The 11 Best Betta Fish Foods

Instruction Manual

Should I Feed My Betta Fish a Special Diet?

Fish like goldfish, and many others, are omnivores that enjoy both plant and animal products in their diets.

On the other hand, bettas are strict carnivores that must subsist nearly entirely on a diet of animal protein. You can’t just give them a bowl and a peace flower and expect them to live; that’s cruel!

In the wild, betta fish would consume worms, flying insects like mosquitoes and midges (including their larvae), and, on rare occasions, smaller fish, as mentioned in our guide “What do betta fish eat.”

That’s why they need a diet that’s heavier in protein than what most other fish can handle.

The benefits of freeze-dried and pelletized food for betta fish are discussed.

Bettas do best on food that mimics the high-protein, mostly-carnivorous diet they would eat in the wild. Because of how closely it resembles their natural diet with no harmful additives, freeze-dried food and pellets designed for them are a perfect alternative.

The high quality, naturally occurring protein included in these meals makes them much less prone to aggravate digestive issues than other foods.

Betta Fish Nutrition: Freeze-Dried vs. Pellet

We find that freeze-dried foods work best as betta fish food. They are the most authentic alternative to feeding your fish live food, which can introduce harmful bacteria and parasites to your aquarium. This danger is eliminated with the freeze drying process.

Freeze-dried daphnia are sometimes given and are appropriate, although blood worms and brine shrimp are the usual choices.

There is no risk of disease transmission from freeze-dried food to your aquarium inhabitants, unlike with ‘live foods’ or freshly frozen food.

To prevent the meal from becoming too large for the fish’s stomach, it is best to soak freeze-dried foods in a little amount of tank water for a few minutes before feeding.

Freeze-dried fish food may be restored to their original texture and flavor by soaking. Even while they won’t be exactly like alive, they’ll have a nicer texture than if they were bone dry.

Betta pellets are another alternative because they are nutritionally complete food that meets all of a betta’s needs.

In spite of the fact that pellets aren’t the finest meal for betta fish (they should mostly eat freeze-dried foods), include pellets in their diet once or twice weekly will offer them with an important supply of fiber to assist in digestion.

Air should be removed from the pellets by soaking them in water for 1-2 minutes before giving. They won’t get gassy or constipated from the buildup of gas in their stomach.

Make sure the pellets you buy have been developed with bettas in mind. The plant-based content, fillers, and additives in other, generic pellets will be far higher, and this is not in their best interest.

They like a variety of foods at mealtimes, so pellets provide a healthy alternative to freeze-dried food.

Pellets are another low-cost alternative, and they require no special equipment or knowledge to use properly; simply sprinkle a few in the tank once a day.

Just what are the hallmarks of subpar Betta food?

If the pellets don’t say they’re made for bettas, you should look for something else. In contrast to many other fish, their nutritional needs are somewhat unique.

In addition, some generic pellets may include excessive levels of low-cost, nutritionally-vapid “bulking” substances.

One surefire indicator is whether or whether protein appears first on the label, before fillers like wheat flour, or last. All of these constituents are always arranged in descending order of prevalence.

If you want to feed your fish the best possible food, you need to be able to read fish food labels and determine which components are good for them and which aren’t. A good starting point is to seek for a product that has protein as its first ingredient and contains little to no filler.

Flake tropical fish food: safe for betta?

Tropical flakes are not an appropriate diet for these fish, despite the fact that they are tropical.

Because of their carnivorous nature, betta require a food significantly greater in protein than that provided by standard tropical fish flakes.

Bettas can tolerate generic tropical flakes, but you’re not doing them any favors by feeding them.

What Do You Think About Flaked Betta Fish?

Because of their high protein needs, some companies have developed specialized “betta fish flakes.”

These may be used, but we won’t be discussing any of them in this manual and do not endorse them.

Due to their picky eating habits, many bettas refuse to consume flake food. Surprisingly frequently, this occurs. As a result, we would rather not make a suggestion that might result in your buying something that your fish ultimately rejects, leaving you out of cash and your fish still hungry.

