Comparison: Best Liquid Fish Emulsion (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re looking to give your garden a natural boost, liquid fish emulsion might already be on your radar. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one truly delivers? We’ve dug into the bottles, sniffed the claims (and the scent—let’s be honest), and tested the results to bring you the **best liquid fish emulsion**s that actually work.
- Best for burn-free blend: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for cold-pressed power: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for salmon nutrient boost: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for low-odor powder: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for fish & kelp fusion: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens
- Best for fast-acting foliar: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Liquid Fish & Kelp Concentrate – Plant Food for Vegetable Gardens and Flower Beds – Makes up to 32 Gallons 2-4-1
- Best for omri certified premium: Indian River Organics OMRI Listed Organic
- Best for balanced 2-3-1: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Organic Material Review Institute Listed (1 Gallon) – Natural Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer for Gardens
- Best for all-purpose 5-1-1: Liquinox 7128 Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 Fertilizer
- Best for compact 5-1-1: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
Product Comparison: Best Liquid Fish Emulsion
Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Will Not Burn
- Great for all plants
- Deodorized with Natural Wintergreen
- 5-1-1 fertilizer is an excellent source of organic plant nutrients
- Fish Fertilizer
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, 2-3-1 NPK – Sustainably Sourced and Hydrolyzed for Steady Growth
- ORGANIC FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER – Our liquid fish fertilizer is made from sustainably sourced fish emulsion and we use up all the parts that would otherwise go to waste. Using an environmentally conscious method, ingredients are refined fresh and 100% cold pressed to help retain all of the nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids needed to grow healthy plants.
- GROW PLANTS NATURALLY – This wonderfully organic alternative to synthetic fertilizer contains a 2-3-1 NPK ratio perfect for light and frequent applications. Promotes steady, healthy plant development throughout the growing season.
- ENRICHES SOIL – Helps build a strong foundation for your organic garden to thrive on! Use as an effective soil drench to improve fertility, structure, and encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms like fungi in your garden’s soil.
- PRODUCE MORE – Get the most out of your fertilizer and your garden! This organic garden fertilizer helps to increase crop yields and flower blooms. Gentle enough to use as a foliar spray makes this the perfect fish fertilizer for plants, flowers, and vegetables.
- SMELL THE DIFFERENCE – This fertilizer smells like fish because it’s made from fish! Crafted with high-quality concentrated and undiluted hydrolyzed fish emulsion each bottle gives off a pungent fishy aroma. When compared, we see it like this – if it doesn’t smell, then it’s not real fish!
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer, Complete Fish Emulsion Plant Food, 8 oz (250mL)
- Complete fish fertilizer for thriving plants
- Helps growth with natural harvest salmon nutrients
- Easy-to-follow care instructions included
- Made in the USA
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water), for Vegetables, Trees, Lawns, Shrubs, Flowers, Fruits
- Organic Fish Protein :12-2-2 NPK powder made from 100% fish dried liquid powder, ground, and highly water-soluble when mixed.
- 2× Super Concentrated Powder: 1 lb (≈450 g) makes up to 100 gal of liquid feed,ideal for both large veggie plots and indoor/hydro gardens, creating high-value yield.
- Proven Results and Trusted Organic Fertilizer: Comparison experient conducted on same seed, same soil. The fertilizer supports visible growth and robust fruit set.
- Promotes Healthier Roots & Foliage: Rich in natural amino acids and micronutrients, boosts plant stress resistance, soil biology, and nutrient uptake.
- Reduced Odor, Easy to Use: Dry powder form alleviates the strong “fishy” smell of traditional emulsions. Simple to store, measure, and apply; mix and water every 1–2 weeks.
- Sustainable & Responsibly Sourced: Made in small batches from by products of the fish meal industry, organically biodegradable with minimal waste.
- Includes a teaspoon for ease of measurement
GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens, Lawns, and Vegetables
- ORGANIC MATERIALS REVIEW INSTITUTE LISTED FOR TRUSTED GARDEN CARE Certified by OMRI for use in organic growing, GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer delivers reliable, natural nutrition for vegetables, lawns, flowers, and shrubs.
