and fiber.
Moreover, it is ideal for bottom-feeders as it sinks to the bottom of your pond or fish tank.
Another perk to using this fish food product is that the water remains clean and crystal clear.
Key Features:
- High-quality nutrition
- Clean and clear water
- Perfect supplement to your koi’s diet
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | 28% |
| Crude fat content | 7% |
| Crude fiber | 6% |
| Sizes available | 3 oz, 7oz and 5.3 oz |
Pros
- Sinks pretty well
- Contains fiber, algae meal and zucchini
- Suitable for bottom dwellers
Cons
- Small ponds tend to get a little cloudy
4. Hikari Gold Koi Food
(Best Color Enhancer)
You will love the Hikari Gold koi food. Like most of the koi food products on this list, this one has a scientifically proven formula to give koi fish everything they need to survive in ponds or fish tanks.
It has a perfect mixture of nutrients and protein and is even designed to enhance the vibrant colors of your fish.
In addition, it contains Vitamin C to help support your pet’s immune system.
These koi food pellets float, making it conveniently accessible for fish as well as let you monitor your pet’s food intake.
And, it keeps the pond water clear and clean, so there is less chance of pollution and algae growth.
Key Features:
- Exceptional color enhancer
- Ideal and nutritious daily diet for fish
- Extraordinary mineral blend
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | Not specified |
| Crude fat content | Not specified |
| Crude fiber | Not specified |
| Sizes available | 4.4 lbs |
Pros
- Boost vibrant colors
- Easy to digest
- Keeps the aquarium or pond water clean
- Boost their immune system
Cons
- None
5. Blue Ridge Goldfish and Koi Food
(Best for Smaller Koi)
Are your koi fish smaller than 5 inches? Then, consider this koi food as one of your top choices.
Trust me, these pellets give you an excellent opportunity to watch your fish as they consume their food.
This koi food softens rather quickly, making them easy to digest for koi fish. And, it is formulated with top-quality ingredients that leading goldfish and koi breeders often use.
With this koi food, your fish will get the best nutrients that will help them thrive in captivity. And, these food pallets do not pollute the water as it disintegrates.
Of course, it has a special mixture of minerals and vitamins to promote immunity and boost overall health.
Key Features:
- Suitable for mixed sizes of goldfish and koi
- Contains a perfect mixture of minerals and vitamins
- Easy to digest for the fish
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | 36% |
| Crude fat content | 6% |
| Crude fiber | 5% |
| Sizes available | 2 lbs, 5 lbs, 14 lbs, 25 lbs and 50 lbs |
Pros
- All-season koi food
- Excellent size for pallets
- Works even in colder temperatures
- Brings out the natural oranges and reds of your koi fish
Cons
- Koi that are used to a particular diet often reject it
- Sink and quickly break up a soon as they get saturated
6. Tetra Growth Formula Koi Food
(Best for Warm Water)
Tetra, for more than 50 years, has been helping aquarium enthusiasts worldwide maintain a balanced and healthy diet for their pets. And, this Tetra product will surely come in handy, whether you are highly experienced or a newbie.
It is jam-packed with amino acids to promote growth and healthy metabolism. And, it is ideal for pond or fish tank water temperatures that are over 50 degrees.
Plus, there are no useless fillers or added byproducts. Each whole pellet is packed with minerals and vitamins that your koi need.
Key Features:
- Suitable for all koi ages
- Floating soft sticks
- Healthy daily diet
- Clear and clean water
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | Not specified |
| Crude fat content | Not specified |
| Crude fiber | Not specified |
| Sizes available | 4.94 oz, 1.43 lbs, 2.42 lbs, 2.42 lbs, 3.08 lb, 5.18 lbs, 8.27 lb and 16.5 lbs |
Pros
- Great value
- Exceptional color-enhancing properties
- Less cloudiness, waste, and mess
- Mimics natural foraging
- Easy to digest
Cons
- Not an ideal diet for colder months
- Water temperature should be over 50 degrees
7. Dainichi All-Season Koi Food
(Best All-Season)
This Dainichi all-season koi food is, no doubt, a rather reliable one-stop, do-it-all feeding solution for your beloved and precious koi. With this koi fish food, there is no need to continually change your fish’s diet, meaning you do no have to worry about your pet’s food whenever a new season comes.
