Koi fish are often pond dwellers and they have an exciting array of colors. They are often very relaxing species of fish and are kept by those who have been retired or are going for a nice hobby of fish keeping. However, koi fish do need some nutrition, and this is why you may be looking for the best koi food.
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Most koi fish are used to ponds so they often eat algae. Therefore, you should look for koi food that is nutritious and suited to their diet. Much like plecos, the koi fish need koi food that is packed with nutrients yet is easy to digest.
A koi fish will usually eat pellets since they are mostly bottom dwellers and they are used to sinkers more often than floating food. Other than that, algae wafers are also common koi food, since koi fish are pond species that do feast on algae.
Top 5 Best KOI Food for Growth and Color
Here are our top picks for the best koi food:
Tetra Pond Koi Vibrance
We liked this fish food for koi due to its formulation that is specifically for koi fish.
It’s also from a trusted brand, Tetra, which makes fish supplies, aquariums, food, and the like.
The bag is available in various sizes, including 2.42 lbs., 3 lbs., 5 lbs., and more.
Since it is in the form of soft sticks, it can be easily chewed and digested by most koi fish, which can also make it less likely to clog your filter.
It has good amounts of protein, vitamin C, fiber, and fat, which can give your koi fish balanced nutrition.
Things We Liked
- The soft sticks are easy to digest
- Comes in a variety of pack sizes
- Includes various vitamins and nutrients
- Lightweight and easy to feed
- Doesn’t clog your filter
Things We Didn’t Like
- The resealable bag may not be that durable
Tetra Algae Wafers
Since algae is also a common food of the koi fish, this one can be a great addition to their diet.
It has zucchini among other ingredients, which may be ideal for algae eaters since koi and plecos are almost in a similar diet plan.
There are 3 sizes for the fish food: 3 ounces, 7 ounces, and 5 ounces.
It can be a great veggie fish food that sinks to the bottom-most bottom feeders can have no problem with it. The fish food also includes fiber, other than algae meal and zucchini, for a well-balanced diet.
Things We Liked
- Ideal for bottom dwellers
- Has zucchini
- Includes algae meal
- Has fiber
- Sinks well
Things We Didn’t Like
- Small ponds do get clouded a bit
Aquatic Foods Inc. Wafers of Algae & Spirulina
Yet another veggie treat for your koi fish, this one combines algae and spirulina, which are both vegetables that you can feed to your fish.
These come in various bag sizes and have a thin design so they can be easy to digest for your koi fish.
Since the koi fish food sink and float at the same time, you can feed them to both top swimmers and bottom-dwellers with no problem.
Each pack is sifted so that dust and chips that settle are removed, so you can enjoy powder-free fish food.
Things We Liked
- Includes dried krill and plankton
- Has spirulina and seaweed
- Includes zucchini and various veggies
- Has vitamin C
- Sinks well
Things We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t have proper labeling of ingredients
Hikari Algae Wafers for Pets
This pack of spirulina and algae wafers can also be ideal for koi fish that enjoy algae a lot.
It has vitamin C so that your fish can stay immune against most diseases. Each of the wafers is designed so they don’t cloud the water when they sink.
These dime-sized wafers contain other veggies, such as garlic, soybean, alfalfa, seaweed, chlorella, and the like.
They can also be broken down if your koi fish are too small to consume it, or if you have few koi fish in your pond. If you have other fish in your pond, such as tetras, the fish food is also safe for them to eat up.
Things We Liked
- Has many vegetables
- Has vitamin C for immunity
- Can be broken into smaller parts
- Doesn’t cloud your water
Things We Didn’t Like
- May cause a green tint if they sit too long (break them up in pieces in this case)
Repashy Super Gold – Goldfish and Koi Gel Food
This jar of koi fish food is made with 40% protein as well as fiber and other nutrients.
It is a pre-mixed food that is microwaved (as it is in powder form that is meant to be cooked) and then cut into cubes. The mixture ratio is 1/4 cup of powder to 1 cup of water.
The firmness of the fish food can make it just fine for most fish when it sinks since it doesn’t tint the water at all.
If your fish like gel food, this one may be an alternative diet for them. This may also be ideal for fish that have constipation and other digestive problems.
Things We Liked
- Gel-like consistency
- Doesn’t tint or cloud the water
- Good for fish that have digestive problems
- Has enough protein and fiber
Things We Didn’t Like
- Could be a little daunting to prepare
Things to Consider Before You Buy
To help you look for the best koi food, here are some pointers to consider:
What is the ideal fish food for koi?
Koi fish are best with pellets or sinkers. This is because:
- Koi fish are bottom dwellers. Koi fish tend to swim at the bottom of the pond – it’s their nature. This is why they may be better off with sinkers.
- They may need more nutrients. Koi fish are usually outside in a pond, and this may cause them to be more exposed to the elements. Therefore, as compared to aquarium fish, they may need more nutrients to keep them up and running. This may include vegetables that are rich in vitamins, such as zucchini and spirulina.
- They’re algae eaters. Koi fish are generally algae eaters, much like plecos. This is why they need algae wafers, which are usually in the form of sinkers or pellets.
How do you choose the best fish food for koi?
- Make sure they have enough veggies. Vegetables such as zucchini, spirulina, kelp, and the like, are all good sources of nutrients for your koi fish. Check the label to make sure they have these.
- They should be easy to deploy. Fish food that looks messy and doesn’t have a good container can be a hassle to use for your little ones. Therefore, go for a container that’s well-designed.
- They should be delivered properly. If you ever order fish food online, they should be smartly shipped so that the food doesn’t get crushed during shipment and during the delivery process.
- The food should be easy to digest. Koi fish need something that is easy to digest, much like with other fish out there. If your koi fish has digestive problems, you may want to look for something that is easy to break but still doesn’t cloud your water.
- The food shouldn’t cloud up the water. Even if you have the best pond filter in your hands, it may still be ineffective against bad koi food that clouds or tints the water, making it murky. Therefore, it’s best to go for koi food that sinks but doesn’t leave a stain in the water.
What ingredients should I look for in koi fish food?
- Spirulina. This veggie is often present in most fish food and it’s a great vegetable to give to most fish in general.
- Zucchini. Aside from being a vegetable in your salad, zucchini can be an ingredient for fish food due to its refreshing nutrients.
- Algae. As koi fish are algae eaters, it never hurts to buy algae wafers every now and then. After all, when all the algae are gone in your pond, your koi fish may be looking for some.
- Protein. Last but not least, protein (crude protein) is usually present in most koi fish food (and fish food in general). Protein is needed by your fish to stay active throughout their lives.
Conclusion
In the long run, our top pick for the best koi food is the Tetra Pond Koi Vibrance because the soft sticks are easy to digest and it comes in a variety of pack sizes. The fish food also includes various vitamins and nutrients for your koi’s nutrition.
Generally, the sticks are lightweight and easy to feed and each of them doesn’t clog your filter (even sponge filters). Although its resealable bag may not be that durable, it’s a minor caveat compared to the quality of the fish food.
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