- SEA-AND-SOIL BASED NUTRITION Made from North Atlantic seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) and fresh fish hydrolysate, this liquid concentrate provides essential nutrients and trace minerals that help support healthy soil and plant development.
- IMPROVES SOIL MICROBIOLOGY & NUTRIENT UPTAKE Supports a thriving soil ecosystem that promotes strong root systems and efficient nutrient absorption — the foundation for resilient, productive plants.
- EASY-TO-USE CONCENTRATE FOR ALL PLANTS Mix 2 oz per gallon of water and apply as a foliar spray or soil drench every 2–4 weeks. Safe for use on vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, turf, and houseplants.
- MADE IN THE USA – SUSTAINABLY PRODUCED Proudly produced by GS Plant Foods as a licensed fertilizer manufacturer. No synthetic chemicals, additives, or fillers — just natural ingredients formulated for healthy home gardens and hobby farms.
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Liquid Fish & Kelp Concentrate – Plant Food for Vegetable Gardens and Flower Beds – Makes up to 32 Gallons 2-4-1, 32 oz
- Fast‑acting liquid formula: Perfect for foliar feed or soil drench applications, supporting quick absorption and growth stimulation.
- Stimulates overall plant vigor: High phosphorus aids flowering and fruiting, while nitrogen supports lush foliage and root development.
- Organic & soil‑friendly: Helps promote beneficial microbial activity and sustainable soil health due to its fish and kelp base
- Versatile application rates: For general garden use: ¼–½ cup per gallon of water; for containers: 2–4 Tbsp per gallon; for houseplants: 2 Tbsp per gallon, repeated every 2–4 weeks depending on growth stage
- Watch out for odor: While extremely effective, many users report a strong fish-like odor characteristic of fish emulsions—though it typically subsides quickly and doesn’t linger long indoors
Indian River Organics OMRI Listed Organic, Hydrolyzed Liquid Fish Fertilizer, 1 Quart / 36 ounces net wt.
- Far Superior to Emulsions: Our Proprietary Cold-Process Hydrolysis Preserves the Complex Nutrients that create Bigger Flower Blooms, Tastier Fruits & Vegetables, and Vibrant Green Lawns.
- 100% OMRI-LISTED Organic: Has the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) seal (our competitors don’t)! Approved & suitable for use in certified organic operations under the USDA National Organic Program.
- Free of Contaminants: Our High-Quality Hydrolysate Fertilizer is Sustainably Produced from fresh, healthy, food-quality fish, free of chlorine, mercury, and other heavy metals. Family & pet friendly.
- EASY TO USE and Won’t Clog Equipment: Water Soluble; Just Mix with Water and Apply! We win new customers because our product works flawlessly with application equipment. Safely access your lawn after application. No waiting period.
- 100% Quality Guarantee: We’re incredibly proud of our product’s consistency, and we guarantee our nutrient analysis in every bottle. If you have concerns, let us know and we’ll be happy to work with you.
GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Organic Material Review Institute Listed (1 Gallon) – Natural Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer for Gardens, Lawns & Container Growing
- Organic Materials Review Institute Listed for Organic Production Approved as GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish Concentrate 2-3-1. Suitable for organic growing under OMRI and NOP standards.
- Balanced Nutrient Formula (2-3-1) Provides primary nutrients from hydrolyzed fish for sustained plant nutrition and soil health.
- Versatile Garden Use: Ideal for vegetables, lawns, flowers, shrubs, trees, fruit, and container plants when used as directed.
- Simple Application: Mix 4 oz per gallon of water for most uses. Apply generously to soil or as a foliar feed until leaves are wet.
- Florida Licensed Manufacturer: Produced by GS Plant Foods, LLC (License F003717). 1 Gallon liquid fertilizer (8.9 lb).
