INSECT LARVAE Mosquito larvae, which are lower on the food chain and offer an energy-packed meal, are a preferred meal.   TINY WORMS Bloodworms and other worms are rich sources of nutrients for Betta Fish.   MICROSCOPIC CRUSTACEANS Water fleas (Daphnia) and brine shrimp ar some tiny crustaceans Bettas like to feed on.   SMALL INSECTS Any unfortunate insect that lands on the water becomes a potential meal.

IN CAPTIVITY

While Betta fish are known to be voracious eaters in the wild, their tank-bound friends have a slightly different diet. A varied diet is key to keeping your Betta healthy and happy, containing the right balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. A good quality pellet food should make up the bulk of their diet, with frozen or live foods offered as treats.

FOOD OPTIONS FOR YOUR BETTA FISH

PELLETS

These are the go-to food for Betta fish and come in all sorts of sizes and ingredients. It’s important to pick high-quality pellets made just for Bettas since they pack all the nutrients they need. Look for ones with protein as the first ingredient, and steer clear of fillers like wheat or corn. Attison’s Betta Pro and Fluval Bug Bites are favorites in the Betta community.

FLAKES

Though flakes might seem like an easy feeding choice, they’re not the best for Bettas. They usually have fewer nutrients and can lead to bloating or constipation in your fish if given too much.

FREEZE-DRIED FOODS

Bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp make awesome occasional treats for your Betta. Just be sure to rehydrate them before feeding to keep everything running smoothly. Think of them like candy—once or twice a week is just right!

LIVE FOODS

Live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia add some extra protein and variety to their diet. You can treat your Betta to these tasty snacks 2-3 times a week, just be sure to only offer as much as they can munch on in 2-3 minutes.

FROZEN FOODS

Frozen foods like mosquito larvae or tubifex worms provide a handy alternative to live foods. Plus, they’re less likely to bring along parasites or bacteria that could harm your fish. You can treat your fish to these tasty bites once or twice a week—just remember to thaw them first!

THE BENEFITS OF A VARIED DIET

FISH HEALTH

• Health and Longevity: Just like with humans, giving your Betta fish a varied diet helps them get all the necessary nutrients, boosting their overall health and helping them live longer.
  
• Immunity: Offering a variety of foods strengthens your Betta’s immune system, making them more resistant to diseases and infections.
  
• Better Digestion: Providing a mix of different foods can support good digestion and help prevent constipation, which is a common issue for Betta fish.
  
• Cleaner Tank: Mixing up their meals can reduce waste, keeping the tank tidier and lowering the risk of harmful bacteria.
  
• Vibrant Colors: A well-balanced diet can bring out your Betta’s natural colors, making them even more vibrant and eye-catching!

FISH BEHAVIOUR

Feeding your Betta a balanced diet isn’t just about keeping them in tip-top shape; it’s also about keeping them happy! Just like us, Betta fish can get bored of eating the same thing every day. Mixing up their diet can stimulate their natural instincts and keep them entertained.

• Foraging: Bettas are naturally curious creatures! In the wild, they need to search for food, so giving them a variety of food options lets them enjoy their natural behavior.
  
• Mental Stimulation: Switching up their meals keeps things fun for your Betta and stops them getting bored!
  
• The Thrill of The Hunt: Live prey stimulates your Betta’s hunting instincts. Your Betta will love the thrill of the chase!
  
• Happiness: A happy Betta is a healthy Betta! Providing a varied diet can improve your fish’s overall mood and well-being.

FOODS TO AVOID

FLAKE FOOD

It’s best to steer clear of feeding your Betta flakes. While they’re popular for many fish, flakes aren’t the best choice for bettas. They can expand in a betta’s stomach, causing digestive troubles and swim bladder issues. Instead, treat your bettas to premium pellets or high-quality frozen meals made just for them!

LIVE BLOODWORMS

Be careful when feeding live bloodworms to your Betta! While many Bettas love the excitement of catching them, bloodworms can sometimes carry harmful bacteria and parasites. It’s usually safer to go with commercially prepared frozen or freeze-dried foods, which have a lower risk of contamination.

FEEDING BLOCKS

Feeding blocks can be convenient, especially if you’re going away for a few days. But they aren’t the best option for Betta fish. These blocks are usually made with compressed food that causes digestive issues and water quality problems. It’s best to stick to feeding your bettas their regular meals or have a trusted friend or family member feed them while you’re away. Otherwise, Bettas can happily go without food for up to 7 days. Fasting them won’t do them harm!

HOW MUCH SHOULD I FEED MY BETTA?

DANGER OF OVERFEEDING

When Betta fish have limited food options, they’ll eat whatever’s available and can quickly become chubby. This may lead to issues like swim bladder disease, affecting their ability to swim smoothly. Feeding them too much not only adds toxins to the tank but also creates a welcoming environment for harmful microorganisms.   Feeding your betta just the right amount is key to keeping their home healthy! Overfeeding can upset your water parameters, as leftover food breaks down and releases toxins, raising ammonia levels and lowering oxygen. By managing their diet, you create a safe and happy environment for your finned friend!

FEEDING SCHEDULE AND PORTION SIZES

Knowing what to feed your Betta fish is only half the battle. Establishing a proper feeding schedule and portion control is crucial for their long-term health. Here’s a guide to navigating mealtimes.

FEEDING FREQUENCY

Unlike many fish that are always munching away, betta fish have a stomach the size of their eyeball. So, how often should you feed these little guys?

• Twice a Day is Ideal: Feeding your Betta fish twice per day is recommended, according to all the experts. This technique imitates the way they normally hunt, and prevents overeating.
  
• Once a Day option: Feeding your Betta fish once a day is also perfectly fine and common among Betta owners.
  
• Three Times a Day Option: If they are at home most of the time, turn their meals into smaller portions by splitting them into three servings per day. But make sure there’s enough time between your meals to allow proper digestion.

PORTION PATROL: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Bettas are naturally greedy, and their constant begging for food can make it challenging to figure out how much is enough. Feeding them too much can lead to health issues, like swim bladder disease. This happens a lot when they gulp air while eating too fast.

Here are a couple tips for portion control:

• The Eyeball Rule: It’s hard to say exactly how much you should feed your betta because it depends on the size of your fish, but a good rule of thumb is to feed them the amount that can fits the size of their eyeball. That way, you won’t overfeed them.
  
• Two Minute Rule: Another easy method for measuring portions is the two-minute rule. Feed your Betta for two minutes and then stop. If they are still interested after those two minutes, add a little more food and continue until they lose interest.
  
• Fasting: Also, it is a great idea to let your Bettas fast once or twice a week. This gives them a chance to let their digestive system take a break and helps prevent constipation.