Smart Feeding: Mike Savage New Canaan’s Koi Tips

Koi fish are more than just beautiful additions to your pond — they are living art that thrives with proper care. Among the most important aspects of koi health is feeding. While it may seem as simple as tossing pellets into the water, koi feeding involves timing, temperature awareness, dietary variety, and observation. As seasoned koi enthusiast Mike Savage New Canaan often shares in his blogs, proper feeding is the difference between average pond fish and vibrant, thriving koi.

Whether you're a beginner or a dedicated hobbyist, these koi fish feeding tips will help you nurture healthy, energetic fish that live long, colorful lives.

1. Feed According to Water Temperature

Koi are cold-blooded, which means their metabolism is directly tied to the temperature of the water. One of the most important rules in feeding is to adjust the quantity and type of food based on temperature:

• Below 50°F (10°C): Stop feeding completely. Koi enter a state of dormancy and cannot digest food properly.

• 50–60°F (10–15.5°C): Feed very sparingly with wheat germ-based food, which is easier to digest.

• 60–75°F (15.5–24°C): Prime feeding temperature. Offer high-protein food for growth and energy.

• Above 75°F (24°C): Maintain normal feeding, but reduce quantity slightly to avoid water pollution due to overfeeding.

Mike Savage New Canaan notes: “Never feed your koi just because you feel like it — feed based on what the pond and season are telling you. They won’t always need food, and forcing it can cause more harm than good.”

2. Stick to a Feeding Schedule

Koi thrive on routine. Feeding them at the same times each day helps regulate digestion and reduces stress. Ideally, feed koi twice a day — once in the morning and once in the late afternoon — especially during warm seasons. Avoid feeding during the hottest part of the day, as oxygen levels in the water may be lower.

Koi will begin to associate your presence with food, making feeding time a bonding moment and allowing you to observe them up close for signs of illness or injury.

3. Don’t Overfeed

Overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes koi owners make. Not only does it lead to bloated fish and obesity, but uneaten food also breaks down and pollutes the pond, leading to poor water quality, algae growth, and diseases.

A good rule of thumb is to feed your koi what they can consume in 3–5 minutes. Watch them closely — if food is left floating afterward, you’re offering too much.

4. Choose the Right Food

Koi benefit from a varied and balanced diet. Pellets are the staple, but the type of pellet matters. High-quality koi food will include:

• Protein for growth (especially in young koi)

• Carotenoids for enhancing color

• Wheat germ for easy digestion during cooler months

• Spirulina and vitamins for immune support

Beyond pellets, you can occasionally feed your koi:

• Lettuce, watermelon, and citrus fruits

• Peas (shelled), rice, or pasta (in small quantities)

• Live or frozen treats like bloodworms or brine shrimp

As Mike Savage New Canaan says, “Think of koi like athletes — you want to fuel them with the best to bring out their full beauty and performance.”

5. Watch and Learn from Feeding Time

Feeding time is also observation time. Healthy koi will come to the surface enthusiastically, with strong, smooth movements. Any reluctance, erratic swimming, or floating food might signal a problem — water quality, illness, or stress.

Mike recommends keeping a log of feeding behavior and appetite, especially in larger ponds with many fish. Over time, you’ll develop a feel for their patterns and be better equipped to catch health issues early.

6. Seasonal Adjustments Are Key

Spring and fall require careful transition. In spring, slowly reintroduce feeding as temperatures rise. Begin with wheat germ food and increase frequency as the water warms. In fall, gradually reduce feeding and switch back to low-protein options to help prepare koi for winter dormancy.

If you're planning to breed koi, nutrition during spring and early summer is especially important. Protein-rich diets will help females produce healthy eggs and give males the energy to remain active.

7. Maintain Clean Feeding Areas

If you feed your koi in a specific pond zone, make sure the area remains clean. Remove uneaten food within 10 minutes, and don’t feed during rainy or windy conditions that can spoil the pellets or affect the fish’s ability to feed calmly.

Dirty water leads to ammonia buildup, which not only affects feeding habits but also overall koi health.

8. Enjoy the Bonding Process

Feeding koi is about more than nutrition — it's a chance to connect with your fish. Over time, koi will recognize their owner and may even eat from your hand. These gentle interactions are part of what makes koi keeping so fulfilling.

Mike Savage New Canaan reflects: “Feeding time is sacred. It’s when you really get to know your koi — their personalities, their pecking order, their health. It’s not just maintenance; it’s part of the joy.”

Feeding koi is both science and art. When done right, it becomes a ritual that strengthens the bond between you and your pond. By understanding seasonal changes, offering high-quality food, and respecting your koi's natural rhythm, you create a healthier, happier environment.

Whether you’re keeping koi for beauty, breeding, or companionship, proper feeding habits form the foundation of your success.

About Mike Savage

Mike Savage, based in New Canaan, is a devoted koi fish lover who has spent years studying their behavior, care, and symbolism. While he’s also well-known for his passion for Air Jordans, Mike has authored numerous blogs on koi health, breeding, and pond management — helping fellow hobbyists make informed, joyful decisions about their aquatic companions.