What Do Betta Fish Eat And How To Feed Them?

Feed 2-4 betta pellets to your pet fish twice a day; overfeeding can cause bloating or water pollution. Also, the pellets should be small enough for the fish to eat comfortably.

High-quality betta pellets are designed to meet the carnivorous dietary needs of betta fish. The primary ingredient in these pellets is protein, often derived from whole fish, fish meal, or shrimp meal. Likewise, other key ingredients include krill, squid, or other marine proteins.

Similarly, the pellets should also include vitamins (like A, D, and E), minerals (such as calcium and phosphorus), and carotenoids to maintain vibrant colors. Some pellets may contain small amounts of plant-based fillers, but these should be limited as bettas are not herbivorous.

Specially formulated to meet the needs of a betta fish, betta flakes float on the surface and are easier for fish to digest. The betta food is a high-protein diet that aids in muscle growth and maintains the fish's energy level.

Betta flakes are primarily made from protein-rich ingredients, combining the flavor and benefits of fish meal, krill, and shrimp; these components mimic the betta's carnivorous diet in the wild.

However, variety is key, so flakes should be part of a diet and not the only food that you feed to bettas.

Brine shrimps aren't just healthy for bettas; they also make for an appetizing meal for these fish. This shrimp variety, however, should be supplemented with healthy flakes or pellets to fulfill their dietary needs.

While you can feed brine shrimps as frozen food, betta owners recommend giving live ones for the bettas to hunt, if possible. As live shrimps constantly move, the betta needs to put in effort to catch. This feeding pattern keeps the fish active and focused, thus significantly improving the fish's health.

Also referred to as bristle worms, bloodworms are extremely cheap but nutritious meals for betta fish. You can purchase frozen bloodworms from a local fish store; these worms are likely to be sold as small ice cubes.

Besides making for an appetizing meal, the freezing process also kills off any harmful bacteria or parasites that may be in the worms.

Bloodworms are often served as a form of laxative when a fish is suffering from digestive issues; they work best to treat constipation that may have occurred due to excessive consumption of dry foods.

Betta fish go nuts at the sight of mosquito larvae. In their natural habitat, mosquito larvae are one of their primary food sources. The movement of live larvae in the water taps into their instinct to hunt, providing mental stimulation along with a nutritious meal.

Occasionally, feeding mosquito larvae to bettas helps mimic a betta fish diet in the wild. As they are easy to digest, these larvae further reduce the risk of bloating.

If sourced responsibly, mosquito larvae are free from preservatives or additives found in some commercial foods. However, you should only purchase larvae that are collected from pesticide-free water.

Vinegar eels are tiny roundworms, that thrive in vinegar-like acidic environments. Despite their name, they’re harmless and often cultured by fishkeepers as live food for small fish, including bettas. These microscopic worms are particularly beneficial for betta fries as they are small and quite easy to digest.

Meanwhile, for adult bettas, these eels should be fed as a supplement rather than a staple to provide variety to their diet. Unlike some live foods, vinegar eels are easy to culture at home.

Also called water fleas, daphnia are extremely tiny creatures that are barely visible to the naked eye. When observed under a microscope, they appear as little balls with a greenish tone; their size is around 0.2-5 mm.

If you are planning to add daphnia to your pet betta's diet, you should be willing to make some considerations and follow some strict protocols. Firstly, always remember to soak the treat in water for a few minutes before serving.

Dried daphnia are dehydrated and can expand once ingested. By soaking them for a few minutes, you allow the daphnia to rehydrate; this is particularly crucial to prevent gastronomical problems in the fish.

Although technically a food for betta fish, however, a single cherry shrimp might be too large for one betta to eat. Also, this shrimp variety is significantly more expensive than most betta fish foods, with a single shrimp costing around $5.

Due to their relatively high price, cherry shrimps are suitable for rare occasions or celebrations, like birthdays or while welcoming a new betta fish to the tank. A single piece can feed multiple fish at a time, so you should be careful not to let the costly treat go to waste.

Similarly, cherry shrimps are also kept by many marine life enthusiasts. So, the idea of feeding cherry shrimp to bettas may not be received well by some fish owners.

Some human foods are indeed safe for a betta fish's meal; however, extra caution should be applied as improper feeding can have terrible consequences, even causing death due to food poisoning in some cases.

