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Home / Koi & Goldfish Food / Staple Koi Food

Staple Koi Food

Staple koi food is the everyday diet most pond owners use during active feeding season. Choose by water temperature, fish size, pellet size, and how often you feed so koi and goldfish can eat comfortably without wasting food.

Quick guide: Daily feeding: Hikari Staple | Soft sticks: Tetra Pond Sticks | Small fish: Baby Pellets | Cool water: Wheat Germ | Learn more: Pellet Size Guide

Staple Koi Food Finder Open tool

Open this tool to match staple food by water temperature, fish size, pond size, and feeding priority.

Staple Koi Food

Preferred Daily Diet For Koi & Other Pond Fish

Hikari Staple is an economical, daily diet for koi as well as other pond fishes. It contains all the basic nutrition your fish need to live a long and healthy life. High in stabilized vitamin C, Hikari Staple promotes resistance to stress and immunity to infectious disease. 

  • Will Not Cloud The Water
  • Floating Pellet: Allows easy monitoring of amount eaten; Helps eliminate over-feeding;
  • Reduces water quality problems; More Economical.
  • Contains Stabilized Vitamin C: Promotes resistance to stress; Promotes resistance to infectious disease; Promotes a long, healthy life.
  • Excellent Daily Diet: Great basic nutrition; No color enhancing capacity

Feeding Suggestions: When water temperature is consistently above 60°F, feed one to two times daily. When water temperature is consistently above 70°F, feed two to four times daily. Please do not exceed the amount your fish will eat within three to five minutes of feeding. Remove all remaining food after the feeding period to avoid over-feeding and the water quality problems which can result from this action.

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude ProteinCrude FatCrude FiberMoistureAsh
min. 34.0%min. 3.0%max. 5.0%max. 10.0%max. 13.0%
PhosphorusVitamin AVitamin D3Vitamin EAscorbic Acid
min. 1.0%min. 8,400 IU/kgmin. 1,200 IU/kgmin. 1,200 IU/kgmin. 180 mg/kg
Hikari Staple Fish Food - Floating

Hikari Staple Fish Food - Floating

  SKU Size Pellet Size Add
01227
17.6 Ounces
Small Pellets 2.7 - 4.0 mm
01373
17.6 Ounces
Medium Pellets 4.0 - 5.5 mm
01442
17.6 Ounces
Large Pellets 7.2 - 9.0 mm
01270
4.4 lbs
Small Pellets 2.7 - 4.0 mm
01370
4.4 lbs
Medium Pellets 4.0 - 5.5 mm
01470
4.4 lbs
Large Pellets 7.2 - 9.0 mm
Out of Stock
01282
11 lbs
Small Pellets 2.7 - 4.0 mm
Out of Stock
01382
11 lbs
Medium Pellets 4.0 - 5.5 mm
01482
11 lbs
Large Pellets 7.2 - 9.0 mm
Out of Stock
01289
22 lbs
Small Pellets 2.7 - 4.0 mm
01389
22 lbs
Medium Pellets 4.0 - 5.5 mm
01189
22 lbs
Baby Pellets 1.7 - 2.0 mm
01489
22 lbs
Large Pellets 7.2 - 9.0 mm

Extensive research into the eating habits and living conditions of koi provided us with the knowledge to develop Hikari Economy . This economical, daily diet for koi and other pond fishes will provide them with the basic nutrition they require to live a long and healthy life. Hikari® Economy provides little or no color enhancement.

  • Will Not Cloud The Water.
  • Floating Pellet: Allows easy monitoring of amount eaten; Helps eliminate over-feeding; Reduces water quality problems; More Economical.
  • Contains Stabilized Vitamin C: Promotes resistance to stress; Promotes resistance to infectious disease; Promotes a long, healthy life.
  • Excellent Daily Diet: Great basic nutrition; No color enhancing capacity.

Feeding Suggestions: When water temperature is consistently above 60°F, feed one to two times daily. When water temperature is consistently above 70°F, feed two to four times daily. Please do not exceed the amount your fish will eat within three to five minutes of feeding. Remove all remaining food after the feeding period to avoid over-feeding and the water quality problems which can result from this action.

