Koi are not just beautiful fish; they are living works of art that can thrive for decades with the proper care. An essential part of koi care is providing a diet tailored to their needs that offers higher digestibility as the seasons change. Hikari®, a trusted name in science-based aquatic nutrition, offers a comprehensive range options for koi designed to promote vibrant color, growth, and immune system support year-round. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Hikari® diets for koi to keep them looking and feeling their best throughout the year. All while helping to keep your pond also looking its best.

Late Spring, Summer & Early Fall: Growth and Color Enhancement

As the water temperatures consistently stay above 68°F during late spring, summer and early fall, koi are more active, and their metabolism increases with the temperature. This is the perfect time to focus on your koi’s growth and color. ®Hikari’s higher-protein formulas are ideal for this season, helping your koi reach their full potential.

• Hikari Saki® Growth: A scientifically formulated nutrient mix designed to promote rapid growth without compromising body shape. It contains our proprietary probiotic and easily digestible ingredients that help koi build desirable fat-deposit free form.
• Hikari Saki® Color : For koi enthusiasts looking to enhance the natural vibrancy of their fish. This diet contains a potent blend of usable color-enhancing ingredients, including pure-cultured spirulina and our “Hikari® Germ™. It’s perfect for bringing out the colors you bought your fish to enjoy.

Late Fall: Preparing for Winter

As fall approaches and the water temperature begins to drop, it’s important to adjust your koi’s diet to help them build up reserves for the colder months. Koi naturally see their metabolism slow as temperatures drop below 68°F, so a more digestible food is needed.

• Hikari® Wheat-Germ : This easily digestible nutrient mix is perfect for feeding koi during the fall and early spring when water temperatures are cooler or experience wide temperature swings. We use only the inner most portion of the wheat-germ kernel which offers higher digestibility and vitamin E making the diet gentle on your koi’s digestive system, ensuring they can digest it as their metabolism decreases.
• Saki-Hikari® Multi-Season™: A probiotic enhanced option for koi owners who are using a Saki-Hikari® diet and want to maintain their koi’s digestive flora as the seasons transition. It offers a scientifically formulated nutrient profile that supports form and color developed during the warmer seasons.

Winter: Maintaining Health During Dormancy

During winter, koi enter a state of dormancy as their metabolism slows significantly. Feeding koi in very cold water (below 50°F) is not recommended, but for those in regions where the water remains above this temperature, offering small amounts of easy-to-digest food during the warmest part of the day to enjoy their beauty is possible.

• Hikari® Wheat-Germ: This formula continues to be the best option for winter feeding in regions with mild winters. Its scientifically formulated nutrient mix and high digestibility make it ideal for this period when koi and their digestion are less active.

Year-Round Maintenance: Keeping Your Koi in Top Shape

For koi owners in climates with mild temperature changes where ponds stay above 65°F, or those who prefer a more cost effective feeding option, Hikari® offers diets that are suitable for year-round feeding.

• Hikari® Staple: A general-purpose koi diet packed with essential vitamins and nutrients to support immune system health while helping to maintain proper growth rates. It’s a cost-effective solution that does not compromise quality.
• Hikari® Saki Balance: This can also be fed year-round, offering consistent immune system support to your koi.

To be sure you’re feeding your koi the right food for each season is crucial to monitor your pond water temperature daily. With ®Hikari’s diverse range of science-based koi options, you can ensure that your koi receive the nutrition they need, whether it’s for rapid growth, vibrant color, or maintaining good health during cooler months. By adjusting their diet as the seasons and temperatures change, you’ll help your koi thrive year-round and enjoy their beauty for many years to come.

For more information on Hikari’s koi product line, visit Hikari USA Koi Foods.