In addition, flakes might be a simple method to degrade the standard of water supply. Consequently, many of them are not consumed since they immediately scatter and dissolve in the water.

Of course, there will always be some leftovers from every meal, but the solid choices will be simpler to clean up afterward.

It’s next to impossible to keep flakes from ending up in every crevice of your aquarium, where they’ll eventually decay and release harmful bacteria.

Therefore, you may be assured that we will not be promoting any flakes, and that you should only eat them as a last resort.

Cautionary Notes Regarding Freshly Thawed and Live Frozen Betta Food

There’s no denying that live food is ideal for bettas, with “frozen fresh” coming in a close second. Nonetheless, we cannot reliably suggest them to the hobbyist or occasional fish keeper. You must be wondering why, though.

Due to the high prevalence of fish illnesses and parasites while feeding live or “fresh frozen” items.

Mosquito larvae and bloodworms are two of their favorite feeds that might introduce harmful bacteria to your aquarium. Even if you have a clean, reputable supply for a long period of time, just one poor batch might ruin everything.

Your betta will really like these, but you should only use them if you can guarantee a nice, clean supply. As such, you need to have a plan in place ahead of time for treating any infections or parasites that your betta fish could contract.

The live or fresh frozen food sources that provide the least amount of risk are brine shrimp and wingless fruit flies, although they are far more difficult to come by.

Thus, it is possible to feed the aforementioned items, however we believe that most casual fish owners should avoid doing so. But ultimately, the choice is yours to make.

Do any particular ingredients in food stand out as particularly beneficial for Bettas?

Examples of proteins:

• Saltwater shrimp
• Bloodworms
• Fatty fish (listing a specific source of fish)
• Supper of grilled shrimp
• Hydrolyzed protein from fish
• Vitamin D from Fish
• Extract from crayfish
• The Fish, Complete
• Halibut

Minerals and vitamins, including:

• Oxide of iron
• Supplements for vitamin A, B12, D3, and E
• Nutritional supplement containing riboflavin
• Supplemental niacin
• Pantothenic acid calcium
• A Vitamin B9, Also Known As Folic Acid
• L-Ascorbyl-2-Phosphate (a source of Vitamin C)

What Specific Ingredients are Not So Good?

• Wheat flour
• Soybean flour
• Dried yeast
• Wheat germ meal
• Wheat gluten
• Wheat middlings
• Ethoxyquin

Betta Food FAQ

A few commonly asked questions:

How Much Food Does a Betta Eat?

The generally agreed amount of food to provide is as much as they can eat inside of 2 minutes, and to then remove any excess from the tank.

The logic behind this is they only have tiny stomachs that fills quickly, though many betta will continue to eat past this point, gain weight, and sometimes cause themselves bloating, constipation and digestive issues.

Furthermore, anything left in the tank that doesn’t get eaten will just decompose and pollute the tank, affecting water quality, so it’s better to remove it.

The frequency of feeding your Betta is an important consideration.

Feeding an adult fish once daily is sufficient, while some fish may prefer twice daily feedings and some diets are designed to be fed twice daily; the directions on the packaging will indicate how often to feed.

Rather from experiencing the “feast and fast” cycle that may be analogized to eating once a day, which is not ideal for young, still-growing juveniles, it is advised that they be fed twice a day.

It’s also beneficial to give fish a day where they don’t get fed at all, since this helps them purge any waste products from their bodies and avoids gastrointestinal problems like bloating and constipation.

In what quantity of pellets should I feed my Betta?

A betta’s tendency to overindulge in food can lead to bloating, diarrhea, and even death. Their stomachs are the size of their eyes, which is to say, very little.

So, don’t give them more than a couple of pellets at a time. If given two minutes, it should be able to consume all of its meal.

To what cause does my Betta fish throw up after eating?

