As a reward, some owners may offer their bettas small amounts of meaty foods as treats. However, this should only be done occasionally and not something you do every day.
Avoid adding waterborne additives to your tank as these can contaminate the water and lead to digestive issues for your betta. Also, these may contain additives which could upset their stomachs.
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Brine Shrimp
Brine shrimp are an ideal treat for betta fish as they provide up to 60% protein, essential for growth and the development of their immune system. Furthermore, brine shrimp help improve the digestive system of betta fish by aiding with gas production.
They provide an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, as well as amino acids and moisture. Although these nutrients make for a beneficial addition to betta food, it should only be given in moderation.
Before you can begin cultivating brine shrimp, you need a container that is aerated and filled with de-chlorinated water. These can be purchased at either your local pet store or online. Once the water has been aerated, add some salt to the tank in order to help the shrimp survive in their environment.
Bloodworms
Betta fish that are omnivores or carnivores will enjoy bloodworms as a tasty treat. These protein and fat-rich creatures require little effort to feed, so a little goes a long way for your tankmates.
Worms can be acquired at local pet shops or raised at home. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer instructions when feeding worms, and remember to feed them only occasionally.
Freeze-dried bloodworms are an excellent option for betta owners who don’t want to invest in breeding their own worms. They can be purchased at most pet stores and simply need to be soaked in water before being fed to your betta.
Meat
Meat is a type of food made from the flesh of animals. It’s an integral part of many cultures and religions around the world.
As a reward for your betta, cooked meats make an ideal treat. Not only does this provide them with protein and other essential nutrients that they require to survive, but it’s also delicious!
However, it is essential to remember that bettas should not be given meat frequently as too much land-dwelling animal protein can lead to health issues like obesity and high cholesterol levels.
Other foods you can give to your betta include boiled peas, corn, leafy greens like spinach and lettuce, cucumber, sweet corn and some non-citrus fruits such as strawberries, apples, pears mangoes and cantaloupe.
Fruit
Fruit is a unique part of plants, consisting of seeds and protective outer layers known as pericarp. This explains why you find them in places like rainforests; they play an essential role in maintaining a plant’s ecosystem.
Fruit can also be fed to birds, other animals and insects. Unfortunately, you should never feed bettas whole fruit as it could get stuck in their digestive system and lead to issues.
Give them occasional treats of fresh fruit such as strawberries, apples, pears, mangos, melon or cantaloupe for a sweet touch.
Vegetables
If you’re searching for something unique to feed your betta fish, vegetables can be an ideal option. A few slices of cucumber or lightly boiled lettuce may be all that’s necessary to satisfy their appetite.
Vegetables not only taste delicious, but they’re an excellent source of fiber. This can help prevent constipation and bloating in your betta fish.
Peas are an ideal food choice for your betta fish, as they contain many beneficial vitamins and minerals. Just remember to remove the outer skin and boil them first to make them softer before giving them to your tank mates.
