What do I feed my betta fish?

Betta fish are very easy to overfeed. They love to eat, but too much food can throw their digestive systems off and give them terrible health problems in the long run! Make sure to only feed your betta until you start to see a tiny bit of their tummy getting full. Because of this, vacation feeders should be avoided. Also, if your betta is sick, many people will tell you to give them peas; DO NOT FEED YOUR BETTA FISH PEAS! They are carnivores (mostly eating bugs) and cannot digest plant matter. If you want your fish to thrive, variety is best! I keep three types of frozen foods, pellets for when I’m in a rush, and a live worm culture.

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Pellets and Flakes

I must note here that pellets are preferable to flakes since pellets look more like insects that wild fish eat, and flakes tend to contain more “fillers.”

For any pellet or flake, the thing to watch out for is crude protein. Betta fish need at least 30% crude protein! The wrong kind of pellet or flake may be filled with plant matter which betta fish cannot digest.

Fluval Betta Bug Bites: $4.99 + shipping

These are the pellets that I own. I really recommend this product!

Omega One Betta Buffet Flakes: $3.65 + shipping

Aqueon Betta Fish Food: $2.29 + shipping

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Freeze-Dried and Frozen Foods

Frozen foods are always preferable to freeze-dried foods. The difference here is the same as the difference between grilled and fried chicken for humans! However, both of these options are healthier than pellets or flakes. Just be careful with feeding too much of freeze-dried foods, as they can cause bloat.

Omega One Freeze Dried Brine Shrimp: $9.59 + free shipping with amazon prime

It is difficult to find options online for frozen foods, so these need to be picked up at a store in person (since they need to stay cold). You can check your local fish store for the following. Petco and Petsmart also have these in the refrigerator in the reptile section, but I will never recommend shopping from those stores. I like to call any fish or pet stores within my area before I leave the house to make sure that they are carrying the products I am looking for so that I don’t waste gas!

● Frozen brine shrimp

● Frozen daphnia

○ Note: this is great for bettas all the time, but this doubles as a great alternative for sick bettas than the popular pea suggestion!

● Frozen mysis shrimp

● Frozen bloodworms

○ Note: These should not be fed regularly. I have these in my fridge as a treat because my bettas love them! They are very high in iron and fat, though, so while these are great in moderation they are not good for an all-encompassing diet.

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Live Foods

Live food is not only the healthiest option for bettas, but it is also the cheapest in the long run. I say this because once you own a live food culture, you have virtually an endless supply of food for your fish! It also brings out a natural hunter in your betta. I have a lot of fun watching mine gobble down grindal worms. Just be careful with these. While I have never had any problems, I have heard that there may be a chance of bettas getting parasitic infections through live foods.

White worm culture: I sell some of this culture! All of the proceeds go back to the rescue. Click on the "Shop" tab on this website to get some!

Daphnia eggs: $5.99 + $6.99 shipping

Brine shrimp eggs: $6.99 + free shipping with amazon prime

Flightless fruit fly culture: $16.99 + free shipping with amazon prime

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Other food products

I add a few drops of vitachem to all of my frozen foods. This just makes sure that my bettas are getting all of the nutrients that they need to stay happy and healthy. This is obviously optional, but this also boosts their immune system to prevent disease! This is just like humans taking a multivitamin.

Vitachem: $12.44 + free shipping with amazon prime

Garlic guard helps finicky eaters be more attracted to food. It is stinky, so if your betta is sick and won’t eat, this is a great thing to add to their food! I imagine this makes the food smell like chocolate to them. I love to use this on new rescues that feel too sick to eat. This product is definitely less expensive in local pet or fish stores.

Garlic guard: $14.52 + free shipping with amazon prime

I also have to note that if your fish is not eating, it can be a sign of them not feeling well. Just like how humans don’t feel like eating when we have a cold, fish don’t like to eat when they’re sick either!