An improper diet and overfeeding are the leading causes of illness in betta fish.
Without the nutrients for healthy digestion, betta fish suffer from swim bladder issues or constipation, which may be fatal.
Choosing the right food is often challenging, especially for new betta fish owners.
So, can bettas eat tropical flakes?
Betta fish can eat tropical flakes as long as they are formulated for carnivores and omnivores. Many topical fish flakes are plant-based, which is unsuitable for a betta fish diet. Tropical flakes also contain an excess of fillers, making them less healthy than other betta food options.
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Betta Fish Dietary Requirements
Betta fish are carnivores and need plenty of protein, essential nutrients, and amino acids to thrive.
In the wild, bettas feed on larvae and small live insects.
It is essential to mimic a betta’s natural diet in captivity and provide the nutrients your fish needs to stay healthy.
Bettas are carnivores, and an ideal diet must contain at least 30% protein and low carbohydrate content.
A high fiber and moisture content are also helpful for proper digestion.
Avoid betta fish foods with fillers. Fillers have no nutritional benefits and are usually made from plant-based ingredients.
The short digestive tract in bettas means they cannot process fillers like corn and wheat. This leads to bloating, swim bladder disease, and constipation, which is dangerous for betta fish.
Pay attention to the nutritional information on any food you plan to give to your betta.
Ensure the first couple of ingredients contain animal proteins. Also, watch for excessive amounts of carbohydrates and fats.
A varied, well-balanced diet is also vital for your betta’s health.
When you feed your betta the same food for every meal, the fish gets bored and may refuse to eat.
Supplement your betta’s staple diet with treats like bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp. The variety keeps things interesting.
You can find our list of betta fish treats here.
Problems With Feeding Bettas Tropical Fish Flakes
Tropical fish food flakes for bettas may seem like a good diet. But, many formulas lack adequate protein amounts.
If you choose to feed your betta tropical fish flakes, ensure they are for bettas.
Never feed your betta tropical fish flakes made from plant-based ingredients. It is unlikely for your betta to eat them, and plant-based foods lack the proper nutrition your fish needs.
Another issue with tropical fish flakes is their palatability to bettas. The texture and flavor of fish flakes are unappealing to some fish.
It depends on the individual fish, but many bettas are picky eaters and refuse to eat flake foods in favor of pellets.
One of the biggest problems with feeding your betta fish flakes is the mess they create.
Leftover tropical fish flakes are more difficult to remove than pellets.
Excess food left in the tank after your betta is finished eating sinks to the bottom. This food build-up causes water quality issues in the tank.
It is also easier to overfeed your betta with fish flakes. Overfeeding leads to more waste, causing ammonia and nitrate spikes in your water parameters.
Better Diet Alternatives for Your Betta Fish
Betta fish flakes are generally cheaper than other types of food. But there are more nutritious options available.
Always research betta foods to ensure they contain the proper nutrients your fish needs.
Remember to avoid unhealthy ingredients, such as:
- Plant-based ingredients
- Artificial colors
- Fillers (usually wheat and corn)
- High amounts of fat or carbohydrates
Expensive betta fish foods are not always the healthiest. Be mindful of nutrition labels to avoid the ingredients listed above.
Betta Fish Pellets
Betta fish pellets are available through local pet stores or online retailers.
Pellets are much easier to serve and remove than fish flakes.
On average, betta fish pellets also contain more protein and essential nutrients than flake foods.
Look for betta pellets with at least a 30% protein content. The first three ingredients should contain whole animal products.
Floating pellets are a good option because they stay on the surface longer before sinking to the bottom of the tank. This gives your betta fish more time to eat its meal.
Betta fish pellets swell after being exposed to water, so be aware of how many you feed to your fish.
Feeding too many pellets causes bloating and increases the risk of constipation.
Live and Frozen Betta Food
The healthiest food options for betta fish are live brine shrimp, bloodworms, and insect larvae.
Live foods are usually protein-rich, and you do not have to worry about unnecessary fillers.
Alternate live foods with high-quality pellets like these. Live foods should not be a staple food because they lack certain nutrients bettas need.
