Learn about the best foods for betta fish, how often to feed them, and what to do if they refuse to eat before bringing one home as a pet.
Food for Betta Fish
As carnivores by nature, betta fish in the wild would eat things like insects and insect larvae. Learn about the betta’s natural diet so you can feed it properly.
Food staples for betta fish. Betta fish, being omnivores at heart, require a high-protein diet. Bettas, according to some, can get by on plant roots alone in a tiny tank. Inaccurate and potentially dangerous for your betta fish.
Your betta fish should be fed primarily on high-protein betta pellets, which can be found in pet stores. Make sure to get a betta-specific pellet formula. Fish foods intended for different species, like tropical fish, are unhealthy options. There is a specific ratio of nutrients in betta pellets and flakes that is ideal for your betta fish. You won’t have to worry about overfeeding or underfeeding your fish because they are simple to portion.
High-protein freeze-dried and frozen foods are great for rewarding your betta fish on special occasions. Examples include bloodworms and brine shrimp. The majority of your betta fish’s diet shouldn’t consist of these tasty treats. Your betta should only be given a small amount of these foods.
What food to give a betta fish and when. Feed your betta fish two to four pellets once or twice a day. When added to water, pellets expand, providing a substantial meal for your betta fish. If you want to, you can switch out their pellets for fresh or freeze-dried food once or twice a week.
There is a common misconception that betta fish will eat everything in their tank. The water quality will suffer if this food waste is left at the bottom of the tank.
The price tag on betta fish food. Feed for betta fish, such as pellets or freeze-dried flakes, can range widely in price from brand to brand. The price of betta fish pellets typically ranges from $4 to $8 per plastic container. Depending on your pet store, you may be able to stock up on food by the case.