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude ProteinCrude FatCrude FiberMoistureAsh
min. 28.0%min. 3.0%max. 4.0%max. 10.0%max. 8.0%
PhosphorusVitamin AVitamin D3Vitamin EAscorbic Acid
min. 0.5%min. 5,900 IU/kgmin. 890 IU/kgmin. 930 IU/kgmin. 120 mg/kg
Hikari Economy - Floating

Hikari Economy - Floating

  SKU Size Pellet Size Add
38378
8.8 lbs
Medium Pellets 4.0 - 5.5 mm
38478
8.8 lbs
Large Pellets 7.2 - 9.0 mm
38392
44 lbs
Medium Pellets 4.0 - 5.5 mm

Kenzen is the perfect balance of energy to fuel metabolism and protein to optimize growth. Kenzen Koi Foods are modeled after natural nutritional profiles. These no filler diets are loaded with highly digestible ingredients like Herring Meal, Starch from Potato, and special micro nutrition. Builds koi with excellent body confirmation and increased muscle mass. Primary Diet Floating is proven and suitable for feeding year round.

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS: Crude Protein (min) 49%, Crude Fat/Oil (min) 9%, Crude Fiber (max) 1%, Moisture (max) 10%

INGREDIENTS: Herring Meal, Potato Starch, L-Lysine, DL Methionine, Yeast Extract, Fat Product (source of DHA from Algae), Fructooligosaccharides, L-Tryptophan, Choline Chloride, Betaine Anhydrous, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Inositol, L-Carnitine, Vitamin E Supplement, Biotin, Niacinamide, Diatomaceous Earth, Selenium Yeast, Brewers Dried Yeast, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Mixed Tocopherols, Ferrous Sulfate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Beta Carotene, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Rosemary Extract.

Kenzen Primary Diet Koi Food - Floating

Kenzen Primary Diet Koi Food - Floating

  SKU Size Pellet Size Add
98114
10 lbs
7 mm pellet
98114-4
40 lbs (4 x 10 lbs)
7 mm pellet

The gel based block will feed all pond fish for up to 7 days, without clouding water. 7-12 Goldfish or 1-2 Koi per block for a 7 day period. Simply add more blocks if you pond contains more or larger fish.

  • Slow-release feeder block
  • For all pond fish

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS:
MIN. CRUDE PROTEIN3.0% MIN. CRUDE FAT0.1%
MAX. CRUDE FIBER1.5%MAX. MOISTURE90.0%
MIN. PHOSPHORUS0.5%
Tetra Vacation Food

Tetra Vacation Food

  SKU Size Add
Tetra Vacation Food, 2.56 Ounces
$6.99 $6.95 | 15 Points
78778
2.56 oz

TetraPond Flaked Food is a high quality diet in flaked form. Feed in conjunction with TetraPond Floating Food Sticks to give your fish a change. TetraPond Flaked Food is an ideal diet for smaller fish in your pond and can be fed whenever water temperatures are above 50°F.

The primary meal for goldfish and small Koi.

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS:
MIN. CRUDE PROTEIN47.0% MIN. CRUDE FAT11.0%
MAX. CRUDE FIBER3.0%MAX. MOISTURE6.0%
MIN. PHOSPHORUS1.0%VITAMIN A15,000 IU/KG
MIN. VITAMIN D31300 ɥU/KGMIN. VITAMIN E120 IU/KG
MIN. NIACIN600 MG/KGMIN. VITAMIN B1285 MG/KG
MIN. CHLORINE1,700 MG/KGMIN. BIOTIN1 MG/KG
MIN. ASCORBIC ACID (VIT. C)256 MG/KGOMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS8,000 MG/KG
Tetra Flaked Food For Pond Fish - Floating

Tetra Flaked Food For Pond Fish - Floating

  SKU Size Add
Tetra Flake Fish Food, 6.53 Ounces
$9.79 $8.47 | 21 Points
16210
6.34 oz
Tetra Flake Fish Food, 2.2 lbs.
$42.99 $39.95 | 67 Points
77066
2.2 lbs
Tetra Flake Fish Food, 4.52 lbs.
$65.19 $58.95 | 117 Points
16621
4.52 lbs

Variety Blend Includes:

  • Pond Sticks - an ideal, basic diet.
  • Koi Vibrance - enhances natural coloration.
  • Wheat Germ Sticks - for health and vitality.

