You may be wondering what types of food to give your betta fish. The answer depends on what you give them. Bettas can easily eat a huge amount of food within two to five minutes. A portion size should be equal to 5% of the Betta’s body weight. Food that settles at the bottom of the tank should be removed. However, you can give a small portion of the food for your betta to chew on.
Contents
Bread
Do you think your betta fish will enjoy a piece of bread? While they do get a small amount of plant matter and algae in their diet, they need a meaty protein source. Bread is high in carbohydrates and lacks protein. Not only does it contain additives, like salt and yeast, but it also has wheat products and gluten. It also lacks nutrients your betta needs for good health. If you think your betta will enjoy the occasional bite of bread, you may want to rethink the practice.
Crackers
Often overlooked by pet owners, bread and crackers can be used as betta fish eating food. While the fish do like to eat bread, it’s important to keep in mind that too much bread can cause dietary issues and even health risks. Additionally, bread can bloat your fish, as it soaks up water and swells up. This bloating can be uncomfortable for both you and your fish.
Fruits
If you want to give your betta fish some fresh, healthy food, you may want to try fruit. Bettas love fruits, and a lot of them like mangoes and kiwis. Fruits should be given sparingly and not more than two or three times per week. Fruits are also very high in bioactive compounds and fiber. However, daily consumption of fruits can cause serious health problems. Fruits that are highly acidic can be deadly to your fish.
Veggies
Veggies are a delicious treat for your betta fish. You can choose from any variety, from lettuce and spinach to corn, pumpkin, and carrots. Your betta doesn’t need to eat the entire leaf, but any type of vegetable will do! Just don’t be afraid to mix in some garlic with your betta’s food! Your betta will soon develop a taste for plant-based food and will likely eat it!
Glycera
While most bettas aren’t prone to picking up worms, they do enjoy small amounts of greens, especially those that have a high fiber content. Greens can provide your fish with vitamins and fiber, but should be avoided in large quantities, as they may sully the water. Some greens your betta can eat include peas, spinach, zucchini, and other items cut into small pieces. Bloodworms, which are tiny crimson larvae of midge flies, are another excellent choice for feeding your betta.
Glycera is a larvae of a midge fly
Bloodworms are larvae of a midge fly that can be found in ponds and swimming pools. Betta fish commonly eat them in the wild. While they lack amino acids, they are rich in iron and color. You can buy these larvae in gel form, or freeze-dried form. If you don’t have a pond, you can purchase them from your local fish store.
Freeze-dried food lacks vitamins
Frozen betta fish food is an acceptable choice if you are concerned about the nutritional value of meat-based foods for your betta. However, freeze-dried foods are lacking in vitamins and minerals that are essential to the health of bettas. Moreover, because they lack moisture, the food expands when it is soaked in water and causes constipation in your fish.
Overfeeding a betta
Overfeeding a betta fish can lead to digestive problems and even bloating. If your betta regularly spits up food, it’s most likely suffering from constipation. You can try giving it smaller amounts of food or cutting back on the frequency of feedings. If it’s still having trouble passing stool after several days, try giving it a partial water change. If this doesn’t work, you can stop feeding him altogether.