Pellets are too large for baby bettas, so fresh food is necessary. Live foods like daphnia, grindal worms, and mosquito larvae are small enough for baby bettas to eat.
A downside to living foods is the difficulty in handling and storage. For this reason, it is best not to buy too much live food at once.
Many live foods are available as frozen foods, which are easier to handle and store.
It is crucial to completely thaw frozen food before placing it in your betta tank. Defrosting frozen food prevents contaminated water from the packing juices.
Do not refreeze thawed foods, as this causes bacteria to form. You may store unused thawed foods in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
Always buy live or frozen betta food from a reputable source. Never feed your betta wild-caught insect larvae, worms, or other live foods.
Reliable food sources reduce the risk of parasite infestations or other diseases.
Freeze-Dried Betta Food
Freeze-dried foods are easier to feed your betta than live or frozen foods.
There are several freeze-dried betta fish foods available on the market. These options include bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
The freeze-drying process reduces the nutrient content compared to live or frozen foods. But storage and handling are less difficult.
You must soak the freeze-dried food in a cup of tank water before feeding it to your betta.
Soaking the food makes it easier for your betta to eat.
Since freeze-dried foods expand in water, soaking them prevents bloating and helps with digestion.
Freeze-dried betta foods are less prone to parasites because they do not survive the freeze-drying process.
Most freeze-dried foods have a shelf life of around six months with proper storage.
Keep freeze-dried foods in an airtight container. This prevents early spoilage from oxygen and moisture.
Store the container away from heat sources or place it in the refrigerator for better storage life.
Check out our guide on the best fish food for bettas to see the best options.
How Often To Feed Your Betta Fish
Betta fish are usually greedy eaters. Many bettas will eat as much food as you give them, even if they are full.
Overfeeding leads to serious health issues and could be fatal for your fish.
A betta’s stomach is about the same size as its eyes. It is easy to overfeed your betta if you are not careful with food portions.
How often you feed your betta depends on the fish’s appetite.
Some betta fish owners only feed their fish once per day, while others do two feedings.
We recommend feeding two smaller meals per day for healthy digestion.
Generally, your fish should eat a meal within 2-5 minutes. If food is left over after this time, you feed your betta too much.
Remove uneaten food immediately after feeding time to prevent water quality issues.
A healthy serving of food is two betta pellets per meal twice daily. Substitute live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods 1-2 times a week for variety.
Choose one day per week for fasting. This keeps your betta’s digestive system regular and reduces the risk of bloating and constipation issues.
A consistent feeding schedule is crucial to your betta’s health.
Feed your betta around the same time in the morning and evening, and always fast on the same day each week.
The Bottom Line on Fish Flakes
Betta fish can eat tropical flakes made especially for them, but healthier options are available.
HIgh-quality betta pellets usually contain higher amounts of protein and are not as messy.
Supplement your betta’s staple diet with live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods for added variety.
No matter what you feed your betta, avoid overfeeding.
Establish a regular feeding routine so your betta knows when to expect its next meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you feed your betta fish if you’re out of food?
If you run out of food for your betta, unseasoned chicken, turkey, and beef work in a pinch. Cook the meat by boiling it, and give your betta tiny pieces.
Avoid processed foods like deli meats or hot dogs. Human foods are not healthy for long-term feeding, but they will tide your betta over until you get more fish food.
What to do if your betta spits out food?
When your betta spits out its food, it usually means the pieces are too large to eat. Choose smaller pellets and break up larger foods like bloodworms before giving them to your betta.
Soak freeze-dried foods, so they are soft enough for your betta to eat. Stress or illness may be the underlying cause if your betta refuses to eat anything.
How long can a betta fish live without food?
Betta fish can survive for 10-14 days without food, which is very unhealthy for them. Not eating lowers your betta’s immune system and increases the risk of illness.
If you are going on vacation for more than a few days, ask a trusted friend or relative to feed your betta.
When my husband and I went on our honeymoon, I left my mom in charge of feeding by betta. When we got home, my betta tank was very dirty, with pellets all over the substrate.
Thankfully, my betta, Elvis, survived the ordeal, and I learned a valuable lesson. Provide your person with written feeding instructions to avoid coming home to a sick betta or a dirty tank.
