You can use a starter food that is higher in protein/fat to get them a great jump start, (smaller pellet size too) then switch to a lower protein/fat pellet once they are 1-2 years old. That's the cliff notes on it.
I will feed 1"-2" to 3"-4" BG on Optimal Starter #4, then once they gain another 1"-2" switch to Optimal Bluegill Jr, then to regular Optimal BG. What's great about their feed besides the quality, is that you order on-line and it gets shipped to your door, and the on-line price includes shipping.
Optimal Starter #4 45/16, 2.5mm pellet
https://optimalfishfood.com/product/optimal-starter-4/Optimal Bluegill Jr. 42/10 3mm dia, different length pellets in the same bag.
https://optimalfishfood.com/product/optimal-junior-feed/Optimal Bluegill 40/10 5.5mm mixed length pellets in the same bag.
https://optimalfishfood.com/product/optimal-bluegill-feed/
