DIY Feed Development Journal

I see a lot of DIY fish food recipes around, but I’m interested in the science behind it. I’m no scientist, just a hobbyist trying to make food for my fishies. I will edit/add to this post continuously as I find more information. The goal is to develop recipes for herbivore, omnivore, and carnivore fishes. Maybe we’ll make a shrimp recipe too. Feel free to chime in!

Sept. 30, 2020
Currently reading through United Nations Aquaculture Development Manual

Components of feed
- Moisture
- Lipids/Fats
- Proteins + Amino Acids
- Carbohydrates
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Other (preservatives, binders, etc)

Moisture: The moisture level (amount of water present) determines the preservation method as well as possible ingredients. Dry foods such as pellets or flakes will require different binders than wet gel-based foods.
- Binders are substances that hold they food togther add stability, preventing it from breaking apart in water. In dry food, the binder is usually various vegetable starches and/or gums. In wet foods, gelation or agar is used.

Lipids/Fats: This category includes fats, lipids, oils, and waxes from both animal and plant sources. Terms are interchangeable for simplicity. Recipes must contain at least some oils. Fats are the most concentrated source of engery and is very easily digested by fish. The best source of fats for freshwater fish is marine-based. Supplental lipids are usually not needed, as most animal-based ingredients contain some form of fat already.

Proteins/Amino Acids: A protein heavy diet is nesesscary for fish to grow and reproduce. However, it is crucial that the diet also contains an adequate amount of amino acids. If there is not enough, proteins will be broken down into amino acids to supplement.

Carbohydrates: Inculdes starches, sugars, cellulose and gums. Basically plant matter. Some fish are better at digesting this material than others. Carnivorous fish are nearly unable to use carbohydrates, but most fishes can convert simple sugars into energy relatively efficiently. Herbivorous fish and some bottomfeeders can use complex carbohydrates.

Minerals: If using fresh, whole ingredients, mineral deficiency is not a concern. The two main sources of minerals are animal products and microbial organsism such as algae and zooplankton.

Vitamins:


Source: Characteristics of the Major Vitamins Important to Fish and Shrimp

 

This could be really interesting if you are considering doing this for fresh water. Have you ever heard of "LRS Reef Frenzy" foods? I met the guy (Larry) who owns it way back when he was a regular guy, working a regular job as a police officer in Greensboro, NC and doing his little reef maintenance business (Larry's Reef Service...LRS) on the side. He's now running this business feeding national public aquariums and international saltwater fish operations, where his formulas have gotten previously un-farmable fish to breed in captivity. It's a pretty amazing story. I'd love to see someone do the same for freshwater.

 

This could be really interesting if you are considering doing this for fresh water. Have you ever heard of "LRS Reef Frenzy" foods? I met the guy (Larry) who owns it way back when he was a regular guy, working a regular job as a police officer in Greensboro, NC and doing his little reef maintenance business (Larry's Reef Service...LRS) on the side. He's now running this business feeding national public aquariums and international saltwater fish operations, where his formulas have gotten previously un-farmable fish to breed in captivity. It's a pretty amazing story. I'd love to see someone do the same for freshwater.

Oh yes, I am doing this exclusively focused towards freshwater fish. I’ll make sure to look into the LRS story, it sounds incredible! I was originally inspired when watching one of Aquarium Co-OP’s livestreams where he talked about a hobbyist that developed a shrimp food that got previously undreedable shrimp to breed like crazy. This could be a really fun project.

 

I'd like to follow this thread. This is a very interesting idea--I'd love to see it get up and going! Thanks for sharing your process.

 

Possible Ingredients
*I will edit/add to this post as I gather more information.

 

Ingredients palatability test 1: pollock filet, tilapia file, shrimp (peeled), dried krill, carrots (boiled), dandelion greens (blanched), dried BSF larvae, paprika, garlic powder, unflavored gelatin

Ahem ignore kitty in background noise

Notes:
- Corys are little pigs lol
- heavy meat based food seems to induce vigorous feeding
- more binder needed. Very messy but did not cloud the water.
- they seem to hate zucchini
- dandelion greens were hard to blend. In future, omit or boil longer.
- shrimp is a pain to work with. When blending it turns into strands that are not suitable for small mouthed fishes. Good for large predators.

 

they sure seem happy! I like that big one just chilling and staring into the camera haha. cool project for sure, definitely following

 

Possible Ingredients
*I will edit/add to this post as I gather more information.

Animal proteins:
- Cod
- Pollock
- Tilapia
- Shrimp
- Krill
- Sardines
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Mealworms
- Earthworms

Plant matter:
- Carrot
- Spinach
- Dandelion greens

Supplements
- Spirulina and chlorella
- Paprika powder
- Garlic powder