Koi Depot
1-619-569-9453
Koi Food  Seeing a Koi that is in your care thrive and become more beautiful as it matures, is undoubtedly one of the greatest joys of Koi keeping.

Seeing a Koi that is in your care thrive and become more beautiful as it matures, is undoubtedly one of the greatest joys of Koi keeping. The key to this process is basic care, a healthy environment, and good diet.

To the right we have several choices of food that we have supplied to our customers for years and have found them to be good solid food lines.

A Koi's metabolism functions best at temperatures above 70° F. High protein foods are difficult to digest when the water falls below 65° F.

However, Koi still need sufficient carbohydrates for energy when water temperatures are low. This is particularly true for Koi less than 1 year old.

Squash, bread, peas, citrus fruits, and watermelon are good sources of carbohydrates. Never overfeed your fish! Koi do not have a stomach. Feed smaller quantities more frequently for better nutritional absorption.

Feed only as much as the fish will eat in about 3-5 minutes. Koi pellets should be fresh and used within three months to prevent oxidation of the food.

Water Temp. (°F.)

Feeding Frequency

Food Type

Less than 50ºF.

Do not feed Koi.

Temperatures at 50° F. of more than one month may require supplemental feedings of low protein and high carbohydrates.

50-55ºF

2-3 times a week if Koi are hungry.

High carbohydrate, low protein, laxative type foods. Wheat germ, Cheerios®, squash, lettuce and brown bread.

55-59ºF

4-5 times per week if Koi are hungry.

Add low protein (25%) pellets along with vegetables. Increase quantities gradually as temperature increases.

59ºF

Once per day six days per week.

Low protein (25%) pellets along with high carbohydrate vegetables and fruit.

60-65ºF

Once per day every day.

Gradually increase protein in pellets (35%) and quantity of pellets. Vary diet with vegetables and fruit.

65-72ºF

Once or twice per day.

Bulk of diet should be 35% protein pellets. Add fruits, vegetables, and plankton for variety.

72-80ºF

3 to 4 times per day.

High protein pellets (35% to 40%) with color enhancers. Add plankton, vegetables, fruits, and shrimp.