Knowledge – Feeding Koi properly

Information about co-feeding

Feed management is always a matter of the right time, the feeding target and the pond conditions. Here we provide clear advice on temperature, feed types, feed amount and seasonal peculiarities.

Feeding according to the season
In the spring, the activity of the koi increases gradually with the water temperature. In the summer, growth and color development can take center stage more strongly. In the autumn, feeding is gradually adapted to cooler conditions. In the winter, feeding depends especially on the specific temperatures and activity of the fish.

Feed amount and pellet size
An adequate portion does not solely depend on the number of fish. Size, body structure, water temperature, and feeding behavior are at least equally important. The pellet size must also match the size of the mouth and the ability to ingest food.

Water quality and feeding
Each feeding increases the metabolic and filtering load. The pond filtration, oxygen supply, and water parameters must therefore match the selected ration – especially with protein-rich feeding in warm months.

Understanding JPD feed varieties
Fujiyama is positioned as the main feed, Yamato for color intensity, Shori for growth, Shogun for cooler and changing conditions, and Fujizakura for special conditioning phases.

Further guides
Contributions on spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, are gathered here. This gradually creates a searchable knowledge base.

Note
General feeding information does not replace diagnosis and treatment for sick fish.

JPD feeding overview by water temperature

At a water temperature of about 10 °C
With very cold water, the feeding activity of many koi drops significantly. Do not feed just based on a temperature number. If there is no activity, poor water quality or insufficient oxygen supply, discontinue feeding. Although Shogun is described in the product information for colder conditions, this does not imply a general recommendation for winter feeding.

Around 10 to under 12 °C
According to the product information available, Fujizakura (from about 10 °C) and Shogun are suitable for use when the koi are actively feeding and the pond conditions are suitable. Feed sparingly and monitor absorption. Fujizakura is a food supplement, not a cure-all.

Approximately 12 to under 15 °C
Fujiyama is described for the regular feeding season at around 12 to 15 °C. Shogun can be an alternative in cool, changing conditions. The transition range is not a fixed lower limit for each species or fish population.

Approximately 15 to under 18 °C
Yamato is described to be suitable for feeding at around 15 °C for color development. Fujiyama can be used as the main feed further on. In changeable weather, feeding activity and water quality remain more important than the feeding target.

From about 18 °C
In stable warm conditions, Shori can be used for targeted growth phases. Fujiyama remains the general main feed, Yamato is an option for color feeding. Higher feed rations increase the requirements for water quality, oxygen, and filter performance.

Special situations
Shogun is described in the product documentation for changing temperatures and also as a feed option during heat phases. In very warm water, the oxygen supply must be especially taken into account. Fujizakura is described for special feeding situations, without any medical effects being derived from it.

How often and how much to feed?
The European JPD documentation contains general seasonal recommendations: during cool spring and autumn periods, feed more often in the warmer afternoon; be cautious after a significant cooling due to rain; during the warm season, under suitable conditions, two to three feedings per day are mentioned as a general guideline. This is not a universal feeding recommendation. Only provide as much as the koi actually consume and remove any food leftovers.

Used by JPD feed consultants
The interactive feed advisor takes into account, among other things, fish size, length and feeding goal in addition to water temperature. It provides non-binding guidance values. A calculated amount should not be fed without verification; the calculation logic is still being professionally reviewed.

Important note
The temperature ranges overlap and are derived from the current JPD product information. They are not a scientifically validated exact temperature threshold table and do not replace either the current packaging label or the observation of the fish. No feeding against lack of feeding activity.