what to feed betta fish when out of food

Here’s a quick recap on what you should feed your betta fish:

• Betta fish pellets (the main part of the diet)
• Betta fish flakes (if your fish eats those, most betta fish aren’t fans and prefer pellets)
• Freeze-dried foods (e.g., brine shrimp, blood worms)
• Frozen foods (as an occasional treat)
• Live foods (if you want to grow your own)

Full Answer

How much food should I Feed my betta fish?

What do betta fish eat?

• Betta pellets or flake food. It’s not a bad idea to feed bettas pellets, but most tend to be picky when it comes to fish flakes. ...
• Live and frozen food. If you’re new to fish keeping, aquatic life forms are known to thrive on a diet of living or frozen foods.
• Freeze-dried betta food. ...

What food we should give to Betta fish?

What human food can Bettas eat?

1. Lettuce. Lettuce or any green leafy vegetable can be a good human food for Bettas. ...
2. Spinach. While it fits the “green leaf vegetables” category, I wanted to write about spinach in particular because it is actually pretty nutritious for a Betta, having lots of ...
3. Cucumber. ...
4. Apples. ...
5. Peas. ...
6. Fish and seafood. ...
7. Courgette / Zucchini. ...
8. Broccoli. ...

How much/ often should I feed betta fish?

What Do Betta Fish Eat?

• Flakes and Pellets. These are the most inexpensive options for feeding your betta fish. ...
• Freeze Dried Foods. Freeze dried food is sterile and requires no special instructions prior to feeding. ...
• Frozen Fresh Foods. Frozen fresh foods are most often mosquito larvae, mysis shrimp, blood worms, brine shrimp, or Tubifex worms. ...
• Live Foods. ...

What is the best care for a betta fish?

• Pellets or flakes? Either will work when you’re wondering how to take care of a betta. ...
• Protein content. Bettas are carnivorous fish, so their food needs to be primarily meat-based. ...
• Use treats sparingly. Your Betta is an intelligent fish and will get bored with his standard diet of pellets or flakes. ...

How many days a betta fish can go without food?

Betta fish can survive up to 10 days without food, however, this is not recommended! It is possible they may even survive a few more days than this, however, this is merely surviving and you are actually slowly starving your betta fish which can cause them to die easily.

Can a betta survive a day without food?

As we've just mentioned, betta fish can survive between 10-14 days without food. However, there are some major factors you should consider before leaving your betta fish unattended for such a long period of time.

What kind of food can betta fish eat?

Betta Fish typically shouldn't be fed fruits and vegetables since their diet must be 75-90 percent protein. High-protein freeze-dried, and frozen meals can be provided to your betta fish as special treats, but the bulk of their diet should consist of pellets or flakes made specifically for betta nutrition.

Can I feed betta fish rice?

Bread consists of carbohydrates and holds no nutritional value for betta fish since betta fish are carnivores. Avoid giving bread or other carbohydrates like rice and pasta to your betta fish.

Can betta fish go 2 weeks without food?

If it can be avoided, you are advised not to try this out; although your betta fish can survive without food for two weeks, going without food for that length of time starts to deplete their fat reserves, which might result in stress and other health complications for your betta fish.

Why does my betta fish stay at the bottom of the tank?

Believe it or not, Betta fish sleep just like any other animal! They actually follow the same general sleep rhythm as humans. They like to rest at night and stay active during the day. If they don't get enough sleep at night, you might find them snoozing at the bottom of the tank!

Can I feed my betta fish bread?

Yes, betta fish can eat bread, but you should not feed it regularly. They might like to nibble on breadcrumbs and tiny crackers if you throw it their way. However, their love for bread is not healthy. Excessive consumption could lead to dietary problems and health risks.

Can I feed my betta banana?

Can Betta Fish Eat Fruits as Treats? Yes, some bettas might eat bananas or mangoes. These fruits are safer than citrusy fruits because they are soft, sweet, and less acidic.

How do you make betta fish food?

Fill a cup with 4 ounces of distilled water. Add a tablespoon of chick-pea flour or any other finely ground legume. Mix in 2 tablespoons of powdered yeast and 3 tablespoons of powdered egg. Mix the contents vigorously with a spoon or finger until the mixture is even.

Can I feed my betta fish chicken?

Betta fish can eat chicken in very small amounts, but since that is not their natural diet, it is not recommended. Though betta fish are carnivores and as such, need a lot of protein in their diets, it is best provided through natural live baits, such as brine shrimp, white worms, and blood worms.

Can bettas eat lettuce?

Yes, Betta fish can eat a little bit of lettuce and other vegetables. Lettuce, in particular, is an excellent source of nutrients for a betta. Not only does it contain a lot of vitamins, but bettas can easily digest them, too.

Can I feed my betta shrimp?

If you're feeding your betta brine shrimp, it's often best to supplement their diet with them about 2 or 3 times a week. This way, you can still provide them with all the nutrition they need, but you can also make sure they're enjoying brine shrimp frequently!

What is the best food for a betta fish?

