Koi are no different from your dog or cat when eating snacks. And meals are one of the highlights of their days, just like any other pet. Pre-packaged koi snacks are available anywhere you buy conventional fish food, but giving your fresh koi treats can be more satisfying for you and healthier for them.
Koi are omnivorous, hardy-stomached fish that can eat almost anything. That isn’t to say that everything is good for them. This is a list of some healthy varieties you can give your koi to complement his or her diet.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
Fruits and vegetables can help your koi cope with stress, boost their immune systems, and aid in their growth and color development. Fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables can help keep your koi healthy and happy.
EGG & CHEESE RECIPE
Hard-boiled eggs are a favorite of koi when peeled and broken into bits or slices. Cheese is a really amazing alternative as well, but check labels carefully and choose natural cheeses with few artificial additives and preservatives. The type of cheese is less essential than the quality of the cheese. Using a knife, cut it into slices or chunks.
HONEY & GRAINS
Whole-grain pasta and rice are high in vitamins and minerals and make great treats for your koi. White rice and wheat-based pasta should be avoided. Before feeding the pasta and rice, properly cook them without salt and rinse them to remove the starch.
HOW TO FEED TREATS
Treats should only be used to supplement the diet of your koi. In the summer, eat more carbohydrate-rich foods and less protein-rich foods. Don’t offer your koi treats during the winter since you should reduce or stop all feeding. When the temperature of water is 65 degrees or higher, just feed treats.
Allow up to five minutes for your koi to devour goodies before removing any eatables that are left in the pond, even if the fish are still eating it.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M FEEDING TOO MUCH?
Overfeeding is a typical concern among koi owners because it is the only time they engage with their fish. Obesity, like in humans, can diminish koi’s quality of life and contribute to a variety of health issues. As a result, it’s critical to provide them with the proper nutrition.