Enhanced specially with a nutritious coating of minerals and vitamins, this fish food has all the essential nutrients for your koi fish.
Although it is technically a year-round koi food, it honestly works better during colder days. Still, it works perfectly in other seasons. Just feed them around 4 times a per day, and they will be alright.
I also love its ingredients, especially wheat germ, calcium montmorillonite clay, and spirulina.
Key Features:
- Ideal year-round development and growth food
- Rich in minerals and vitamins
- Color enhancer
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | 42% |
| Crude fat content | 4% |
| Crude fiber | 4% |
| Sizes available | 1.1 lbs, 5.5 lbs, 11 lbs and 22 lbs |
Pros
- Balanced and nutritious diet
- High protein content
- Year-round koi food
- Native clay mimics their natural environment
Cons
- Works a little inefficient during summer
8. Dainichi Premium Koi Food
(Best for Koi Growth)
Dainichi Premium koi food is designed primarily for larger koi fish, especially those that are more than 8 inches in length.
After all, this fish food has a high protein content and has slightly large pellets.
One of its primary sources of protein is spirulina, which is often used for boosting the colors of milk powder, fish meal, and koi.
With its high protein content, it is indeed a perfect summer food for your koi, although it is also ideal for autumn and spring.
And, while it does not have an immune system booster, it nevertheless contains tons of minerals and vitamins.
Key Features:
- Rich in minerals and vitamins
- Enhances colors
- Floats for natural foraging
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | 47% |
| Crude fat content | 4% |
| Crude fiber | 9% |
| Sizes available | 1.1 lbs, 5.5 lbs, 11 lbs and 22 lbs |
Pros
- Prevents swelling, thanks to its low starch level
- Wards of parasites with garlic
- High protein content
Cons
- Used often supplement an existing koi diet
- Requires more frequent and smaller feedings
9. Aquatic Foods Inc. Wafers
Looking for veggie fish food options for your koi? You will definitely love this Aquatic Foods option, especially since it combines spirulina and algae.
Not only is it suitable for koi, but it also is an ideal fish food for catfish, pleco, and other tropical fish.
These wafer treats are available in a variety of bag sizes and have a rather thin design that makes it easy for your koi to digest.
Since these goodies float and sink, you may use them to feed to both bottom-dwellers and top swimmers with ease.
Key Features:
- Suitable for a variety of fish
- Rich in minerals and vitamins
- Easy to digest
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | 47% |
| Crude fat content | 4% |
| Crude fiber | 9% |
| Sizes available | 1.1 lbs, 5.5 lbs, 11 lbs and 22 lbs |
Pros
- Sinks pretty well
- Contains Vitamin C
- Includes an array of veggies, including zucchini
- Contains seaweed and spirulina
- Has plankton and dried krill
Cons
- Does not have proper ingredient labeling
10. Repashy Gel Goldfish and Koi Food
With its rich protein content, this koi food is undoubtedly a top option for every carp enthusiast. Besides its high level of protein, Repashy gel also has adequate amounts of other essential nutrients and fiber.
Unlike the other fish food products on this list, Repashy comes in a gel form and is a microwaved pre-mixed food that you have to cut into a few cubes.
The ratio for mixture is a cup of water to ¼ cup of Repashy powder.
The koi food’s firmness makes it perfectly fine for most pets as it sinks, especially since it does not tint the pond or aquarium water at all.
Key Features:
- Scientifically formulated for excellent nutrition and digestion for koi and goldfish
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | 40% |
| Crude fat content | 6% |
| Crude fiber | 5% |
| Sizes available | 6 oz jar |
Pros
- Plenty of fiber and protein
- Ideal for finned pets with digestive problems
- Does not cloud or tint the water
- Gel consistency
Cons
- Can be a bit daunting to prepare
11. Laguna All-Season Floating Koi Food
While it is slightly more expensive than some of the options mentioned here, the Laguna koi food is totally worth every cent you spend with its superior quality ingredients.