They are known to be picky eaters, however not all food rejected by spitting does not end up in the trash. Perhaps all he’s doing is making the meal more manageable.

Be mindful of whether or not it is consumed. However, if it isn’t, the components can be too huge to assemble. When you make this again, try crushing the meal into smaller bits.

You should probably assume that your betta does not like the food if he spits it out and then refuses to eat it. Changing to a different type of diet is necessary at this time.

Can a Betta Fish Survive Without Food for How Long?

A betta may go up to 14 days without food, however doing so is not advised. They have a stress tolerance of up to 6 days, and a fast of 2-4 days can have positive effects.

It’s okay to leave your betta without food over the weekend. Many fish keepers often avoid feeding their fish for a day once a week to give the fish a chance to purge its system.

Please visit this link for further information on the topic.

Does Overfeeding a Betta Fish Happen?

When it comes to food, fish are a lot like certain dogs and the majority of humans: they won’t stop eating even if they’re stuffed.

Overfeeding a betta may lead to various complications, including bloating, constipation, swim bladder problems, and even death. No adult should be given more food in a day than they can consume in two minutes.

Are Daily Feedings Necessary for Betta Fish?

If you provide food for your betta, it will eat every day, although this is not required. Many proprietors find that skipping a meal once a week helps them feel less bloated and less constipated overall.

It’s fine to leave your betta without meals for two or three days. Consider getting an automatic feeder or having someone come by to feed your fish while you’re away.

Can You Tell Me When I Should Feed My Betta? (Times of Day)

Making a routine out of feeding your betta can help it maintain a healthy routine, and it will also help you remember to feed it. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is as long as you’re consistent.

You should wait until your betta has fully awakened in the morning before feeding it, and you may want to hold off on feeding it until after it has finished its nighttime rest.

 What Types of Human Food Are Suitable for Betta Fish?

Even though they are allowed to consume human food, it should only be given to them as treats and not as a main source of nutrition.

Peas (cooked, peeled, and cut into quarters), lettuce, cucumber, fresh fish, little bits of bread or crackers, and soft fruits like bananas and mangoes are also great options.

Steer clear of serving cured meats, seasoned foods, or meats raised on land. It’s important to keep in mind that bettas are finicky eaters, so you may need to try several things until you discover something they enjoy.

This page provides a wealth of useful information for those interested in learning more about this subject.

Conclusion

When we looked at the pros and cons of each option, San Francisco Bay Frozen Dried Shrimp and the new Betta Formula Life Spectrum pellets came out on top.

There are no low-nutrient added ingredients like wheat or soy in San Francisco Bay Brands’ Chilled Dried Shrimp, so your fish won’t get an upset stomach eating it.

This product has the highest amount of protein (48.8%) of any product we tested. It also meets the high protein needs of a betta carnivore diet.

Contrary to the majority of fish food on the market, New Life Spectrum’s Betta Formula Semi-Float Pet Food is made in the USA.

Meat items from designated high-quality sources, such as Antarctic krill, herring, squid, and New Zealand mussel protein, are listed in the ingredients list.

This product is the only one of its kind and it will help your betta with colour, immune system and growth thanks to its high concentration of natural sources of vitamins and minerals.

For example, garlic is a popular spice that also has anti-parasitic and immune-boosting effects.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) believes that you should choose the best betta fish foods for your fish. If you give your bettas freeze-dried food every day and some pellets once or twice a week, their digestion and overall health will stay good.

Have fun with your fish!

 

Reviews

Freeze-dried shrimp from San Francisco Bay, seasoned with a brine of salt and garlic

Brine shrimp from San Francisco Bay Brand, a well-known, popular, and high-quality manufacturer of freeze-dried fish food, is a favorite among many types of fish keepers.

For your piece of mind, SFBB conducts rigorous testing on their freeze-dried food to ensure it is healthy and devoid of any harmful bacteria, parasites, or other contaminants that could be present in unprocessed, live foods.

