Feeding pets can sometimes be a tricky task especially if your pet is a fish. Betta fish are in many ways specific and special and you have to adapt almost all living conditions to them. However, if you know what and how to feed them – keeping these pets full will not be a problem for you. So, right at the beginning to note, Betta fish feed twice a day. All veterinarians and experts recommend it.

Uninformed people tend to feed them too much. 

Either they give them one very, very large meal a day or they feed them abundantly and often. None of the options is correct, because Betta fish eat processed food, i.e. palletized food. When food comes in contact with water, it swells and thus makes the Betta fish full for a long time. 

For the same reason, it is not good to feed it often because it could be overfed or the water could become polluted from the food that remains in the aquarium. All these circumstances lead to the gastrointestinal problem of betta fish. However, it is always good, before you get a Betta fish for a pet to learn more about how to care for and feed these beautiful aquatic creatures.

What Do Betta Fish Eat?

Betta fish are carnivores. It means that their food must be predominantly protein. Never give your fish to eat crushed plants or food that is not exclusively intended for bettas. It could seriously harm them or even kill them. Buy betta fish food exclusively in specialized pet stores. 

Do not take them food for tropical fish, but only food intended specially for betta fish. Such pellets and flakes contain a precise ratio of proteins, minerals and other nutrients that do not harm the betta fish.

As a special treat from time to time you can give those frozen shrimp and bloodworms, which are also created as a special food for Betta fish. To avoid overeating, give them this only occasionally, a maximum of twice a week in small portions.

If there is excess food left in the aquarium after feeding, it is best to clean it immediately. Otherwise, it could contaminate the water, filters and the aquarium, and eventually damage the health of the betta fish. 

You can feed Betta fish from a specialized tank. It is important to install the tanks in the aquarium carefully following the instructions and to change them every six months.

How to Determine the Right Amount of Food?

Veterinarians and Betta fish experts recommend that you give them food that they can eat within two to five minutes. You will have to remove all the excess that ends up at the bottom of the aquarium because it creates a risk of infection. You can also determine the amount by giving them food the size of their eyeballs by a meal. Depending on the size of the pallet, because they are not always the same – it can be 2, 3 or more.

Betta fish feeding process

Why Do Betta Fish Sometimes Refuse Food?

Bettas are very sensitive to environmental changes. Almost anything that deviates from the conditions they are used to – creates stress for them. Whether it’s changing the water, lowering or increasing the water temperature, or changing the feeding routine – all of this can put a Betta fish in a state of stress.

It will take time for Betta to get used to it, especially if you move them to another aquarium or insert a new fish. Sometimes they are simply picky and don’t like the food, so they spit it out. In that case, try giving her food from another manufacturer. However, first and foremost make sure that the Betta fish has enough space in a fish tank. 

If you keep it in a small aquarium, where its space for swimming is very limited – it will probably not be in the mood for food. Betta fish can refuse food even when they are sick. If you suspect that this is the real reason – consult a veterinarian immediately.

What if the Betta Fish Eats Too Much?

If you feed it twice a day in carefully measured portions – this will not happen. Keep in mind that the life of betta fish in the wild is different from those that live in an aquarium. The survival instinct has survived, as needs food. However, conditions vary drastically. Generally, betta fish can survive without food for 14 days, but this possibility is welcome in the wild, where the chances of survival are difficult. 

There is less space in the aquarium and everything is managed by the owner of the betta fish. This means that if a Betta fish eats excessively, it is the owner’s fault. Too much food leads the fish to a lethargic mood, obesity and illness. Always keep the prescribed portions and take care of the hygiene of the aquarium. 

Since Betta fish feed on farmed food, some experts suggest that you do not feed it one day a week. That way, their digestive system will rest and manage to process all the food they have already eaten.

How Do I Feed Betta Fish Babies?

Like all babies, betta fish babies require foods rich in fats, proteins and minerals to grow healthy. This means that you should not feed them the same type of food as adult fish. Buy them special food for fish babies. It does not have to be exclusively for Betta fish. Feed them 3-5 times a day in very small amounts.  

Conclusion

Feeding Betta fish is not a complicated process. Once you establish the routine it becomes very easy. It is only important to buy the right food and not overfeed them. If something goes wrong, do not panic.  Observe how it behaves and in case Betta fish refuses food, apply our tips. 

Eventually, you will enjoy the process just like your fish friend.