Evaluation & Review of Evolution Aqua Koi Foods (Nutrition Breakdown)

As you might expect, koi require a balanced diet in order to live the longest, healthiest lives possible. The primary things to focus on are protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals, though of course things like ash and fiber are important as well.

As adults, koi do best with around 30% protein, while fry need closer to 40 to 45% protein. Both adults and fry need approximately 5 to 15% lipids; 10 to 30% carbohydrates (there is some disagreement on this front, but lower is, in most cases, better to prevent liver damage); and an adequate amount of cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc.

Magnesium and iron can simply be obtained from the water, but other essential vitamins and minerals must be acquired from food.

Who Are Evolution Aqua?

Evolution Aqua got its start in the U.K. 17 years ago as a water filtration company that focused on the aquatic needs of koi. Their award-winning manufacturing includes things like filters, dechlorinators, ultra violet clarifiers & sterilizers, and live beneficial bacteria.

In the nearly two decades since its birth, Evolution Aqua has itself evolved to include an array of koi foods to suit a variety of functions and needs. These include a comprehensive growth formula, a wheat germ formula designed with winter in mind, and a well-rounded premier formula designed to enhance growth, color, and energy. Other products include treats like shrimp, mealworms, and floating food sticks.

1) Evolution Aqua Growth Plus Review

The Growth Plus formula is, of course, designed with maximum healthy growth in mind. At 46% protein, it’s ideal for juvenile koi in the prime of their growth period. There is only one size available – medium 5 to 6 mm pellets – so while they’re suitable for most koi, you may have to cut or break them for smaller koi.

The food is composed of 47% fish meal, which is what makes up the high protein content. The 11.3% fat content comes primarily from salmon oil, which adds omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that aid in healthy scale growth and slime coating. After fish meal, the second and third most abundant ingredients in this food are wheat and wheat germ, which contribute further protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. Fish meal being the primary ingredient is what helps this food to be high quality, as the company doesn’t cut corners by using non-aquatic proteins like corn meal.

Additionally, this feed contains brewer’s yeast, a very beneficial prebiotic that boosts the immune system of fish, as well as a mix of prebiotics known as Bio-Mos. Similar to probiotics, prebiotics administered to fish boost beneficial bacteria in the gut, which act as immune-stimulants that increase immune system response and the ability to fight off pathogens, harmful bacteria, diseases, and parasites.

Vitamins and minerals included in this feed are vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin C, manganese, iron, zinc, and copper. Each of these holds a different, but equally vital, function in fish. Vitamin A aids in proper kidney and eye function. Vitamin D promotes healthy bone development and maintenance. Proper immune system functioning as well as efficient organ and muscle operation are stimulated by vitamin C. Manganese helps the body uptake other nutrients and promotes energy. Lastly, copper makes up many types of enzymes and glycoproteins, therefore making it essential for the nervous system as well as the body’s ability to create and utilize hemoglobin.

Furthermore, this feed contains seaweed, a natural color enhancer. The exact color enhancing properties depends somewhat on the species of seaweed, but most seaweeds contain xanthophyll. Xanthophyll primarily brings out yellows, reds, and oranges, making koi that already have these pigments extra vivid.

All in all, this is a well-rounded feed with a strong nutritional profile composed of high fish meal protein that should help maximize the growth of your fish.

• Type: Medium pellets (floating)
• Season: Spring/summer feed (above 18° C)
• Protein: 46% (1^st fish meal, 2nd wheat germ)
• Fat: 11.3%
• Ash: 10.8%
• Vitamins: A, C, D, E
• Immune Booster: Yes – Brewer’s yeast, garlic, & Bio-Mos blend
• Color Enhancer: Yes – seaweed (natural)

2) Evolution Aqua Wheat Germ Review

Evolution Aqua’s wheat germ food is designed to be a year-round feed, but is particularly useful during the winter months. Wheat germ is especially valuable in its ability to help fish build and maintain healthy fat stores, something that is essential during the cold winter months when their appetites will naturally decrease and feeding frequency will have to be greatly reduced. Furthermore, wheat germ is easily digestible, and will pass through the fish’s more sluggish winter body with ease, while other foods are more likely to become bound up in the fish over the winter and cause discomfort and illness.

As this is mostly meant as a winter feed, protein levels are on the lower end at 28%, adding to its superior digestibility compared to protein-rich foods. This protein comes primarily from soybeans, and secondarily from bone meal. Fat levels sit at 8%, provided via salmon oil, which, like all Evolution Aqua feeds, contain beneficial omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This is of particular benefit in this feed, as feeds composed of plant-based proteins tend to be deficient in many of the fatty and amino acids needed by fish.

Vitamins and minerals included in this food are vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin C, vitamin E, as well as trace amounts of selenium, zinc, manganese, iron, and copper. In addition to the benefits these provide outlined in the previous food, vitamin E promotes healthy coloration, as well as proper kidney and liver function. The Bio-Mos prebiotic blend is also included, promoting overall immune health.

The wheat germ formula is available in small (3 to 4 mm) and medium (5 to 6 mm) pellets, making it suitable for both koi and goldfish if needed.

All in all, this food contains a balance of nutritious, yet readily digestible ingredients for a quality winter feed.

• Type: Small and medium pellets (floating)
• Season: Winter feed, but can be used all season
• Protein: 28% (1^st soybeans, 2^nd wheat germ)
• Fat: 8%
• Ash: 10%
• Vitamins: A, B, C, D, E
• Immune Booster: Yes – Bio-Mos blend
• Color Enhancer: No

3) Evolution Aqua Premier Review

As Evolution Aqua’s most expensive (but not by much) food, the Premier formula is also the most comprehensive. It’s designed to maximize growth and shape, enhance color, and reduce waste by being highly digestible. Available in small (3 to 4 mm) and medium (5 to 6 mm) pellets, it’s suitable for young and adult koi, as well as potentially goldfish.

With a mid-range protein level of 37%, this feed can be utilized year-round, but as always reduce feeding frequency and volume during the winter. Protein is obtained primarily from soybeans and fish meal, with corn and white rice being the third and fourth ingredients. A fat content of 7% bolstered by omegas 3 & 6 from salmon oil is well within the healthy range for koi, and adds to its digestibility.

Vitamins A, C, D3, and E can be found in this food, as well as the trace minerals iron, zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, and selenium. For a healthy dose of prebiotics, Bio-Mos is also added to these pellets. Spirulina is included as well, as it contains astaxanthin, a compound that helps boost red, orange, and pink coloration.

Overall, Premier’s mid-protein immune boosting, color enhancing formula is well-balanced as an all-season feed.

• Type: Small and medium pellets (floating)
• Season: All-season
• Protein: 37% (1^st soybeans, 2^nd fish meal)
• Fat: 7%
• Ash: 7.5%
• Vitamins: A, B, C, D, E
• Immune Booster: Yes – Bio-Mos blend
• Color Enhancer: Yes – spirulina (natural)