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Feeding your fish is one of the most enjoyable times you will spend with your pond. It provides the oportunity to bond with, tame and train your fish. Always place it in the same place each time you feed you fish. This way the fish learn that when you are in this spot, it means they will be fed. Soon you can train them to eat out of your hand.
Our pond fish require different types of foods for different seasons. During late spring and summer you should use a staple that contains higher amounts of protein. Protein is used by the body for bone and tissue growth. Fish, as in humans, do not store protein in the body. It is used for growth, however a small amount may be converted to carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are burned as engery for swimming. It is stored in the body as fat so it is essential that a lower protein content be used during cooler temperatures. Your fish won't have the benefit feeding on a regular basis during the winter. Therefore a wheatgerm based diet should be used so the fish can store carbs and fat for the winter. Fish will eat both animal and vegetable matter which makes them omnivorous. They do not have stomachs so they can't eat large amounts at one time. This is the reason your fish spend a great deal of time foraging around. Fish will actually eat just about anything that is small enough for them to swallow whole.
The hand-feeding process can be pleasurable for both you and your fish or goldfish. Instead of throwing the fish pellets into the pond, take the time to place them into the water at the same area daily. In so doing, the fish will become accustomed to the routine and will, over time, become friendly and trusting enough to be hand-fed. Pond fish have even been known to recognize there owners' footsteps and follow them around the waters edge.
Taming and training your pond fish is a gradual process, but it can be very rewarding. Spending this time with your fish will also allow you to observe any problems early on.
Your fish should be fed one tenth of their body weight per day. A 12 inch fish weighs approximately one pound. If you have ten, 12 inch fish in your system you should be feeding a total of one pound per day. Make sure that your filter can handle the processing of that amount by checking your water quality regularly.
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Water Temp. (°F.)
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Feeding Frequency
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Food Type
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Less than 50ºF.
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Do not feed.
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Temperatures at 50° F. of more than one month may require supplemental feedings of low protein and high carbohydrates.
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50-55ºF
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2-3 times a week if hungry.
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High carbohydrate, low protein, laxative type foods. Wheat germ, Cheerios®, squash, lettuce and brown bread.
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55-59ºF
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4-5 times per week if hungry.
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Add low protein (25%) pellets along with vegetables. Increase quantities gradually as temperature increases.
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59ºF
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Once per day six days per week.
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Low protein (25%) pellets along with high carbohydrate vegetables and fruit.
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60-65ºF
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Once per day every day.
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Gradually increase protein in pellets (35%) and quantity of pellets. Vary diet with vegetables and fruit.
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65-72ºF
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Once or twice per day.
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Bulk of diet should be 35% protein pellets. Add fruits, vegetables, and plankton for variety.
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72-80ºF
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3 to 4 times per day.
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High protein pellets (35% to 40%) with color enhancers. Add plankton, vegetables, fruits, and shrimp.
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