Kenzen goes a step further to support our very carefully bred modern koi. Also present in the food are several additional amino acids to facilitate growth and digestive enzyme production. A source of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) is included, to help maintain digestive activity as temperatures decrease. This is the same ingredient contained in algae, another wild carp staple, assisting in digestion and protein metabolism in cooler temperatures.
Kenzen does all this while maintaining 49% protein, without relying upon plant products to provide protein for the guaranteed analysis number. Plant protein looks good on paper, but koi do not have the enzymes to fully digest it. The protein sources in Kenzen koi food are easily digestible by koi, unlike those based on wheat or soy. Koi, who have no stomachs, cannot produce the enzymes required for efficient digestion of plant proteins.
Because of the high digestibility of the protein in Kenzen, less feed is required for the same results seen with other food supplies. At the same time, less waste is produced to foul water and filters, and more of the food is turned into koi, instead of wastes. This offers a tidal change in the cleanliness of a pond and supports excellent water quality, which is what we’re all after, anyway.
That's a general introduction, in the following short articles I'll talk about the individual ingredients in Kenzen Koi Food, and the reasons that they have been selected as ingredients.