Feed outdoor pond goldfish a quality goldfish or pond food in small amounts, and adjust it to the water temperature. In warm weather feed once or twice a day, in cool weather switch to an easily digested wheat germ food, and when the water stays near 50°F (10°C) stop feeding.
What goldfish eat in a pond
Goldfish are omnivores. In a pond they pick at algae, plant matter, insects and insect larvae, tiny crustaceans and anything else small that falls in. A well-established pond with plants can supply a lot of natural food, but most pond owners still add a prepared food so the fish get a balanced diet.
Best foods for pond goldfish
- Goldfish or pond pellets and sticks. A complete food made for goldfish or koi is the best everyday choice. Floating foods let you see how much the fish eat.
- Wheat germ based food. Easier to digest in cool water, used in spring and fall.
- Fresh vegetables. Blanched peas without the shell, spinach, romaine and zucchini a few times a week.
- Protein treats. Frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms, brine shrimp or daphnia once or twice a week in warm weather.
Feeding by temperature
| Water temperature | What to do |
|---|---|
| Above about 70°F (21°C) | Normal diet, once or twice a day |
| 60 to 70°F (15 to 21°C) | Normal food, but feed a little less and watch how much they finish |
| 50 to 60°F (10 to 15°C) | Switch to wheat germ food, feed small amounts once a day or less |
| Below about 50°F (10°C) | Stop feeding. The fish are dormant and live off stored fat |
These are guidelines, so watch your fish. If they come to the surface eagerly and finish their food, they are digesting it. If food is left behind, cut back. You can read more in when to stop feeding goldfish in outdoor ponds.
How much to feed
Feed only what the fish finish in about two to three minutes. Goldfish have no true stomach and will keep eating if you let them, which fouls the water and strains the filter. Remove uneaten food with a net.
Going away
A healthy adult pond goldfish can usually be left for a few days with no feeding, and a pond with plants offers natural food. For longer trips, ask a neighbor to feed a measured portion rather than using a large amount of food at once. See feeding goldfish while on vacation.
What not to feed
- Bread, crackers and other human food
- Large amounts of high-protein food in cold weather
- Dog or cat food, which is not formulated for fish
If your fish stop eating
Check the temperature and water quality first. Our guide on why pond goldfish stop eating lists the most common causes.
Bottom line
A quality goldfish pond food, fed lightly and matched to the temperature, keeps pond goldfish healthy and the water clear. When in doubt, feed less.
This is general information. See an aquatic veterinarian if your fish seem ill.
