The natural honey bee diet consists of pollen, nectar or honey, and water.
Honey is the bees' source of carbohydrates or energy supply.
Proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats are obtained from pollen. Anytime the natural food stores of a colony are low, the beekeeper must begin emergency feeding. An established colony should have at least 15 to 20 pounds of honey or the equivalent of three to four good combs of honey in reserve at all times. Most feeding is done in late winter, early spring, and possibly in the fall. Colonies found short of food stores before late March are difficult to manage.