Perfect as the staple food for bettas, and even acceptable as a treat or supplement once in a while if you want to offer pellets on a regular basis for diversity.

The recommended feeding schedule is for twice-daily feedings of a very small amount (around the size of your fish’s eyeball) followed by the removal of any uneaten food after three minutes.

Pros

• Owners have said their fish go crazy over it.
• This product should not create digestive issues in your betta because it is free of poor nutritious fillers (such as wheat products) and has a high concentration of protein (min 48.8% according to the ingredients list).
• Dropping one of the tiny pieces into water causes it to swell and shatter into several dry brine shrimp, so one container may last for months (depending on how populated your tank is).
• Your tank is safe from the spread of germs and hazardous parasites thanks to the freeze-drying process (as opposed to live food).
• This product is 100% natural because it only has “brine shrimp” as a component.

Cons

• The considerable quantity of crude ash in this product may be to blame for the tank clouding seen by some consumers; nevertheless, this is still far less than with less nutrient-dense food options like flakes. We never ran into this issue, and neither did the great majority of other consumers who reported it.

 

Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, San Francisco Bay Brand

The freeze-dried bloodworms produced by San Francisco Bay Brand are another best-seller.

This is a great option for picky eaters because betta love aquatic midge larvae.

You should also provide your fish with other foods, such bloodworms and pellets (which provide fiber), but they are a great base for their diet.

Pros

• Users have deemed this product to be the most cost-effective option. When compared to other freeze-dried bloodworm products available for the same price, the quantity provided here is significantly more.
• Red mosquito larvae, a rich protein food source that is very near to the natural diet of bettas, are included in this offering.
• Unlike with live mosquito larvae or bloodworms, which might possibly transmit deadly germs or parasites, this product has been freeze-dried to eliminate any such risk.
• This product has also been found to boost the vitality and size of fish for those who have used it.

Cons

• None! Although it may seem improbable that there are no drawbacks, all forty-plus reviews have been positive, with only one person mentioning that the device arrived without its lid (likely damaged during delivery.)

 

Freeze-Dried Tetra Blood Worms as a Treat for Your Fish

Tetra are a major, well-known, and reputable brand in the aquarium industry, and they sell bloodworms that are quite similar to the SFBB brand of bloodworms mentioned above, but come from a different supplier.

The protein level of any meal will be greatly increased by using blood worms as a treat or supplement, as they have an extremely high concentration of the nutrient. You need to include them in your betta’s diet.

We suggest rehydrating them in tank water for a few minutes before serving, as with any freeze-dried meal, and discarding any uneaten portions after two or three minutes.

Pros

• You can get your hands on this high-quality item for as little as a few dollars, making it ideal for people on a tighter budget.
• Users have noted that the freeze-dried bloodworms are in better condition than those found in similar goods sold in stores.
• There is no chance of transmitting potentially lethal germs or parasites while using freeze-dried bloodworms, as there is when using live bloodworms or any other similar product.
• When compared to other freeze-dried items, this one won’t make your tank water cloudy.

Cons

• A tiny fraction of the contents may have been crushed or “reduced to dust” in transit, rendering them useless, according to a few user reports. The problem is inherent to freeze-dried food in general since it is so dry and easily broken. No need to panic; this is a common problem with foods like these.

 

Introducing New Life’s Semi-Float Betta Formula Pet Food

Mussels, krill, herring, and squid are just some of the natural components that go into making New Life Spectrum, a supplement produced in the United States.

Additives are present, but they are all natural and serve a purpose, such as improving and maintaining your fish’s color or supplying them with vitamins and minerals they need for optimal health.

These pellets, marketed as “semi-floating,” will remain near the surface for a considerable amount of time, allowing your betta to feed in a more natural, surface-level position.

This is because the pellets’ high protein content and lack of low-value additives make them easily digested, resulting in less waste, which in turn does not have an impact on water quality.

