Betta fishes are beautiful and pet keepers love to have betta. But many of them struggle to feed Bettas because of their greedy appetites which is confusing. Some Bettas never hesitate when they see food, even if it means stealing from fellow tank mates. and some don’t even take any food for weeks. Also, there are a lot of bettas food types and options available in the market. How do you know which foods are best for betta fish? How often should you feed them? Will they really eat until they’re full? are there feeding guidelines?
Here we come up with a quick guide on Betta fish foods. As lots of different types of Betta fish food are available, We like to bring to the top 5 types of most common and healthy betta foods in this blog. At the end, you will find out some awesome bonus details. So do watch the blog till the end. Before we begin, we publish new betta blogs every week.
#5 Flakes – Best Betta Foods
Flakes are the most popular Betta fish food. they offer just enough nutrients that are required for Bettas and are found in almost any pet store. But, their popularity is largely due to their cheap prices. They were designed to include all the main nutrition that your fish need, But they are less nutritious than freshly prepared or live foods.
If you do plan on feeding your betta flakes, make sure you buy flakes specifically for bettas. Flakes for tropical fish will often contain vegetable and plant fillers which are fine for omnivores but won’t provide your betta all the nutrients he’s going to need. TetraMin Tropical Flakes, Omega One Betta Buffet Flakes, and TetraPro Betta Crisps are common Betta Flakes available in the market to buy.
#4 Pellets
Pellets are the most effective choice for Bettas and an easy option for daily sources of food. Unlike flakes, they are higher in nutrition quality. Pellets are perfect for betta fishes as they float in water. Since bettas prefer eating food on the surface, this floating pellet is more appetizing. It also allows you to closely monitor how much your fish has eaten which helps prevent overfeeding.
When choosing pellets make sure that you’re picking something that has at least 30% crude protein. Ideally, the ingredients should contain lots of dried meat and very little fillers (anything that isn’t meat). Betta Bio-gold Pellets, Aqueon Pro Betta Formula, Ocean Nutrition Betta pellets, and Omega One Betta Buffet pellets are common Betta flakes available in pet stores.
#3 Freeze Dried Food – Best Betta Foods
Freeze-dried foods are the same foods as live foods, only it’s dried and all the moisture has been removed from the product. Freeze drying is a method of preserving food in a lightweight, dry form factor while retaining as much of the original nutrients and taste as possible. Therefore, betta keepers love using freeze-dried bloodworms and brine shrimp as an alternative to live foods.
Freeze-dried food gives a huge protein boost and great tasting in a little package. They have more nutrition in them than flakes and pellets (because they’re just freeze-dried animals). You can use freeze-dried food as a staple part of your betta’s diet, in combination with pellets to make sure your betta is getting all the nutrients he needs. Hikari Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Tetra Bloodworms Freeze Dried Treat, and Omega One blood worms are excellent choices of Freeze Dried Food
#2 Frozen Blood-worms
Frozen food offers a cost-effective alternative to live food, providing bettas with the same essential nutrients. Frozen bloodworms are particularly beneficial due to their resemblance to bettas’ wild diet of insects and crustaceans. Easily obtainable at local pet stores, they’re typically available in individual foil-sealed cubes or larger slabs. Since a single cube is usually too much for one betta feeding, thawing in tank water and using a pipette or tweezers to offer a few bloodworms is advised. Thawing in tank water prevents difficulty in consumption and potential harm. Remember, frozen, not popsicles – bettas have their preferences!
Betta Omega One frozen blood worm and San Francisco Bay Frozen Brine Shrimp are some known frozen food options available in pet stores. If you like this blog so far. Now, let’s get to the next betta food.
#1 Live(A-live) food – Best Betta Foods
Live food is a highly nutritious option for your betta, closely resembling its natural diet. Insects and small invertebrates constitute the mainstay of their diet in the wild. Among live options, blackworms stand out as an excellent choice due to their ability to survive in your tank without polluting the water extensively. They are available at local pet stores and can stimulate your betta’s natural hunting behavior, offering mental enrichment as they chase down their prey. While live food is pricier and can sometimes introduce parasites, its benefits in nutrition and stimulation make it a recommended choice.
Moving on to feeding frequency, adult bettas are generally content with one meal a day, while younger ones require two meals due to growth. Feeding around 3-10 pieces per meal, depending on the fish’s size, is appropriate. Overfeeding can lead to health issues, disrupting digestion and swimming abilities. Therefore, it’s vital to provide only what your betta can consume and to clear uneaten particles after feeding.
In cases of temporary unavailability of betta-specific food, alternatives can suffice. Small portions of tuna or shrimp, finely chopped, can be offered. Insect larvae, mirroring their wild diet, are also a good treat. However, if you’re heading on vacation, consider the duration of your absence. For short trips, bettas can manage without food until your return. These insights into betta feeding habits and contingencies help ensure the well-being of your vibrant aquatic companion.
In our experience
Any longer than that, though, and you’ll have to take action. There are few automatic feeders available in the market.
But you must test them for few times to make sure it works before setting them up during your vacation.
Food blocks are another good option. Food blocks are designed to float on the water. Slowly dissolve to release small amounts of food at a time.
most bettas are not too picky. If kept in a community tank with other fish, may even choose to snack on other foods. To add more variety to your betta’s meal plan, give one of these top five go-to foods. I’m sure, your betta fish is sure to beg for more & thank me as well. LOL!
