Spirulina

Spirulina in fish diets: compare goldfish live-feed enrichment with koi pigment research, and understand why ingredient presence is not proof of product performance.

Ingredient Directory›Spirulina

Ingredient & nutrient profile

Spirulina

A nutrient and pigment source whose effects depend on how it is fed and what accompanies it.

Microbial IngredientFishGoldfishKoi
SP
SpirulinaNutritional role • Research • Practical context
SpeciesGoldfish and koi evidence
ScopeIngredient and nutrient context
AssessmentInitial evidence summary
Sources checked23 September 2026
Nutritional role

What it contributes

Spirulina is a biomass ingredient used in fish feeding, including to enrich live Artemia. The linked goldfish study assessed that enrichment route. It did not directly test a retail spirulina flake or pellet.

Species and formulation

Read it in context

The linked evidence covers goldfish and koi in freshwater laboratory tanks. The goldfish study tested enrichment through live Artemia; the koi study tested spirulina in formulated experimental diets. These are different feeding strategies.

Research

What the evidence shows

In Elshafey et al. (2023), 225 young goldfish received one of five feeding treatments for 90 days. Combined spirulina/canthaxanthin enrichment produced the highest final weight and favourable colour measures. Spirulina-only enrichment did not significantly improve final weight over the commercial-food control in Table 6. The combined result cannot be credited to spirulina alone. A separate eight-week koi experiment reported better growth and redness with a spirulina diet, but used only two tanks per treatment. Neither experiment tested the retail foods linked here.

Limits and safety

Before changing the diet

Colour intensity and blood markers do not prove overall health or protection from disease. The study does not establish a household supplement dose, lifelong adequacy or benefits for every fish species. Do not assume that adding powder to an existing food reproduces controlled live-feed enrichment.

Food labels

Questions worth asking

Ask whether a claim concerns spirulina itself, an enriched live feed or a finished food containing several pigment sources. Look for named ingredients, intended species and evidence for the actual formulation. Ingredient presence alone does not establish an effective amount or a health benefit.

Connected evidence

Explore the studies

The linked study identifies the fish species, feeding method and limits of the evidence.

Koi · 2014 · Controlled feeding trialSpirulina and pigment sources in koi: an eight-week feeding studyColour and growth findings, with only two tanks per diet.Goldfish · 2023 · Controlled feeding trialEnriched Artemia for goldfish: growth and colour in a 90-day trialRead the study summary, methods and limitations.
Sources

References and review scope

  1. Elshafey AE, Khalafalla MM, Abou Zaid AA, Mohamed RA, Abdel-Rahim MM. Source diversity of Artemia enrichment boosts goldfish (Carassius auratus) performance, β-carotene content, pigmentation, immune-physiological and transcriptomic responses. Scientific Reports. 2023;13:21801. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-48621-4.
  2. Kim YO, Lee SM. Effect of Dietary Carotenoids Sources on Growth and Skin Color of Red- and White-colored Fancy Carp Cyprinus carpio var. koi. Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 2014;47(6):790–795. doi:10.5657/KFAS.2014.0790.

This is an initial, source-linked overview, not a systematic review or a product endorsement. Study-specific access limitations are stated above.

Research on this ingredient

Goldfish

Spirulina and Bacillus licheniformis in goldfish diets

One study with 2 reviewed arm or dose connection(s).

Arm spirulina_2_5_percent

Spirulina and Bacillus licheniformis in goldfish diets

Direct · goldfish. 216 goldfish in 12 tanks; 18 fish per tank and three replicate tanks per diet.

Tested form: Spirulina platensis added to feed without the Bacillus supplement. Dose: 2.5% Spirulina platensis in feed (Spirulina percentage of feed; combined probiotic level measured in colony-forming units per gram feed). Duration: Not reported in reviewed abstract. Comparator: Unsupplemented control diet.

Measured finding: Growth did not differ between groups. Immune and gene-expression measures changed, and mortality after challenge was lower with supplementation; the reviewed abstract does not isolate all challenge outcomes by arm.

Limitations: Tank experiment and laboratory bacterial challenge. Probiotic species and combined formulation matter; strain and preparation details are not established in the reviewed abstract.

Abstract reviewed · Checked 2 October 2026 · Evidence.pet study summary · Primary source

Arm spirulina_plus_b_licheniformis

Spirulina and Bacillus licheniformis in goldfish diets

Multi ingredient · goldfish. 216 goldfish in 12 tanks; 18 fish per tank and three replicate tanks per diet.

