20 Unusual but Healthy Treats for Koi

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From sweet fruits like watermelon and papaya to protein-rich snacks like silkworms and shrimp, koi have a surprisingly diverse palate. These foods not only provide essential vitamins and minerals but can also serve as enriching additions to their daily diet. By incorporating these 20 unique treats, you can ensure your koi are getting a well-rounded, nutritious diet while also enjoying some exciting new flavors.


1) Watermelon

Watermelon slices
Marco Verch / CC BY 2.0

Koi enjoy the sweet flesh of watermelon as an occasional treat. Remove the seeds and cut the fruit into small, bite-sized pieces.


2) Leafy greens

Lettuce
liz west / CC BY 2.0

Koi can be fed various leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce. Wash and chop the greens into small pieces for easy consumption.


3) Citrus fruits

Oranges
Cab02 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Koi can eat small amounts of citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit. Remove the seeds and cut the fruit into small segments.


4) Garlic

Minced garlic
Marco Verch / CC BY 2.0

Garlic can be a healthy addition to a koi’s diet in moderation. Crush or mince the garlic and mix it with their regular food.


5) Cheerios

Cheerios
ajay_suresh / CC BY 2.0

Plain Cheerios can be an occasional treat for koi. Avoid flavored varieties and limit the amount given.


6) Mealworms

Mealworms
MarioM, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mealworms provide protein and can be part of a koi’s natural diet. Offer them live or dried as a treat.


7) Silkworms and silkworm pupae

Silkworms
Kari / CC BY 2.0

Both silkworms and their pupae can be nutritious for koi. They are high in protein and can be offered live or dried.


8) Shrimp

Dried shrimp
ProjectManhattan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Live or dried shrimp are a healthy protein source for koi. Offer them in moderation as a treat.


9) Earthworms

Earthworms
Ines Zgonc, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Earthworms are another natural food koi may eat in the wild. They can be offered live or chopped up as a protein-rich treat.


10) Tadpoles

Tadpoles in water
Trish Hartmann / CC BY 2.0

Koi may occasionally eat tadpoles in their pond habitat. However, it’s best not to actively feed them tadpoles to avoid depleting frog populations.


11) Crickets

Green cricket
Riccardo Zampieri, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Crickets can be a good source of protein for koi. Offer them live or dried as an occasional treat.


12) Zucchini

Grating zucchini
Marco Verch / CC BY 2.0

Grated or finely chopped zucchini can be a healthy vegetable for koi. It provides vitamins and minerals to their diet.


13) Peas

Plate of peas
Kari Söderholm / CC BY 2.0

Shelled and cooked peas can be a nutritious treat for koi. Frozen peas can be thawed and offered as a treat.


14) Brown rice

Cooked brown rice
Amy Stephenson / CC BY-SA 2.0

Cooked brown rice can be a healthy carbohydrate source for koi. Offer it in small amounts as an occasional treat.


15) Carrots

Grated carrot
Marco Verch / CC BY 2.0

Grated or finely chopped carrots can provide vitamins and minerals for koi. They can be offered raw or blanched.


16) Papaya

Papaya chunks

Small pieces of papaya can be an occasional fruity treat for koi. Remove the seeds and cut the fruit into small chunks.


17) Honeydew melon

Honeydew melon
Church of emacs, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Like watermelon, honeydew can be a refreshing and sweet treat for koi. Cut the melon into small, bite-sized pieces.


18) Nori (dried seaweed)

Nori flakes

Koi can benefit from the nutrients found in small pieces of nori. Crumble the nori into small flakes before offering it to the fish.


19) Berries

Raspberries
liz west / CC BY 2.0

Koi can enjoy small amounts of berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Cut larger berries into smaller pieces.


20) Sweet potatoes

Mashed sweet potato
Rosmarie Voegtli / CC BY 2.0

Cooked and mashed sweet potatoes can be a healthy carbohydrate source for koi. Offer it in small amounts as an occasional treat.

Chris G
About the author

Chris G

Pond consultant and long-time hobbyist who enjoys writing in his spare time and sharing knowledge with other passionate pond owners. Experienced with pond installation, fish stocking, water quality testing, algae control and the troubleshooting of day-to-day pond related problems.

Read more about Pond Informer.

1 thought on “20 Unusual but Healthy Treats for Koi”

  1. I own three starlet sturgeon and two common goldfish. I would be interested in any articles you have if that’s possible.like all pond owners l get string algae so water quality is important to me also.l have twenty floating baskets full of water plants and one lily.lve been busy getting rid of soil with my plants to grow in gravel and so far seems to be working.lve just joined you today.

    Reply

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