There are quite a few different types of pond food available, each with varying quantities of ingredients. It can seem confusing when choosing which food should be fed to a specific type of fish at a certain time of year.

Fish need food for energy, growth and general health. The different ingredients in the food are all used by the fish for different processes;

• Protein – Proteins are complex chemicals made up of amino acids and are the building blocks for muscles and organs.Food with a higher protein content will promote a greater rate of growth, but high protein foods should only be fed during the summer when the fish have a higher metabolic rate and can readily digest the protein.

• Oil – Fats and oils are used by the fish for energy, the food is broken down using oxygen. The proteins and oils in a good food should be sourced from other fish, these types of proteins and fats are most readily digested and will contain the required mix of vitamins.

• Fibre – Fibre is the indigestible portion of the food. Fibre is required in the diet to reduce the chances of intestinal problems and to aid digestion.

• Ash – The ash is what remains when a sample of food is completely burned at very high temperatures. The materials left as ash represent the mineral content of the food.

• Minerals – Minerals are involved in almost all metabolic processes in the body. Minerals are also used in the formation of bones, teeth, blood, etc.

• Vitamins – Vitamins are chemicals. There are a wide range of vitamins in foods, each of which is used for a variety of specific functions within the body.

• Moisture – the moisture in fish foods is maintained as low as possible to prevent spoilage, but water content in food helps speedy digestion. Manufacturers produce dry food which quickly absorbs water to aid digestion.