Feed in spring, summer and fall, when water temperatures are 50°F and above

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS:
MIN. CRUDE PROTEIN31.0% MIN. CRUDE FAT 4.5%
MAX. CRUDE FIBER2.0%MAX. MOISTURE7.0%
MIN. PHOSPHORUS1.0%MIN. ASCORBIC ACID (VIT.C)99 MG/LG.
Tetra Variety Blend - Floating Sticks

Tetra Variety Blend - Floating Sticks

  SKU Size Add
16456
1.32 lbs
16454
2.25 lbs

Tetra pond food sticks have been specifically developed by Tetra to give pond fish a complete, balanced diet as they contain all the animal and vegetable protein that your fish need. Tetra Pond Fish Food sticks quickly soften on the surface making them easy to digest - even for smaller pond fish. An ideal maintenance diet that provides nutrition for energy, longevity, and overall health.

INGREDIENT CHANGE: Tetra recently removed dyes and preservatives. So, you will notice a slightly different appearance to the food. 

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min.)Crude Fat (min.) Crude Fiber (max.)Moisture (max.)Phosphorus (min.) Ascorbic Acid (VIT.C)(min.)
28%3.5%2.0%7.0%1.0%100 mg/lg
Tetra Pond Food Sticks - Floating

Tetra Pond Food Sticks - Floating

  SKU Size Quantity Add
16354
3.53 oz
1
Tetra Floating Food Sticks, 1 lbs.
$18.09 $14.47 | 36 Points
16482
1 lbs.
1
Tetra Floating Food Sticks, 1.72 lbs.
$24.49 $19.97 | 50 Points
16483
1.72 lbs.
1
16357
2.53 lbs. Reusable Bucket
1
Tetra Floating Food Sticks, 3.75 lbs.
$41.89 $38.97 | 97 Points
16484
3.75 lbs
1
Tetra Floating Pond Sticks 6.51lbs
$65.99 $60.47 | 151 Points
16488
6.6 lbs
1
16457
11 lbs
1

This product cannot ship to the following states: ID

Summer Staple Food w/ Montmorillonite Clay

Feed above 68°F (20°C). Alternate feeding the two supplemental foods every other day (four days per week). Due to the lower protein content this can be alternated with the Cold Weather formula during colder weather as well. The Montmorillonite Clay provides additional minerals which help provide more immunity against viruses commonly found in pond environments. Additional quantities of vitamins are also blended into this food. Montmorillonite Clay also acts as a toxin binder by neutralizing metabolic toxins.

  • Pellet size: 0.6-1.2cm
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min.)Crude Fat (min.) Crude Fiber (max.)Moisture (max.)Ash (max.)Phosphorus (min.) Copper (min.)
36%6%5%8%9%1.3%7 mg/kg

Fish Meal, Whole Wheat, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Alfalfa Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Middlings, Montmorillonite Clay, Fish Oil (anti-caking agent), Brewers Dried Yeast, Dicalcium Phosphate, Spinach, L-axcorbyl-2-polyphosphate, Spirulina, Betaine anhydrous, Salt, Choline Chloride, Chromium Oxide, Ethoxyquin (preservative), Astaxanthin (color), Bacillus lichenformis fermentation product, Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, Vitamin E supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin, Folic Acid, Riboflavin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Vitamin D3 supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement

This floating food must have 70-80% floating to pass inspection. This is not a bad thing because there are always fish in the pond that can't compete with the others and will benefit from the pellets that sink.

Microbe-Lift Immuno Food w/Montmorillonite Clay - Floating

Microbe-Lift Immuno Food w/Montmorillonite Clay - Floating

  Icons SKU Size Add
20152
10 Ounces
20153
1 lbs. 12 Ounces
20154
4 lbs. 8 Ounces
20155
13 lbs
20156
40 lbs (bag)

This product cannot ship to the following states: ID

For fish 4" and under.

Mini Pellets were developed so that small fish have a high quality balanced diet food available to them. Recommended for fish 4" and smaller, this diet contains stabilized vitamin C to help promote proper tissue development.

