Can You Feed a Betta Fish People Food: Do’s and Don’ts

Betta fish are small, colorful fish that can be found in many aquariums. They are popular as pets because they are easy to care for and make good companions. Betta fish eat small insects, so they can be fed a variety of food items. Some people feed their bettas human food, while others feed them flakes or pellets made for fish.

Feeding your betta fish people food depends on a few factors, including the age, size, and health of your betta fish. Generally speaking, if your betta fish is healthy and eating properly from their natural diet of live or frozen foods, then you don’t need to feed them people food. However, if your betta fish is not eating well or appears to be sick, then you may want to try feeding them small amounts of human food as a supplemental diet.

The blue betta fish in the tank. The blue fighting fish in the water.

What Do Betta Fish Normally Eat?

Betta fish are usually fed small pellets or flakes made of meat, vegetables, and sometimes a vitamin supplement. Some people also give their bettas live food such as small shrimp or worms.

Live Food

If you decide to give your betta fish live food, be sure to store it properly. Store live food in a container that is airtight and has enough room for the fish to move around. You should also change the water regularly while your betta is feeding on live food since bacteria can form if water or fertilizer is left in the tank too long.

Frozen Food

If you give your betta fish frozen food, be sure to thaw it slowly. Do not over-thaw the food, or it will become mushy and difficult for your fish to eat. Feed frozen food as a supplement only; do not feed it as the main source of their diet. Betta fish can live on a diet made mostly of freeze-dried foods, but these meals should also include fresh vegetables and fruits.

Betta Pellets or Fish Flakes

Betta fish are a popular pet, but they can get lonely if they’re not fed regularly. You can give your betta pellets or flakes as a regular snack, but be sure to vary the food so that your fish doesn’t get bored.

Vegetables or Fruits

Although betta fish are typically fed pellets or flakes, they can also be given vegetables and fruits as a regular diet. Be sure to fill their tank with fresh water every day to keep them hydrated.

Peas

Betta fish are tropical fish that can be fed a variety of foods, but they are especially fond of peas as long as you don’t overfeed them. Only feed your betta fish peas once a week. Peas are a good source of protein and fiber, which can help keep your betta healthy.

Human Food That Bettas Can Eat

There are a few human foods that you can feed a betta fish. Some of these foods include pellets, flakes, freeze-dried food, and live food. Peas are the most common type of human food fed to bettas, but they should not make up the majority of their diet.

Boiled Peas

Some people recommend feeding Bettas boiled peas because they are low in fat and protein, which makes them a good choice for a diet for young or sick bettas. However, boiling peas can be dangerous for the fish if they get into the water containing the steam from the pot. If you choose to feed your betta boiled peas, make sure they are cooked thoroughly so they do not contain any harmful toxins.

Spinach

Betta fish are an interesting pet choice because they can be fed a variety of food items, including spinach. However, it is important to note that some types of spinach may not be safe for betta fish to eat. If you are unsure whether or not your spinach is safe for your betta fish, it is best to consult a vet before feeding them any type of food.

Chicken

Some people feed their betta fish chicken as a regular diet. Chicken is a good source of protein and contains few harmful toxins. However, feeding your betta chicken should only be used as a supplemental food because it can quickly become the fish’s primary food source. If you choose to give your betta chicken as their primary food, make sure they get enough other types of nutrition also so they don’t develop any health problems.

Sweet Corn

Some people claim their betta fish love the taste of corn. As long as you feed your betta plenty of variety, they should be just fine on a “sweet corny” diet! Make sure that any sweet corn you give them is no longer in its husk because some types may contain harmful toxins.

Cucumbers

Some people feed their betta fish cucumbers as a regular diet because they are low in calories and high in water content. Unlike some of the other foods on this list, cucumbers do not contain any harmful toxins. However, feeding your betta cucumbers should only be used as supplemental food because it can quickly become the fish’s primary food source.

Lettuce

Lettuce leaves have a high water content, but the majority of them are not liquid. As such, your betta fish may not be able to eat lettuce in its whole form due to the size and shape of their mouth or because they are too small for adult bettas. However, tucking lettuce into strips and submerging them inside food pellets that you fill out with water should work just fine so long as your betta finds the lettuce tasty and nutritious, without making him sick.

Crackers

Crackers are high in sugar and can be damaging to your fish’s health if fed on a daily basis. It is best to only give your betta crackers as supplemental food.

Mangoes

Mangoes are a type of fruit that can be fed to betta fish. Betta fish enjoy eating mangos because they contain a high level of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for betta fish because it helps them to form their scales and teeth.

Human Food That Bettas Can’t Eat

There are a few human foods that you must never give to a betta fish. These foods can cause major health problems for your fish, and may even kill them. Some of these foods include:

  • Chips
  • Gummy bears
  • Popcorn
  • Cheetos
  • Fruit loops
  • Citrus Fruits
aquarium with betta splendens fish, home aquarium maintenance

Feeding Tips for Betta Fish

Betta fish are tropical fish that enjoy live foods such as worms, small insects, and even small pieces of meat. They are not typically considered “carnivorous” fish, but they will eat small amounts of meat if offered. Some people recommend offering a variety of live foods to a betta fish to keep them interested and healthy.

Don’t Overfeed Your Betta Fish

Overfeeding your betta fish will lead to obesity and health problems, so be careful not to give them too much food. Feed your betta fish once per day, and make sure the food is small enough for them to eat in one sitting.

Make a Feeding Schedule

Betta fish are obligate carnivores and require a diet of meat to thrive. A feeding schedule for betta fish should include a variety of meaty items, such as small shrimp, small fish, and crickets. Feeding your betta on a regular schedule will help ensure they have the nutrients they need to live healthy lives.

Do Not Give Too Much Human Food

Betta fish are carnivorous and require live, fresh food. Feeding your betta fish people food can lead to health problems including obesity and malnutrition. If you want to feed your betta fish people food, try offering them small pieces of fresh meat or vegetables that they can eat in front of the aquarium or on a small piece of paper placed in the tank.