Liquinox 7128 Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 Fertilizer, 1-Gallon
- All purpose liquid fish fertilizer: Use on flowers, lawns, shrubs, trees, and other outdoor plants
- Primary nutrients source: Derived from seagoing fish
- Active ingredients: Includes iron, manganese, and zinc
- Fish emulsion 5-1-1: Suitable for soil or foliar application
- Safe and nonburning: Ideal for use on vegetables, flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees
- Versatile application: Can be used on potted and house plants, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees
- Application rate: Recommended usage is 2 tablespoons per gallon monthly during the growing and blooming season
- Product type: Liquid fertilizer
- Package size: Available in a 1-gallon container
- Manufacturer: Liquinox
Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Develops deep green foliage, vigorous root systems and a solid plant structure
- Derived from fish soluble, can be used from indoor and outdoor. Can be used on plants and trees.
- Mixes with water and can be used by any convenient method of application. Shake well before use.
- 5-1-1 Fertilizer contains 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate and 1% Soluble Potash.
- For plants mix 1-2 tbsp per 1 gal of water. For trees mix 4 tbsp per gal of water.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a liquid fish emulsion fertilizer?
Check the NPK ratio, odor level, and whether the product is OMRI‑listed for organic gardening. Look for added micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc, which support healthy foliage. Also consider concentration (e.g., 5‑1‑1 vs 2‑3‑1) to match your watering schedule.
How do the NPK ratios affect plant growth and which ratio is best?
Higher nitrogen (the first number) promotes leafy growth, while more phosphorus supports root development and flowering. A balanced 2‑3‑1 ratio, like in the GS Plant Foods or Down To Earth formulas, is ideal for general garden use, whereas a 5‑1‑1 ratio, found in Liquinox and Alaska Fish Emulsion, is better for rapid vegetative growth. Choose the ratio that matches the growth stage of your plants.
Which product has the lowest odor while still delivering strong nutrients?
The Alaska Fish Emulsion advertises a wintergreen deodorized formula that reduces the typical fishy smell. The powder version from Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12‑2‑2 also minimizes odor because it’s a dry product that only releases scent when mixed. Both options are good for indoor or close‑quarter gardening where odor matters.
How do liquid vs powder fish emulsion options compare for large gardens?
Liquid emulsions, such as the 1‑gallon GS Plant Foods or Indian River Organics, are easy to apply with sprayers and work quickly for foliar feeding. Powdered fish emulsion, like the 12‑2‑2 powder, is highly concentrated, allowing one pound to treat up to 100 gallons of water, which can be more cost‑effective for extensive plots. The trade‑off is that powder requires mixing and may need a bit more effort to dissolve evenly.
Are OMRI‑listed fish emulsions worth the extra cost?
Yes, OMRI certification guarantees the product meets strict organic standards, making it suitable for certified organic farms and environmentally conscious gardeners. Products like Indian River Organics and GS Plant Foods carry the OMRI seal and often include cleaner ingredient sourcing. The premium price also reflects consistent nutrient analysis and the absence of prohibited synthetic additives.
What is the best value per gallon among the listed products?
When comparing price‑to‑nutrient density, the 12‑2‑2 powder offers the lowest cost per usable gallon because one pound makes up to 100 gallons of feed. Among true liquids, the Alaska Fish Emulsion 5‑1‑1 concentrate provides a good balance of price, odor control, and nutrient content. Checking current pricing on each SKU will confirm the exact dollar‑per‑gallon figure.
Can I use fish emulsion on both indoor and outdoor plants?
Absolutely; most liquid fish emulsions are safe for indoor houseplants, container gardens, and outdoor beds as long as you follow dilution guidelines. Products with reduced odor, such as the deodorized Alaska formula or the powder version, are especially indoor‑friendly. Always ensure good ventilation when applying foliar sprays indoors to avoid lingering scent.
How often should I apply fish emulsion for optimal results?
A typical schedule is every 2‑4 weeks during the active growing season, using a dilute solution (usually 1‑2 tablespoons per gallon of water). For high‑nutrient formulas like 5‑1‑1, you may apply on the lower end of that range to avoid over‑fertilizing. Adjust frequency based on plant response, soil tests, and weather conditions.