If your betta is refusing to eat pellets, there are a few solutions you can try. Some are easy fixes while others may necessitate making some changes in the tank environment.
It is essential to remember that bettas are carnivores and require a diet high in protein. This can be provided through feeding them an excellent quality betta pellet.
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1. Try soaking them in garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a bulbous flowering plant of the Allium family, related to onion, leek and chive. It plays an integral role in many culinary traditions and has long been valued for its health-giving properties.
Garlic is an excellent source of vitamins B6 and C, as well as the minerals manganese and phosphorus. Furthermore, it contains allicin, which has been demonstrated to have antiparasitic effects.
When shopping for garlic, look for plump, firm cloves without any frayed or loose skin. Avoid garlic with mold or sprouts which could indicate it’s older and less fresh.
2. Try crushing them
For the first few days, betta fry must restrict their food to small organisms that fit into their mouths. These include infusoria, brine shrimp nauplii and other smaller fry foods.
Betta fish thrive on high protein, easily digestible foods. When they’re mature enough for larger meals, offer them finely crushed freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms and daphnia that have been freeze dried or frozen.
If your betta still won’t eat pellets, try crushing them before placing them in their tank. Crushing makes them softer and easier for your fish to chew on.
3. Try mixing them with other foods
Bettas typically consume pellets when mixed with other foods like seeds or flakes. By mixing the pellets with their regular diet, your betta can get used to the flavor and texture of the new food before you completely discontinue their usual seed diet.
It is essential to monitor your bird’s weight closely during this conversion period, as a sudden switch from pellets may cause them to lose too much weight. Use a small gram scale periodically during this time to make sure they aren’t losing too much body fat.
Another way to encourage your betta to eat pellets is to place some in their bowl and let them investigate them. This has proven successful for many budgies, cockatiels and rosellas.
4. Try changing the brand
If your betta seems to be refusing pellets, you might want to consider switching brands. There are various brands available and some work better than others.
It’s essential to check the packaging and ingredients when purchasing pellets for your betta fish. Good pellets will usually be tailored specifically for this species, with all necessary nutrients included.
They should be low in fat and high in protein. Furthermore, they should be free of added oil.
BBQer’s Delight is one of the most popular brands. While their website doesn’t provide much information on who owns the business, they do advertise that their pellets are made with 100% hardwoods.
5. Try changing the size of the bowl
The size of a betta’s bowl is an important factor when it comes to their eating habits. Fish may become bored or disinterested if not given enough room to swim and explore, leading to poor nutritional intake.
If this is the case, you can try altering the size of your betta’s bowl or adding some extra space. Giving them more room to move around and explore will likely encourage them to eat again!
Another common reason your betta won’t eat pellets is because they’re new to the food. Typically, this issue will resolve itself within a short period of time.