Tested form: Feed containing Spirulina platensis plus Bacillus licheniformis. Dose: 2.5% Spirulina platensis plus 1 x 10^8 CFU/g Bacillus licheniformis (Spirulina percentage of feed; combined probiotic level measured in colony-forming units per gram feed). Duration: Not reported in reviewed abstract. Comparator: Unsupplemented control diet.

Measured finding: Growth did not differ between groups. Immune and gene-expression measures changed, and mortality after challenge was lower with supplementation; the reviewed abstract does not isolate all challenge outcomes by arm.

Limitations: Tank experiment and laboratory bacterial challenge. Probiotic species and combined formulation matter; strain and preparation details are not established in the reviewed abstract.

This ingredient was part of a combined formulation; the study does not isolate its contribution.

Abstract reviewed · Checked 2 October 2026 · Evidence.pet study summary · Primary source

Products listing or mentioning this ingredient

74 products linked through reviewed ingredient occurrences from manufacturer declarations or partial editorial summaries. Whole-label verification may remain pending. An ingredient’s presence alone does not establish a nutritional outcome.

  • AATU Angus Beef Wet Dog Food AATU Angus Beef Wet Dog Food - Angus Beef Wet Dog Food (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • AATU Chicken Wet Dog Food AATU Chicken Wet Dog Food - Chicken Wet Dog Food (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • AATU Duck & Turkey Wet Dog Food AATU Duck & Turkey Wet Dog Food - Duck & Turkey Wet Dog Food (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • AATU Free Run Chicken Dry Cat Food AATU Free Run Chicken Dry Cat Food - Free Run Chicken Dry Cat Food (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Cat; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • AATU Free Run Chicken Dry Dog Food AATU Free Run Chicken Dry Dog Food - Free Run Chicken Dry Dog Food (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • AATU Free Run Duck Dry Dog Food AATU Free Run Duck Dry Dog Food - Free Run Duck Dry Dog Food (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • AATU Free Run Turkey Dry Dog Food AATU Free Run Turkey Dry Dog Food - Free Run Turkey Dry Dog Food (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • AATU Pork & Wild Boar Wet Dog Food AATU Pork & Wild Boar Wet Dog Food - Pork & Wild Boar Wet Dog Food (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • AATU Salmon Dry Dog Food AATU Salmon Dry Dog Food - Salmon Dry Dog Food (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • AATU Salmon Dry Puppy Food AATU Salmon Dry Puppy Food - Salmon Dry Puppy Food (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • AATU Tuna & Salmon Wet Dog Food AATU Tuna & Salmon Wet Dog Food - Tuna & Salmon Wet Dog Food (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Beco Cod & Haddock Dry Food with Kale & Chickpeas Beco Cod & Haddock Dry Food with Kale & Chickpeas - Cod & Haddock Dry Food with Kale & Chickpeas (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Beco Free Range Chicken Dry Food with Carrot & Chicory Beco Free Range Chicken Dry Food with Carrot & Chicory - Free Range Chicken Dry Food with Carrot & Chicory (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Beco Wild Boar Dry Food with Pumpkin & Broccoli Beco Wild Boar Dry Food with Pumpkin & Broccoli - Wild Boar Dry Food with Pumpkin & Broccoli (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Beef with Superfoods Can Beef with Superfoods Can - Beef with Superfoods Can; United Kingdom; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Bella+Duke Complete Superfoods: Super Beef Bella+Duke Complete Superfoods: Super Beef, UK declaration checked 2026-09-25; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Bella+Duke Complete Superfoods: Super Chicken Bella+Duke Complete Superfoods: Super Chicken, UK declaration checked 2026-09-25; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Bella+Duke Complete Superfoods: Super Duck Bella+Duke Complete Superfoods: Super Duck, UK declaration checked 2026-09-25; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Bella+Duke Complete Superfoods: Super Fish Bella+Duke Complete Superfoods: Super Fish, UK declaration checked 2026-09-25; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Bella+Duke Complete Superfoods: Super Lamb Bella+Duke Complete Superfoods: Super Lamb, UK declaration checked 2026-09-25; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Bella+Duke Complete Superfoods: Super Turkey Bella+Duke Complete Superfoods: Super Turkey, UK declaration checked 2026-09-25; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Chicken with Superfoods Pouch Chicken with Superfoods Pouch - Chicken with Superfoods Pouch; United Kingdom; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Eden 80/20 Fish Cuisine Eden 80/20 Fish Cuisine - Eden 80/20 Fish Cuisine (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Eden 80/20 Fish Cuisine Sporting & Working Dog Food Eden 80/20 Fish Cuisine Sporting & Working Dog Food - Eden 80/20 Fish Cuisine Sporting & Working Dog Food (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Essential Foods CONTOUR PÂTÉ, 400G Essential Foods CONTOUR PÂTÉ, 400G - CONTOUR PÂTÉ, 400G (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Essential Foods ESTATE LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G Essential Foods ESTATE LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G - ESTATE LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Essential Foods HIGHLAND LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G Essential Foods HIGHLAND LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G - HIGHLAND LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Essential Foods KINGDOM LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G Essential Foods KINGDOM LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G - KINGDOM LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Essential Foods NAUTICAL LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G Essential Foods NAUTICAL LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G - NAUTICAL LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Essential Foods OLDER PÂTÉ, 400G Essential Foods OLDER PÂTÉ, 400G - OLDER PÂTÉ, 400G (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Essential Foods SUPERIOR LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G Essential Foods SUPERIOR LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G - SUPERIOR LIVING PÂTÉ, 400G (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Essential Foods THE BEGINNING PÂTÉ, 400G Essential Foods THE BEGINNING PÂTÉ, 400G - THE BEGINNING PÂTÉ, 400G (UK); UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Green Pantry White Fish with Kale and Beetroot – Supporting Weight Loss & Control Green Pantry White Fish with Kale and Beetroot – Supporting Weight Loss & Control - White Fish with Kale and Beetroot – Supporting Weight Loss & Control (UK); UK; partial summary Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Hikari Betta Bio-Gold Staging pilot: Hikari Betta Bio-Gold, US 2026-09; United States; manufacturer declaration Bettas, Fish; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Hikari Gold Koi Food Hikari Gold Koi Food, editorial ingredient summary 2026-09-24; United States; partial summary Fish, Goldfish, Koi; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Hikari Oranda Gold Hikari Oranda Gold, editorial ingredient summary 2026-09-24; United States; partial summary Fish, Goldfish; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Hikari Sinking Goldfish Excel Hikari Sinking Goldfish Excel, editorial ingredient summary 2026-09-24; United States; partial summary Fish, Goldfish, Koi; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Mighty Mussel Munchies Mighty Mussel Munchies - Mighty Mussel Munchies; United Kingdom; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Natural Fish Natural Fish - Natural Fish; United Kingdom; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Nutriment Kidney Support 500g Nutriment Kidney Support 500g - Kidney Support 500g; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Nutriment Raw Lamb Nutriment Raw Lamb, editorial ingredient summary 2026-09-24; United Kingdom; partial summary Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Nutriment Raw Salmon & Turkey Nutriment Raw Salmon & Turkey, editorial ingredient summary 2026-09-24; United Kingdom; partial summary Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Nutriment Raw Turkey Nutriment Raw Turkey, editorial ingredient summary 2026-09-24; United Kingdom; partial summary Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Pooch & Mutt Primal Wild Boar High Meat Dry Dog Food Pooch & Mutt Primal Wild Boar High Meat Dry Dog Food - Primal Wild Boar High Meat Dry Dog Food; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Poppy's Picnic MIGHTY MINCE Beef Poppy's Picnic MIGHTY MINCE Beef - MIGHTY MINCE Beef; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Poppy's Picnic MIGHTY MINCE Chicken Poppy's Picnic MIGHTY MINCE Chicken - MIGHTY MINCE Chicken; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Poppy's Picnic MIGHTY MINCE Lamb Poppy's Picnic MIGHTY MINCE Lamb - MIGHTY MINCE Lamb; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Poppy's Picnic MIGHTY MINCE Wild Boar Poppy's Picnic MIGHTY MINCE Wild Boar - MIGHTY MINCE Wild Boar; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Poppy's Picnic POWER BALLS Beef Poppy's Picnic POWER BALLS Beef - POWER BALLS Beef; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
  • Poppy's Picnic POWER BALLS Chicken Poppy's Picnic POWER BALLS Chicken - POWER BALLS Chicken; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
More products