Ranked in order, the best betta food is live, frozen, freeze-dried, pellets, and flakes. Feeding a variety of different foods will provide the array of nutrients a betta fish needs to thrive. How much to feed your betta fish can depend on their individual activity level, but 2-3 pellets 1-2 times daily is a safe amount.

Why won't my betta fish eat?

If your betta fish won’t eat or seems completely uninterested in food don’t worry. A lack of appetite may mean that they are not hungry or have recently undergone some type of stress (e.g. tank cleaning, new home, abrupt water temperature changes).

Why do betta fish overeat?

Overfeeding and overeating can lead to constipation, bloating, obesity (that’s right betta fish can get fat), swim bladder problems, contracting diseases because of the bacteria feeding on the excess food breaking down, and even death.

Why do betta keepers feed pellets?

Most betta keepers decide to feed pellets because they are simple and effective. Pellets create less mess and you can easily portion them out for feedings. Live, freeze-dried, or frozen foods can be used as treats or implemented into their daily feeding routine too.

What is the nutritional value of a betta fish?

Providing the best nutritional value focuses on a betta’s need of protein, fat, fiber, phosphorus, carbohydrates, calcium, and vitamins (A, D3, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, H, M).  Make sure your betta food is natural and contains protein as the first ingredient. Do not purchase or feed flakes made for goldfish or other tropical fish.

Why is my betta fish not eating?

If your betta isn’t eating it may also be a sign of illness. Just like when we are sick, betta fish also won’t have big appetites while they are ill. Make sure to monitor for signs of illness and disease, and initiate the proper treatments as soon as possible.

What is brine shrimp?

Brine shrimp are an aquatic crustacean that betta fish love. The photo above is zoomed in, from the University of Utah, they only grow up to 1 centimeter as adults. Brine shrimp are packed with the nutritional needs that betta fish need to thrive on (proteins, vitamins, and amino acids), and they’re easy to raise too.

What Food is Best for Your Betta?

The best food for your Betta is one that replicates their natural diet in the wild. Luckily, you can find meat-based fish food suitable for Bettas at pet food outlets.

How Often Should You Feed a Betta Fish?

You should feed your Betta fish twice per day, once in the morning and again in the evening . This is enough to keep your Betta happy and well-nourished, as long as you provide the right foods.

What Happens If You Underfeed Your Betta Fish?

Betta fish can survive for 2 weeks without food, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not at risk of being underfed. If you give your Betta too little of the nutritious food it needs, the following problems may occur:

What do betta fry eat?

Betta Fry should be fed live food such as baby brine shrimps, mosquito larvae, micro worms, and daphnia. As they grow into young Bettas, you can introduce other fish foods such as pellets.

Why are my betta fish pale?

Bettas that don’t receive enough food eventually lose their color and appear pale. This is a sign that you need to boost your Betta fish feeding routine.

Why do bettas float in the water?

Constipation in Bettas may lead to swim bladder disorder. This condition makes it hard for your fish to balance in the water. Due to this, they may prefer to remain at the bottom of the tank or float near the surface of the water.

How to tell if a betta is constipated?

A constipated Betta will show signs such as bloating, spine curvature, bulged eyes, and stringy poop. Constipation can be dangerous to a Betta and may lead to death if not addressed promptly. If your fish is constipated, put them on a fast for a couple of days or more, depending on the severity of their condition.

How to keep betta fish from overeating?

To prevent your betta fish from overeating, only feed your betta fish the recommended daily amount. Clean out excess food regularly with a net or a turkey baster. Some experts also recommend not feeding your betta fish for 1 day per week to allow their digestive system time to catch up. Pagination. 1.

How much does it cost to feed a betta fish?

Cost of feeding a betta fish. The cost of betta fish pellets and freeze-dried food can vary greatly by brand. Expect to pay between 4 and 8 dollars for a container of betta fish pellets. Your pet supplier may provide options for buying food in bulk.

What are betta pellets?

Actual betta pellets and flakes contain the correct level of nutrients for your betta fish. They are easy to portion to protect your fish from over and underfeeding. As special treats, your betta fish can enjoy high protein freeze-dried and frozen foods. These are things like brine shrimp and bloodworms.

How long can a betta fish live without eating?

What to do if your betta fish will not eat. Betta fish can survive for 14 days without eating. If your betta fish skips a meal or two, there is no need for immediate concern.

What happens if a betta fish doesn't eat?

Finally, as betta fish age, they will become less active and consume less food. If your betta fish still will not eat, they may be ill.

What is a betta fish?

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish , are known for their bright colors and beautiful fins. It’s important to provide your betta fish with a diet and environment suited to their needs. These are different from the needs of other common household fish.

Why is my betta fish not eating?

There are several reasons why your betta fish may not be eating. Stress from a recent water temperature change, tank cleaning, or significant environmental change, may cause a change in your betta fish's appetite as they adjust. The ideal water temperature for a betta fish is between 71 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Else Do I Need to Consider Before I Leave My Betta Fish?