Not only is it a high protein formula, but it also has a perfect blend of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins like Vitamin C.
And my fish seem to enjoy it. When I was feeding my koi with this fish food, I noticed my fish were so happy, vibrant, and active with Lugana.
And, since it is a year-round feed, there is no need to spend extra cash on buying other food options according to the seasons.
Key Features:
- Koi fish love it
- Floating fish food pellet
- All-season koi food
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | 32% |
| Crude fat content | 5% |
| Crude fiber | 4% |
| Sizes available | 2 lbs, 4.4 lbs, 9.9 lbs, 17 oz and 20 lbs |
Pros
- Excellent mix of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals
- Suitable for goldfish too
- High protein content
- Ideal Vitamin C content
Cons
- A bit expensive
12. Shinju Koi Food White Pearl
Shinju White Pearl is, to me, one of the best and most dependable koi food products available. Packed with minerals and vitamins, this koi food aids in the development and growth of your koi fish.
And, it maintains a healthy balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
If you are looking for an exceptional year-round koi food, you should consider this option. Even better, it is fortified by wheat germ to keep your fish’s color shining while preventing common illnesses and strengthening their scales.
Key Features:
- Keeps your koi’s skin pearly white and lustrous
- Packed with minerals and vitamins
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | Not specified |
| Crude fat content | Not specified |
| Crude fiber | Not specified |
| Sizes available | 8 lbs |
Pros
- Year-round, all-season recipe
- Promotes healthy fish growth
- Keeps the water clean and reduce waste since it has minimal byproducts
Cons
- Does not have spirulina
13. Hikari Pet Algae Wafers
These algae and spirulina wafers are nothing short of amazing. Trust me, you and your koi will love this fish food a lot.
It contains Vitamin C, meaning your koi fish will stay immune against a variety of diseases. Each wafer is designed to perfection to prevent water clouding when they sink.
And these dime-sized koi food wafers contain a heap of other vegetables, including chlorella, seaweed, alfalfa, soybean, and garlic.
You may break them down as well if your finned pets are too small to eat it. This koi food is ideal for other types of fish in your pond, like tetras.
Key Features:
- Does not cloud the pond or aquarium water
- Stabilized Vitamin C
- Best selling pleco food in the world
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | 33% |
| Crude fat content | 4% |
| Crude fiber | 3% |
| Sizes available | 2.2 lbs |
Pros
- Can be broken into a few smaller parts
- Contains Vitamin C
- Suitable for other fish
- Has plenty of vegetables
Cons
- Can cause a slight green tint if it is sitting too long
14. Saki-Hikari Koi Food
The Saki-Hikari koi food is a trusted product recommended by aquarists like me. It has an assimilated and easily digested recipe, creating very minimal fish waste in your pond.
Perfect for large and medium-sized ponds, each pellet of this fish food floats, allowing you to monitor their consumption. Additionally, it helps you keep your pond filter clear of any excess food.
On top of it all, it has all the nutrients needed to help keep your fish happy and healthy.
Key Features:
- Easily assimilated and high digestible
- Color enhancing ingredients
- Floating pellets for easy monitoring
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | 33% |
| Crude fat content | 4% |
| Crude fiber | 3% |
| Sizes available | 2.2 lbs |
Pros
- Does not quickly sink or break up in the water
- Rich in carotenoids, minerals, and Vitamin b12
- Contain high spirulina levels to bring out the koi’s natural oranges and reds
- Aggressive formulation for color enhancing
Cons
- Not ideal for colder months
- Needs a gradual introduction to your koi fish
15. Ultra Balance Koi Food All-Season
Sure, it is not quite as popular as other brands, but you should not underestimate this koi fish food. Ideal for growing and smaller koi, this incredible fish food delivers high amounts of required nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
This has a 5% fiber, 5% fat, and 40% protein mixture, helping promote natural colors, improve digestion, and resist stress-related diseases.
To me, this formula is best used when the water temperatures and the weather warm up. In fact, it is my go-to fish food for smaller koi.
