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Pond fish are cold-blooded, so their metabolism follows the water temperature. In warm water they eat and digest quickly. In cold water digestion almost stops, and uneaten or undigested food can harm fish and water quality. That's why feeding by water temperature, not the calendar, is the safest approach.
Measure the water, not the air
Air temperature changes quickly, but pond water changes slowly. Use a pond thermometer and take the reading at about 30cm deep, in the morning.
Pond feeding temperature guide
| Water temperature | How often | What to feed |
|---|---|---|
| Below 5°C | Stop feeding | Nothing. Fish are inactive. |
| 5–8°C | Once or twice a week, only if fish are active | Small amounts of wheatgerm food |
| 8–12°C | Once a day or every other day | Wheatgerm sticks or pellets |
| 12–16°C | Once or twice a day | A mix of wheatgerm and staple food |
| 16–25°C | Two to four small feeds a day | Staple, growth and colour foods |
| Above 25°C | Reduce feeding | Light feeds of staple food; oxygen drops in warm water |
Autumn: winding down
As water cools below about 12°C, switch to an easily digested wheatgerm food. These are lower in protein and easier for fish to digest in cool water. Look in our pond sticks and pond pellets ranges. Once the water stays below 5°C, stop feeding completely. Healthy fish rest near the bottom and live on their reserves until spring.
It's also time to remove leaves, cut back plants and prepare equipment. Read How to Prepare Your Pond for Winter.
Winter warm spells
Fish may become active during a mild spell. Resist the urge to feed unless the water stays above 8°C for several days. A cold snap straight after feeding leaves food undigested in the gut.
Spring: starting again
When the water reaches 8–10°C and stays there, start with small amounts of wheatgerm food every few days. Increase gradually as the water warms. Spring is also when fish are most vulnerable to disease, as parasites become active before fish immune systems recover. See Common Pond Fish Diseases.
Summer: peak feeding
In warm water, fish eat several small meals a day. Use a quality staple, plus growth or colour foods for koi. Browse all pond foods. In very hot weather, oxygen levels drop, so feed less and add aeration.
How much to feed
Whatever the season, only feed what your fish eat in about five minutes, and net out leftovers. Overfeeding is a leading cause of green water and poor water quality.
For more on choosing food, read The Complete Guide to Pond Fish Food.