Pros

• This, unlike other competing items, was manufactured in the United States.
• Features high-quality seafood such south polar krill, herring, squid, and new zealand mussel protein.
• These betta fish pellets are specifically made with natural components that are high in vitamins and minerals to promote vibrant colors. Algae meal (made from seaweed, kelp, and Haematococcus pluvialis, a microalgae), natural Spirulina of the highest quality, and extracts of various fruits and vegetables are all included.
• Incorporating garlic into a dish has been shown to have beneficial effects in warding off parasites and strengthening the immune system.
• Easily accessible, commercially available, and, in our view, the best betta pellets

Cons

• This product is more costly than similar offerings from other brands, but its superior quality justifies the extra cost.

 

Nutritional Pellets for Your Betta Fish, the NutriDiet Betta Banquet

Among those who care for fish, many put their faith in NutriDiet to meet their pets’ nutritional needs.

Your betta will get all the nourishment it needs from these pellets thanks to the krill and fish meal foundation, with the extra carbs, vitamins, and minerals.

Every day, put in as much food as your fish can consume in two minutes, and take out what doesn’t get eaten.

Pros

• These pellets have a krill foundation, making them very rich in protein.
• The Second Important Point
• These pellets are better for you since they don’t include maize meal or other low-quality fillers.
• With an ash content no more than 9%, it won’t obscure your tank water as much as some other fuels.
• Calcium Propionate, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Thiamine (B1), and D-Calcium are just some of the vitamins and minerals present in this product.
• Consumers have seen a considerable improvement in the coloration and activity of their bettas after switching to this food.

Cons

• Some consumers worry that the pellets are too big for their little fish; however, soaking them in water for a minute or two may make them more manageable.

 

The Value of Fish to the Ocean’s Ecosystem For Betta Fish, Try Atison’s

When it comes to fish feeding, Ocean Nutrition is well regarded as a cutting-edge expert. Their webpage is quoted here:

Because of our proficiency and creativity, we provide for many of the largest public aquariums and tropical fish breeders in the globe.

As an industry leader, we understand the importance of providing hobbyists with cutting-edge foods that promote the best possible growth, coloration, and vitality in their fish.

This premium betta food is intended to be the most wholesome option for your fish.

Guaranteed to bring out your fish’s true hue without clouding the water as some other feeds do.

These floating pellets are ideal for surface-feeding betta, and they are simple to feed and clean out of the tank afterward, so your water isn’t contaminated.

Pros

• Product uses natural protein sources like fish meal and krill meal.
• All fish, regardless of size, may easily consume these betta pellets due to their little size.
• Users claim that their tank stays cleaner for longer with no hazy water produced by the product since the pellets float for longer than other commercially available pellets.
• It has been reported that several customers have seen an improvement in their betta’s coloration after feeding them these pellets.

Cons

• For prolonged shelf life, the pellets are preserved with ingredients including calcium propionate and ethoxyquin.

 

Betta Pellets Omega One Buffet

The slow-sinking pellets at the Omega One betta buffet measure in at 1.5 millimeters. small enough to be eaten in one bite and floating near the surface for the duration of the feeding cycle.

They will eventually sink, but then they’ll either be lost in the substrate or sitting there inviting any bottom feeders to a feast.

These pellets are designed to be easy to remove from your tank if they go uneaten because their binder is not water soluble.

These are a comprehensive and balanced diet for your betta since they include a high amount of protein (42%), healthy fats, fiber (to aid digestion), and vitamins.

However, we usually suggest supplementing with a few extra bloodworms, daphnia, and/or brine shrimp every now and again.

Pros

• Salmon skins are a rich source of natural colours that may be found in this product.
• There are plenty of healthy omega-3 and omega-6 HUFAs to help keep your immune system strong.
• These pellets have a very low ash content (no more than 8%) so that you don’t have to worry about hazy tank water.

Cons

• A number of customers have voiced their concern that certain pellets sink to the bottom of the tank very rapidly. Before it could sink to the substrate and get lost, their betta had to track it down and devour it. However, the great majority of consumers did not encounter any problems.