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 Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeM  Corn is not a very digestible food source for koi. So the tortilla is out. 
Think about what is available for consumption in a natural pond and you will start to answer your own question... insects, insect larvae, aquatic crustaceans, plant leaves, plant stems, plant roots, plant seeds, newts, salamanders, frogs (at least certain species). You'll not find pellets with such ingredients. The new EA One feed is an attempt in that direction, but using saltwater marine life rather than freshwater food sources. We 'make do' with what is commercially available and reasonably appropriate substitutes. Koi are not piscevores, but fishmeal is a substantial percentage of most better feeds. Kind of substitutes for the meaty crustaceans and obviously has the appropriate content for building fish muscle and bone. Wheat is more digestible for koi than other seed-based meals, and adds the plant-based complex of proteins and nutrients. But these basics are not a balanced diet. Just check the ingredients on such feeds as Hikari Staple... variety and still needing vitamin supplements to form a basic diet. |
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Huh..
This reinforces what carolina girl said, Variety is key.
I give my koi sometimes oranges, cantalope, lettuce, and much of the time, earthworms. Earlier in this thread someone said earthworms are close to being a balanced diet for koi, but are not. I guess im doing an ok job.