Fancy and common goldfish are omnivorous fish species, so it is wise to provide them with a variety of safe foods that supplement their diet. Be wary of feeding bread to them as this could swell in their stomachs and lead to constipation.
Cucumbers make a delicious water-based veggie choice for goldfish that’s packed with antioxidant beta carotene to promote immunity. Gel food can also be made at home using one of many available recipes online.
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Vegetables
Goldfish require a varied diet in order to remain healthy. Some owners use commercial flakes that combine dried foods, bulking agents and vitamins; however, goldfish also need the supplement of fresh produce like vegetables, fruit or frozen items.
Lettuce can provide your fish with essential vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), C and K as well as fiber. Indulging in watermelon also offers delicious antioxidant benefits including beta carotene that may assist digestion.
Broccoli is another nutritious vegetable packed with essential nutrients and vitamins, suitable for feeding to goldfish as a staple food source. Simply steam and mash before feeding it as it’s rich in calcium, iron and phosphorous. Bananas make great treats because they provide fiber, potassium and vitamin C benefits – so add these as special treats when feeding to your goldfish as an extra treat!
Fruits
Goldfish are omnivorous predators and can consume both vegetables and fruits. Some fruits that are safe for fish to eat include watermelons, apples, bananas and berries; they provide watermelons, apples, B1,B2 & C vitamins along with potassium & fiber benefits. When feeding fruits to your goldfish remember only feeding small quantities as overfeeding may cause digestive issues like bloat.
Carrots, spinach and zucchini are great non-fish options to add to the diet of your goldfish as a healthier alternative to fish flakes. Just be sure to cook any hard vegetables first for optimal results. Boiled peas provide another tasty treat which are high in antioxidant beta-carotene and may boost immunity as an immune booster for your goldfish.
Cucumber
Goldfish are omnivorous scavengers that consume both plant and animal matter to survive, such as aquatic plants, algae and bacteria for nutrition while feeding on insect larvae, zooplankton and tadpoles for protein sources.
Cucumbers make an excellent treat for goldfish that can help boost their immune systems and overall health. Packed full of antioxidant beta carotene, cucumber is packed with anti-oxidants which promote good health in goldfish. To feed it to them in your tank, just cut into pieces before dropping it in!
Kale is another highly nutritious addition for Goldfish to enjoy. Packed full of calcium and iron, folate, and vitamin C – not too mention delicious flavor – this leafy green can provide your Goldfish with plenty of health benefits! Kale can either be served boiled or cut up into bite-size pieces so it doesn’t overwhelm their digestive tracts.
Insects
Goldfish fishes in their natural environment are omnivorous scavengers that feed on plant material, insects, algae and even small crustaceans; in an aquarium setting however, goldfish will nibble away at plant leaves as well.
As well as feeding your goldfish flakes and pellets designed specifically for them, try offering them peas (without their shells) boiled vegetables and bloodworms as treats to mix up their diet and increase nutrition. Just be sure to offer these in small doses every few minutes so they don’t become overfed and cause an aquarium overfeed.
Avoid feeding your goldfish bread as this expands in their stomach and may lead to constipation. Furthermore, mammalian fats will cause them to experience bloating which will make their condition worse.
Aquatic Plants
Goldfish are omnivorous fish that feed on various plant matter in their natural environment. However, to effectively excrete waste from their bodies and prevent Swim Bladder Disorder from developing, sufficient fiber must be included in their diet. You can feed green peas to your Goldfish to provide them with enough fiber – just be sure that you soften them beforehand to prevent digestive upset!
Pet stores sell food designed specifically for Goldfish that meets their nutritional requirements, from liquid, granular and flaky types. You should ensure you give your Goldfish balanced meals twice per day without overfeeding as any uneaten food could pollute aquarium water.