  • Pellet size 0.3–0.4 cm
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min.)Crude Fat (min.) Crude Fiber (max.)Moisture (max.)Ash (max.)Phosphorus (min.) Copper (min.)
36%5%4.5%8%8%1%7 mg/kg

Fish Meal, Whole Wheat, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Alfalfa Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Middlings, Fish Oil, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dicalcium Phosphate, Spinach, L-ascorbyl-2- polyphosphate, Spirulina, Betaine anhydrous, Salt, Choline Chloride, Chromium Oxide, Ethoxyquin (preservative), Astaxanthin (color), Dry Bacillus lichenformis fermentation product, Dry Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, Vitamin E supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin, Folic Acid, Riboflavin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Vitamin D3 supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement

This floating food must have 70-80% floating to pass inspection. This is not a bad thing because there are always fish in the pond that can't compete with the others and will benefit from the pellets that sink.

Microbe-Lift Mini Pellets Fish Food - Floating

Microbe-Lift Mini Pellets Fish Food - Floating

  Icons SKU Size Add
Microbe-Lift Mini Pellets, 12 Ounces
$16.46 $13.99 | 41 Points
20137
12 Ounces
20138
2 lbs. 4 Ounces
Microbe-Lift Mini Pellets, 6 lbs.
$46.95 $39.91 | 112 Points
20739
6 lbs
Microbe-Lift Mini Pellets, 17 lbs.
$79.95 $67.96 | 207 Points
20140
17 lbs
Microbe-Lift Mini Pellets, 40 lbs.
$149.95 $127.46 | 375 Points
20141
40 lbs (bag)

This product cannot ship to the following states: ID

Floating Sticks

As far as we know, Ecological Laboratories is the first fish food manufacturer to commercially produce this type of food. Variety is the spice of life. If you don't have time to cut up fruits and vegetables for your pond fish, give them this "fruits and greens" blend. Ecological Labs has done the cutting and blending for you. There are apples, apricots, kiwis, mangos, papayas, peaches, pears, broccoli, cabbage, peas, red peppers, tomatoes, zucchini and spinach in this scientific blend.

  • Pellet size 0.4 - 1.4 cm
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min.)Crude Fat (min.) Crude Fiber (max.)Moisture (max.)Ash (max.)Phosphorus (min.)
36%6%5%8%8%1.3%

Fish Meal, Whole Wheat, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Wheat Middlings, Corn Gluten Meal, Fish Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Brewers Dried Yeast, Apple, Broccoli, Apricot, Green Cabbage, Kiwi, Red Cabbage, Mango, Peas, Papaya, Red Pepper, Peach, Tomato, Pear, Zucchini, Spinach, L-ascorbyl-2 polyphosphate, Spirulina, Betaine anhydrous, Astaxanthin (color), Bacillus lichenformis fermentation product, Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, Vitamin E supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate Choline Chloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin, Folic Acid, Riboflavin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Vitamin D3 supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Ferrous sulfate, Chromium Oxide, Ethoxyquin (preservative), , Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin B 12 supplement.

This floating food must have 70-80% floating to pass inspection. This is not a bad thing because there are always fish in the pond that can't compete with the others and will benefit from the pellets that sink.

Microbe-Lift Fruits & Greens Fish Food - Floating

Microbe-Lift Fruits & Greens Fish Food - Floating

  Icons SKU Size Add
Microbe-Lift Fruits & Greens, 10 Ounces
$13.95 $11.86 | 35 Points
20157
10 Ounces
Microbe-Lift Fruits & Greens, 2 lbs.
$26.95 $22.91 | 67 Points
20158
2 lbs
20159
4 lbs. 8 Ounces
20160
13 lbs 4 oz
Microbe-Lift Fruits & Greens, 40 lbs.
$169.95 $144.46 | 425 Points
20161
40 lbs (bag)

This economical, daily diet for goldfish and koi fry will provide them with the basic nutrition they require to live a long and healthy life. Extensive research into the eating habits and living conditions of goldfish and baby koi provided us with the knowledge to develop Hikari® Goldfish Staple™. This economical, daily diet for goldfish and koi fry will provide them with the basic nutrition they require to properly develop.