Feeding your betta fish isn’t the only thing you need to take care of before leaving. Here are some other things you may want to maintain.

How long can a betta fish go without food?

Don’t worry. You’re not going to starve your fish to death. As a betta fish owner, you must already know that betta fish can go without food for almost two weeks.

What temperature should betta fish be?

The ideal temperature for betta fish is 76-81 °F. They shouldn’t be exposed to sudden changes to avoid stress and diseases.

Why do sitters overfeed fish?

Some sitters may overfeed the fish because they still look hungry after feeding them.

How to control canopy light in fish tank?

Just don’t leave them in a dark spot where they don’t get any light. Use a fish tank light timer to control your tank canopy light and set the on/off schedule.

How long can you feed a fish?

Some automatic feeders can be used to feed your fish for up to six weeks.

Can you feed betta fish while away?

You can go for one of these ways to feed your betta fish while you’re away. We’ll walk you through each one and show you their pros and cons.

What to feed a betta if he doesn't eat it?

First choice I would say to just get more food. But, if you're desperate.. You can give the betta little bits of food like raw shrimp or worms you find, but very little, and if he doesn't eat it, remove the pieces. Tuna fish, little bits of fish fillet, you can try soft vegetables like a cut pea..

What do bettas eat?

Tuna fish, little bits of fish fillet, you can try soft vegetables like a cut pea.. In their native habitat Bettas eat mostly insect larva. If you have any containers outside with standing water in them check for mosquito larva - Bettas love them. For my crown tail betta, once a month I feed him a pea, just for variety.

How long can a betta go without food?

Bettas can last a week or more without food, but try to get your food as fast as you can. For subsitute meals, I recommend peas, our misquito larvae

How often should I feed my crown tail betta?

For my crown tail betta, once a month I feed him a pea, just for variety. Boil it first. Remember to remove the shell and cut the middle up into really fine flake (it will expand considerably when dropped into the water.)

What Does Your Fish Need to Eat?

Do you have an herbivore? Is your fish a carnivore? Or maybe your fish is an omnivore. It is important to know your fish’s dietary needs before you feed them!

What vegetables can fish eat?

Vegetables, especially green, leafy vegetables, are a fish favorite. Cut lettuce and spinach into tiny pieces so that your fish can eat them easily. Try boiling or blanching the vegetables beforehand to make them easier to digest.

What Can Different Types of Fish Eat?

Goldfish are omnivores. In the wild, they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, insects, and small fish . If you are out of fish food, try feeding your goldfish small pieces of white fish and vegetables, like peas, zucchini, or spinach.

What Foods Should I Not Feed to My Fish?

Bread will cause bloating, lethargy, and discomfort for your fish. In fact, bread could even kill the fish. It will also disintegrate in your tank, leaving a big mess.

How Often Should I Feed My Fish?

Your aquarium life can survive without food for longer than you realize. If you will not be able to get to the store for a day, your fish will most likely be just fine.

What do carnivorous fish eat?

Carnivorous fish normally eat other fish in the wild. Most fish have a hard time processing fat, so stick with low-fat, or fat-free fish, such as tilapia. Dice the food into small pieces for your fish.

Can cats eat fish food?

Dog and cat food is formulated for our furry pets, not fish! It is usually high in fat, and difficult for fish to digest. They may enjoy eating it, but it will damage their digestive tracts in the long run.

How to overcome betta worms?

A good way to overcome this is to use a pillbox to ration out his food. If you do this, then they can only give him so much a day. If you don’t want to use a pillbox then make sure they know how important it is that they don’t overfeed your betta.

Why is my betta tank so hungry?

Your tank just ends up with too much food being released at once causing pollution. Or not enough food being released which means your betta spends a lot of time going hungry. On top of this, a lot of the feeders don’t have the required nutrients your betta is going to need in them.

How many betta tank mates are there?

So check out the Ultimate Betta Tank Mate Guide where you’ll learn about 68 different tank mates that can live with your betta, as well as fish to avoid. You’ll also learn how to create the perfect environment for mates, how to introduce tank mates and much more! So check it out!

How long can you leave fish with you?

While this option isn’t as common anymore there’s no harm in asking. Some pet stores allow you to leave your fish with them for a couple of weeks if you’re going on holiday (for a price of course).

Can you add feeder fish to a larger tank?

If you want to add feeder fish, it’s best off only doing it if you have a larger tank . If you’re keeping your betta in anything smaller than 10 gallons and the feeder fish grow to full size, then the bioload will be too much for a smaller tank.

Can you feed a betta fish?

As you can see there are a lot of great methods you can use for feeding your betta fish (and some that you can use as a last resort). Ideally, you should find a friend, neighbour or family member that will look after your fish while you’re away. And if you’re only going away for a couple of days then don’t be afraid to fast your betta.

Can you leave betta fish in a pet store?

Lastly, if you really have to, try leaving your fish at a pet store or leave food blocks in your tank for them. Now that you know how to feed your betta while you’re on vacation you may think your jobs done. However, tank maintenance will still be required if you’re gone for longer periods of time.