I've been using Nutri-Source Farm Pond Diet from Tractor Supply for several years. It is 36% protein and 5% fat. It has gone from about $5.25/20 lbs. two years ago, to about $7.50/20 lbs. last year, and it is now $9.99 per 20 pound bag. It is a very hard 1/8-inch pellet. When thrown in the water it immediately creates an oil slick that brings in the fish -- yet it is not greasy in the bags or on the hands. It seems to float forever. Both big and small fish seem to like it.
Because of the price increase, I thought I'd try a different brand from the Southern States Co-op. It is called Big Strike and comes from Redmond, Washington. It is a 3/16-inch pellet with 32% protein and 4% fat. It was $15.50 for a 40 lb. bag.
So far, I'm kind of disappointed with it. About a third of the "floating" pellets sink within about a minute of hitting the water. It also doesn't put out an oil slick.
Last night and tonight I threw out equal rations of both. The fish seemed to eat both, but the Big Strike disappeared a lot quicker because it is bigger and because it sinks.