  • Developed to help goldfish or baby koi develop proper form
  • The floating pellet allows younger users to easily see what the goldfish or baby koi is consuming so they can easily avoid over-feeding
  • Contains a nutrient package scientifically formulated for growth
  • Carefully selected ingredients offer a taste goldfish and baby koi readily accept
  • Added vitamins and minerals, including stabilized vitamin C, support immune system health
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude ProteinCrude FatCrude FiberMoistureAshPhosphorus
min. 32.0%min. 4.0%max. 3.0%max. 10.0%max. 12.0%min. 0.7%
Hikari Staple Baby - Floating

Hikari Staple Baby - Floating

  SKU Size Pellet Size Add
01120
3.5 Ounces
Baby Pellets - 1.7 - 2.0 mm

This product cannot ship to the following states: ID

Floating pellets with added color enhancers

As the warmer weather sets in, begin increasing the frequency and quantity of your feeding. The Summer Staple Food has animal protein and color enhancers that are needed during this season. The added color enhancers are made up of astaxanthin (crab shell), spirulina and krill, which all promote brilliant color development.

  • Pellet size 0.3 - 0.5 cm
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min.)Crude Fat (min.) Crude Fiber (max.)Moisture (max.)Ash (max.)Phosphorus (min.) Copper (min.)
36%6%5%8%9%1.3%7 mg/kg

Fish Meal, Whole Wheat, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Alfalfa Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Middlings, Fish Oil, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dicalcium Phosphate, Spinach, L-axcorbyl-2-polyphosphate, Spirulina, Betaine anhydrous, Salt, Choline Chloride, Chromium Oxide, Ethoxyquin (preservative), Astaxanthin (color), Dried Bacillus lichenformis fermentation product, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, Vitamin E supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin, Folic Acid, Riboflavin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Vitamin D3 supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement

This floating food must have 70-80% floating to pass inspection. This is not a bad thing because there are always fish in the pond that can't compete with the others and will benefit from the pellets that sink.

Microbe-Lift Summer Staple Fish Food - Floating

Microbe-Lift Summer Staple Fish Food - Floating

  Icons SKU Size Add
Microbe-Lift Summer Staple, 10 Ounces
$15.42 $13.11 | 39 Points
20142
10 Ounces
Microbe-Lift Summer Staple, 2 lbs.
$24.95 $21.21 | 62 Points
20143
2 lbs
20144
4 lbs. 12 Ounces
Microbe-Lift Summer Staple, 14 lbs.
$69.95 $59.46 | 175 Points
20145
14 lbs
Microbe-Lift Summer Staple, 40 lbs.
$133.99 $113.89 | 362 Points
20746
40 lbs (bag)

This product cannot ship to the following states: ID

Floating & Sinking Pellets with Added Color Enhancers

As the warmer weather sets in, begin increasing the frequency and quantity of your feeding. The Summer Staple Food has animal protein and color enhancers that are needed during this season. The added color enhancers are made up of astaxanthin (crab shell), spirulina and krill, which all promote brilliant color development.

  • When Your Bigger Fish Deserve the Very Best!
  • Contains Stabilized Vitamin C
  • Will Not Cloud Water
  • Pellet size 0.7–1.1 cm
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min.)Crude Fat (min.) Crude Fiber (max.)Moisture (max.)Ash (max.)Phosphorus (min.) Copper (min.)
36%6%5%8%9%1.3%7 mg/kg

Fish Meal, Whole Wheat, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Alfalfa Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Middlings, Fish Oil, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dicalcium Phosphate, Spinach, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, Spirulina, Betaine anhydrous, Salt, Choline Chloride, Chromium Oxide, Ethoxyquin (preservative), Astaxanthin (color), Dry Bacillus Lichenformis fermentation product, Dry Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, Vitamin E supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin, Folic Acid, Riboflavin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Vitamin D3 supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement

This floating food must have 70-80% floating to pass inspection. This is not a bad thing because there are always fish in the pond that can't compete with the others and will benefit from the pellets that sink.

Microbe-Lift Big Bites Summer Staple Fish Food - Floating

Microbe-Lift Big Bites Summer Staple Fish Food - Floating

  Icons SKU Size Add
20748
2 lbs. 12 Ounces
Microbe-Lift Big Bites Fish Food, 5 lbs.
$42.95 $36.51 | 107 Points
20750
6 lbs
20752
16 lbs. 12 Ounces
Microbe-Lift Big Bites Fish Food, 40 lbs.
$149.95 $127.46 | 375 Points
20754
40 lbs (bag)

How to choose staple koi food

Staple food is the daily maintenance diet for active koi, goldfish, and pond fish. It is the right starting point when fish are eating normally and the water is warm enough for regular feeding. From there, choose the pellet size and bag size that match your pond.