The primary concern about human foods is that they are only good for treats, not as a staple food. Here are some human foods for betta fish that you consider for bringing a change of taste.

1. Boiled Peas

While boiled peas are safe for betta fish to eat,  they should only be given occasionally or as a treatment for constipation or bloating. When consumed in the right manner, peas can effectively clear stomach blockages. 

Before feeding peas to your pet fish, there are a few things you should consider. For instance,  use only fresh or frozen peas, not canned ones, as canned peas may contain preservatives and added sodium that can harm your fish. Also, don't give more than a single piece at a time to prevent overfeeding.

2. Chicken

Chicken is a good source of animal protein; adding chicken occasionally to a fish's diet can have miraculous effects. At the same time, the fat content in chicken can be equally detrimental if they are not properly portioned.

Chicken meat of large size may cause choking hazards; so, make sure to properly grind the chicken before treating your pet with it. Even then, you should seriously watch the amount to be fed as bettas should only eat about 1-2% of their body weight per day. 

The average weight of a betta fish is around 2-3 grams; so the amount they they can consume in a day is only about 20-30 milligrams.

3. Egg Yolk

Egg yolks should be good for your betta fish but feeding it raw can be too much nutritionally dense for the betta's digestive system to handle. Begin by boiling an egg to kill any harmful bacteria or parasites; Next, separate the yolk from the whites.

Mix a small part of the yolk with water and, finally, pour the solution into the aquarium for the fish to enjoy. As egg yolks are high in cholesterol and fat, consumption should be limited to once a week.

4. Apple

While fruits are not a part of their food in the wild, bettas can benefit from the occasional munching on apples. As betta fish are carnivores, apples don't provide any essential nutrients, making these fruits the equivalent of junk foods for humans.

Besides, the sugar in apples is also not typically good for a betta's health; in fact, it can have the opposite effect. In addition to causing stomach problems to the fish, sugar can also disrupt the natural ecosystem of a fish tank, affecting multiple fishes simultaneously.

5. Carrots

When offered in small, softened pieces, carrots can boost the vitamin and mineral intake of the fish. However, it’s important to note that carrots should never replace their primary protein-rich diet, as bettas are carnivorous by nature.

Bettas have small mouths and can only eat food that fits their size. Therefore, always boil or blanch a small piece until it’s soft, and cut it into tiny portions.

Additionally, leftover carrot pieces can quickly decay and pollute the water; always remove uneaten carrot fragments within a few hours to maintain tank cleanliness.

6. Zucchini

Although not universally adored by all bettas, some might find the mild taste and texture appealing. Small amounts of plant matter, like the zucchini, can provide variety and help mimic the natural omnivorous behavior of some wild bettas.

After thoroughly boiling the zucchini, cut it into tiny pieces to fit your fish’s small mouth. As bettas are not adapted to handle tough plant material, never give them raw zucchini or in large chunks.

For betta fish, the feeding pattern directly influences whether they'll live a full and healthy life or die prematurely. Starting with the amount to feed, everything from the frequency of feeding to food quality affects the well-being of a betta fish.

Pet owners, especially if you are a first-time owner, should strictly follow the recommended feeding routine for the sake of the pet bettas.

Betta Fish Feeding Portion Size

When feeding a betta fish, the general rule is that you should only give them just enough food that they can eat within two minutes. The average portion normally equates to 2-3 small pellets or an equivalent portion of other food types.

Bettas have small stomachs, roughly the size of their eye, so overfeeding can have uncomfortable consequences, not limited to bloating or constipation.

Avoid the temptation to feed more, even if your betta seems eager, as they can easily overeat. Instead, observe their behavior while eating and remove any uneaten food to prevent water contamination.

Feeding Routine

Depending on factors like age, health, and activity level, a betta fish should be fed around 1-2 times per day. Create a consistent schedule by feeding them once in the morning and once in the evening.

For adult bettas, feeding twice a day works well, while younger or more active bettas may benefit from slightly more frequent, smaller feedings. On the other hand, it's also a fine idea to incorporate one fasting day per week. to clear their digestive systems.

Consistency in feeding times is important to establish a routine. Overfeeding should be avoided, as it can lead to health issues and poor water quality.