Key Features:
- Complete and nutritionally balanced
- Medium pellet
- Suitable for warmer waters
Product Specifications:
| Crude protein content | 40% |
| Crude fat content | 5% |
| Crude fiber | 5% |
| Sizes available | 5 lbs |
Pros
- No extra probiotics or supplements needed
- Ideal for growing and smaller koi
- Formulated to reduce illnesses related to stress
Cons
- Have a shorter shelf compared to other brands
- Will sink and swell if you feed too often or too much
How To Choose A Koi Food – Buying Guide
Still cannot make a decision? Here are a few things to consider as you look for the best fish food for your koi.
Koi Food Quality
Sadly, there are plenty of local pet stores today that sell junky, off-brand foods that are labeled and billed as koi food. Actually, some of these formulas and blends are made for other fish species and are simply labeled as food for koi fish.
Even though these options are mostly affordable, they have a ton of downsides. For instance, these koi food options have incorrect ratios for vitamins, poor nutrition, and contain fillers that may damage or even lead to your fish’s death.
So, stick to the trusted brands. Also, do not forget to read reviews of the best koi food options.
Season
Not every koi food variety is suitable for all seasons. When the pond water is cold during winter, Koi need low protein content and high carbohydrate levels, especially since these fish are pretty active, meaning they will be hungry.
Koi food with wheat germ is ideal during winter.
During summertime, when their water is pretty warm, these fish slow down and will need higher protein content to grow optimally and maintain their body. You should opt for a koi food with krill or spirulina as their protein source.
In spring and fall, when temperatures are changing or intermediate, feed with your koi fish with a blend of protein and carbohydrate-rich fish food options.
Koi Food Content And Ingredients
Koi food content and ingredients are crucial to the growth and health of your fish. Make sure to check these essential sources when looking for the best koi food.
- Protein source and percentage: For optimal growth, look for koi food with a protein percentage of 30 to 40%. Also, look for healthy protein sources, like a herring meal, anchovy, shrimp meal, fish meal, wheat, and soy.
- Immune boosters, minerals, and vitamins: Fish food with a variety of vitamins will help promote more vibrant colors, growth, digestion, eyesight, and healthy skin.
- Color enhancers: Shrimp or krill oil and spirulina are the most common and popular natural enhancers.
- Fat percentage: If your koi carp are still small and growing, you should pick a food option with a higher content in fat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can koi go without food?
Koi fish can survive for a few days without food. Although koi might be hungry after 4 days without food, they will not starve.
Even so, make sure to feed them on the 5th day. Sure, they will be likely hungry after 4 days, but they will not die.
They might survive for a longer time, depending on the pond or aquarium’s diversity.
If there are plenty of plant matter, small fish, insects, and algae, they will ultimately forage for their food.
How to enhance the color of my koi carp?
You can easily enhance your koi’s color by providing them with the right nutrients. There are quite a lot of specialized fish foods that contain color enhancing ingredients.
Look for the best koi food with carotene and Spirulina to enhance the vibrant colors of your fish.
How much to feed my koi fish?
Koi are ideally fed just once a day. Additionally, you should feed them as much as they can consume in around 5 minutes.
Can koi fish die from overfeeding?
Overfeeding your vibrant fish can be rather dangerous and may even lead to death. There are tons things that may happen if you overfeed your koi fish, including:
- Lowered content in the oxygen
- Water quality decline
- Rotting in fins
- Damage to internal organs and kidney
- Increase the likelihood of disease onset
- Increase the aquarium’s biological waste
- Fish death
What are the best koi fish food brands?
For a sure-fire bet, opt for the most trusted koi fish food brands. Here are some of the best koi food brands today:
- Kaytee Koi’s
- TetraPond
- Dainichi
- Hikari
- Shinju
My Top Pick
There are plenty of incredible choices when it comes to koi food. But, if I have to pick only one, it would be Tetra Koi Vibrance Pond.
Not only is it suitable for koi, but it is an excellent choice for goldfish as well. Of course, it provides sufficient nutrients, like minerals, vitamins, carbs, and proteins, for your koi’s overall health, longevity, and energy.
Even better, it enhances the vibrant colors of your koi fish.
And, did I mention that it does not cloud the water of your aquarium or pond?
