As no two seasons are the same, the safest way to regulate pond food is to use a thermometer to measure temperature, and then feed fish according to this suggested table:
Pond Water | Pond Temperature Regularity | Type of Pond Food (Never feed fish under Medication) |
Below 10°C | DO NOT FEED | Below 10°C for more than one month may require feeding of wheat germ occasionally, especially smaller Koi fish. |
10 – 13°C | 2 – 3 times per week | Per week if Koi are hungry High carbohydrates, low protein laxative-type foods. Wheat germ, squash, lettuce and brown bread. |
13 – 15°C | 4 – 5 times per week if Koi are hungry | Wheat germ along with vegetables. Increase quantities gradually as temperature increases. |
15°C | Once a day, 6 days a week | Wheat germ along with carbohydrates such as brown rice and vegetables. |
16 – 18°C | Once or twice daily | Gradually increase protein value and quantity of food, and vary diet with fruit and vegetables. |
18 – 23°C | 2 – 3 times per day | Bulk of diet should be high protein. Add fruit, vegetables, plankton and live foods for variety. |
23 – 27°C | Up to 5 times per day | High protein food with colour enhancers. Add plankton, vegetables, fruit and live foods. |