It is important to keep feeding time a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Koi feeding is a very interactive part of the day for the Koi owner.

Koi need a well rounded diet, thus their feedings should include a variety of foods to keep nutrients in balance. Koi fish are omnivores which means they will eat meat as well as plant matter.

The environment and their owner are two sources of food for the Koi fish. Voracious eaters, they eat just about anything that comes their way and fits in their mouths! They eat foliage off of the underwater plants and this should be paid attention to as any plants left unprotected may disappear.

Insects getting into their range are also fair game, including worms, snails and crickets. Koi have also been known to pull themselves partly out of the water to gather up fallen acorns and nibble on the grass.

Owners can offer the Koi fish an assortment of delicacies that will be savored and enjoyed. Watermelon, peas, lettuce and corn can be offered as special treats. Getting the right amount of vitamins, minerals, fat, fiber and protein is important to their quality of life and feeding a special pelleted food will ensure that they receive it. The fish will rise to the surface to feed as the store bought pellets float on the surface of the water.

Feeding time is a good opportunity to check on their health. Check them for injuries, irregularities and see that they have good appetites. A healthy diet helps to enhance the coloration of the fish, making them brilliant and beautiful to watch!

Water temperature can also have an effect on their appetite, with 61-75 degrees Fahrenheit being optimal for them. Koi are most active during the summer months and should be fed a high quality diet during this period.

Feeding is not necessary during the winter months because their digestive sustem shuts down in cold water. When water temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit any food left in their stomachs can become rancid. This can cause them to become very sick.

Highly entertaining and gorgeous, the Koi fish is a joy to own. They learn to recognize their feeder and gather round at regular feeding trimes. With patience they can be trained to eat right out of your hand! Never boring to be around, the Koi is a lively creature that will brighten up any backyard pond.

In conclusion, a balanced diet is extremely important, but there can also be plenty of fun and games involved.

Get your FREE 10-part mini-course and learn more about how to take care of Koi at my website KoiCareBasics.com

Alan Deacon