1. Start with water temperature

Use staple food when fish are active and water is generally above 60°F. In cooler water, switch to wheat germ.

2. Match the pellet size

Choose baby, small, medium, or large pellets based on the smallest fish that need to eat.

3. Pick a food style

Pellets are easy to measure and monitor. Sticks soften quickly and can be easier for mixed ponds.

4. Choose the right bag size

Larger bags are better for repeat feeding, but smaller containers help keep food fresh in small ponds.

Popular staple food lines

Use this quick comparison when you are deciding between the staple food lines on this page.

Food line Best fit Helpful notes
Hikari Staple Everyday koi and pond fish feeding A strong starting point for routine feeding when koi are active and water temperatures support regular digestion.
Hikari Economy Value feeding and larger ponds Useful when you feed often and want a practical daily food at a lower cost per feeding.
Tetra Pond Food Sticks Mixed koi, goldfish, and smaller pond fish Floating sticks soften on the surface, making them easier for many mixed-size pond fish to eat.
Hikari Staple Baby Baby koi, goldfish, and very small fish Use when normal small pellets are still too large for the smallest fish in the pond.
Microbe-Lift Immuno Food Warm-season feeding with added support A warm-weather staple option for pond owners who want more than a basic maintenance food.
Microbe-Lift Mini Pellets Small fish or ponds with mixed fish sizes A smaller pellet option when you need everyday food that more fish can comfortably eat.
Microbe-Lift Fruits & Greens Diet variety A good option when you want to add plant-based variety while still staying within a staple-style feeding routine.
Tetra Flaked Food Small pond fish and surface feeders Flake food can work well for smaller fish that need an easier surface-feeding option.

Staple food pellet size guide

When in doubt, choose the pellet size for the smallest fish that need to eat. Oversized pellets create more missed food, more waste, and more competition at feeding time.

Fish size Starting pellet size Why it matters
Baby koi or very small fish Baby or very small pellets Small fish need pellets they can swallow quickly without chasing large pieces around the pond.
Small goldfish or small koi Small pellets or softened sticks Small pellets reduce wasted food and make feeding less competitive.
Medium koi and mixed pond fish Small-to-medium pellets A middle size works well when your pond has a mix of koi and goldfish.
Large koi Medium or large pellets Larger fish can handle bigger pellets, but mixed ponds may still need a smaller size.

Daily staple food feeding checklist

Staple food is simple, but feeding habits matter. Use this checklist before choosing a size or feeding amount.

  • Feed staple food when pond fish are active and water temperatures support normal digestion.
  • Use wheat germ instead of staple food in cooler spring and fall water.
  • Feed only what fish can eat within a few minutes, then adjust based on activity.
  • Choose pellets based on the smallest fish in the pond, not the largest fish.
  • Buy a bag size you can use while the food stays fresh.
  • Store food sealed, dry, and out of direct heat to protect freshness.
  • Use larger bags for repeat feeding or bigger ponds where food turns over quickly.
  • Remove uneaten food to help protect water quality.

Not sure which staple food to choose?
Tell Webb's what fish you have, your water temperature, and the pellet size you are using now.

Ask a Pond Tech

Staple Koi Food FAQs

What is staple koi food?
Staple koi food is a daily maintenance food for active koi, goldfish, and pond fish. It is usually the main food used during normal warm-season feeding.
When should I use staple food instead of wheat germ?
Use staple food when fish are active and the water is warm enough for regular feeding. Use wheat germ in cooler water because it is easier to digest.
What pellet size should I choose?
Choose the pellet size based on the smallest fish that need to eat. Baby or small pellets are better for small fish, while medium or large pellets can work for larger koi.
Are floating pellets better than sticks?
Floating pellets make it easy to monitor how much fish are eating. Sticks soften quickly and can be helpful for smaller fish, goldfish, and mixed ponds.
How much staple food should I feed?
Feed only what the fish can eat within a few minutes. If food is left behind, reduce the amount. Feeding too much can create waste and hurt water quality.
Should I buy a small container or a large bag?
Smaller ponds usually do better with smaller containers so the food stays fresh. Larger ponds or frequent feeding schedules can justify larger bags because the food is used faster.

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