A new automatic fish feeder launched by JPD (Japan Pet Design Co., Ltd.)

Efficient feeding for everyone, from professionals to amateurs.

Fukushin Electric Co., Ltd., known for its automatic feeder “Feeding Master,” has teamed up with Japan Pet Design Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of feed and fish medicines, to create a new automatic feeder. The new “Feeder Pro” maintains the reliable performance of the long-standing “Feeding Master” while featuring improved components and enhanced customizability. Designed with ease of use in mind, it caters not only to professionals but also to hobbyists. Additionally, the company has established an in-house system for repairs and maintenance, offering a convenient one-stop service.
We spoke with Ryuichi Yoshida, President of Japan Pet Design Co., Ltd., a dedicated Nishikigoi hobbyist active at koi shows, about developing their original automatic feeder.

—This spring, Japan Pet Design Co., Ltd. (from here on referred to as JPD) began selling its original automatic feeder. We’ve heard a great response from your exhibition booth during the Koi show. As a company primarily known for fish feed and medications, what led JPD to venture into developing and offering a feeder?

Ryuichi: As a feed manufacturer selling Nishikigoi feed for many years, we recognise the importance of feed. However, we also began to focus on the significance of the feeding method. Through research conducted in collaboration with a university, we understood that feeding frequency is crucial in promoting efficient growth. In the past, it was commonly recommended—and we also advised—feeding 3% of the fish’s body weight divided into two meals daily. However, more recently, the standard has shifted, and it’s now said that feeding should be done at least six times a day. Even in our in-house test results, we found that feeding 1 kg of food daily in a concrete pond, divided into 2, 6, or 12 feedings, the group fed 12 times a day showed better feed efficiency.

—Since koi don’t have a stomach, feeding them small amounts at a time is less stressful on their bodies and allows for more efficient digestion and absorption.

Ryuichi: Exactly. It’s easy to say, but the real question is, “Who’s going to feed them 12 times a day?” That’s where feeders come in. And it’s not just for breeders or distributers, we believe hobbyists should also consider this approach.
In the past, among breeders and distributers it was said that using feeders was essential to win top prizes at the All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show. Today, that awareness has gradually spread to hobbyists as well.

—By using a feeder, hobbyists can incorporate aspects of professional-level koi keeping into their routines.

Ryuichi: Our growth feed “Shori,” which we sell, contains 47% protein. However, when you try to feed high-protein food all at once, the koi’s appetite can decrease, and especially during very hot periods, they may stop eating altogether. Instead of switching to low-protein feed, allowing koi to consume a sufficient amount of moderately high-protein feed is better. This approach promotes better health and growth. This feeding strategy has become a recent trend, so using a feeder is essential.