Koi keepers spend a surprising amount of attention on colour, and Pettex build that into the food itself rather than leaving it to genetics alone — spirulina in the mix is there specifically as a natural colour enhancer, not just a novelty ingredient.

The base is rice, yeast and wheatfeed, chosen for digestibility, with added omega 3 and 6 and prebiotics on top of the spirulina. It comes out at 30% protein, 4% fat, 2% fibre and 6% ash — a higher protein figure than a basic pond stick — and is designed for koi specifically, though Pettex say it suits pond fish generally.

• Protein 30%, fat 4%, fibre 2%, ash 6%
• Base of rice, yeast and wheatfeed for digestibility
• Spirulina included as a natural colour enhancer
• Added omega 3 and 6, plus prebiotics
• Designed for koi, suitable for pond fish generally
• 5kg bag

What the label does not say. Pettex have not told us whether these sticks float or sink, and there's no feeding amount or frequency on the card — overfeeding a pond is an easy way to cloud the water, so it's worth checking the pack itself or your own experience before working out a quantity.

Who it's for: koi keepers who want a higher-protein staple with a genuine colour-enhancing ingredient, and pond owners feeding a mixed stock of fish.