Can Betta Fish Eat Fruits?

Wondering whether betta fish can eat fruits?

Feeding betta fruits is an unhealthy practice. It does not match its natural dietary profile. That means eating fruits in excess could make them sick.

Let’s deep dive into this topic to learn more about its eating habits.

Fish Talk: Can Betta Fish Eat Fruits?

Betta fish may like fruits, but they are not part of its natural diet.

According to National Geographic, betta fish can eat meat (such as brine shrimp and live larvae).

Along with other freeze-dried or frozen variety that appeals to their carnivorous diet. Fruits and any plant-based food item are not on this list.

That makes fruits an unhealthy and non-essential addition to your pet’s food plan.

There is a probability that this question has come to your mind because you’re out of fish food.

Just know that your Betta can go without food for a few days, so no need to panic and feed them fruits in the meantime.

Other reasons for avoiding fruits include:

Reaction to an Unnatural Diet

Fruits contain bioactive compounds and fiber. These components, along with preservatives and insecticides sprayed during cultivation, are harmful.

Daily consumption of a fruit-based diet harms their health. It can result in an upset stomach, constipation, and diarrhea.

Its digestive tract might also react to highly acidic fruits—namely, citrus varieties (i.e., orange, lemon, and lime).

Including them in the diet can be fatal or your betta fish.

The Unbalanced pH Levels

Like most fishes, bettas are sensitive to their environment. The slightest change in their tank can alarm these freshwater- dwellers.

The presence of acidic or alkaline fruits can offset their atmosphere. That may cause them to fall ill or get temperamental.

Thus, avoiding fruits is a better option for betta fish owners.

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.

There is a simple way to know if your pet fish will eat fruit.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Drop a tiny slice of fruit in the fish tank.
  2. Wait for 2 minutes to see if your betta takes the bait.
  3. Add another slice if your betta eats the fruit.
  4. Scoop the untouched fruit out before it rots.

If your betta fish has a sweet tooth, it will enjoy fruits as an occasional treat.

Feed it once every alternate week to add variety to its meals. On regular days, stick to its natural diet.

Even if your betta fish eats the fruit, remember that it’s not part of their natural diet. So, do your fish a favor and stick to their recommended diet.

Betta Fish Feeding Guide: The 3 Golden Rules

Betta fish are picky eaters and stubborn pets. These characteristics make feeding time a hassle for new pet owners.

Luckily, we have a few tips and tricks that help you set a healthy feeding routine.

Here is what you need to do:

Select the Right Food

We have already discussed that bettas are carnivores. That means they require a high-protein diet revolving around meaty meals.

Top betta food choices include:

  • Insects and larvae
  • Frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms
  • Live brine shrimp
  • Krill
  • Daphnia

You can usually find some of this food in freeze-fried form or frozen cubes. Keep a sufficient stock to ensure your betta does not go hungry.

Can betta fish eat regular fish food?

Yes, bettas can eat fish pellets.

Whenever you buy pellets, consider their nutritional value.

Your best bet is premium brands that sell betta-friendly pellets. Feeding your pet fish low-quality pellets could result in dietary problems.

What’s more?

Remember that betta fish don’t prefer sunken food. It is why you should get floating pellets for their meals.

You must select high-quality brands that make betta-friendly food. Also, only pick flaky pellets with high-protein content. Also, create a varied diet plan to keep things exciting for the fish.

Pro tip: Live bloodworms and brine shrimp are suitable for treats. If your betta gets used to eating them daily, they might not eat anything else. Diversifying their feeding schedule is an excellent way to make sure that does not happen.

Avoid Overfeeding Betta Fish

Overfeeding is a cardinal sin for fish owners.

Betta fish have sensitive stomachs that make this mistake fatal for your o poor pet.

How to know you overfed your betta fish?

Look out for swollen bellies, rejection of food, and an upset stomach. These are three common signs of an overfed betta fish.

They also swim slowly and get lethargic after overeating.

If you see no change in your betta fish, you can check their water tanks.

Most aquariums will have sunken food, low pH, and cloudy water. These changes are a result of uneaten food.

Maintain a Regular Feeding Schedule

Feed your betta fish regularly.

2-3 feedings per day are sufficient for most betta fishes. You should feed them a limited quantity between intervals to manage their diet.

How much food should you give them?

A healthy betta fish would eat 3-4 worms or pellets per feeding. Do adjust the quantity according to its size and appetite.

If you feed your fish more than once, give them 1-2 pellets/worms.

Otherwise, they might overeat.

Other feeding tips include:

  • Soaking dry pellets to prevent them from expanding inside the betta fish’s stomach.
  • Cleaning their fish tank regularly.
  • Changing the water of their fish tank weekly.
  • Scooping out uneaten food before it rots.

Pro-tip: A betta fish’s stomach is approximately the size of its eyeball. That means three to four pellets per betta fish in the tank.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Feed Your Betta?

As a beginner, you might have a gazillion other questions in mind. We answer some of the frequently asked food queries.

That way, you can learn more about betta fish and their eating habits.

Let’s have a look.

Why Is My Betta Fish Not Eating?

Betta fish have a mind of their own. Sometimes they will turn down food because they are not hungry.

Other times they will show disinterest because they don’t like your offering. Change their diet plan to see if their appetite returns.

However, do track their eating schedule and reactions properly. If they continually reject the food, there is a cause for concern.

Common reasons for a small appetite include:

  • A slight change in the environment (or water parameters) that causes distress.
  • An upset stomach.
  • Underlying health problems.

For the first cause, you can recheck the water parameters. Try regulating the temperature and pH conditions.

If it is a health issue, you must take your betta fish to the vet. Otherwise, its condition worsens.

Can Betta Fish Fast (Go Without Food)?

Yes, betta fish can survive without food for up to 14 days.

Many fish parents use this to their advantage. They make their fish fast for a day after every two weeks.

Benefits of this practice include:

  1. Natural cleansing of their digestive tract
  2. Limited risk of constipation
  3. Fewer chances of overfeeding

It is a DIY health hack that often goes a long way.

Why Is My Betta Fish Spitting Food?

Typically, betta fish spit food because they can’t swallow their food. It is a natural reaction to their feed.

Sometimes they spit food to soften it and make them smaller.

As an owner, you should always check the pellet size. Also, slice the live feed into small chunks to prevent choking.

Can Betta Fish Eat Human Food?

Nope.

Betta fish can get sick if you feed them too much human food. Its body eats bloated when it eats bread, buns, or other baked goods.

Likewise, crisps, oily meals, and saturated fats are off the table.

Some owners recommend feeding it boiled vegetables. These include peas, lettuce, and other green vegetables.

If you opt for those, keep their quantity to a minimum. Also, do not overfeed them.

Our concerns with vegetables are similar to those with fruits.

You never know where these fruits have been and what sort of pesticides they were exposed to. That is why including them in the diet is always a risk.

However, choosing them as temporary substitutes is okay.

Can Betta Fish Eat Meat or Poultry?

Nope again.

Even though they are carnivores, feeding beef, mutton, or chicken is not a wise decision. It doesn’t provide your fish with the required nutritional value.

Plus, they might get sick after eating cured meat or poultry that got exposed to harmful insecticides.

The key is to feed betta fish food found in their natural habitat.

Final Thoughts

In the end, your betta fish might eat some sweet fruits when given. Their eagerness doesn’t make this practice suitable for a daily meal plan.

They have sensitive digestive tracts, and specific nutritional requirements remain unfulfilled when you try experimental diets.

Instead, focus on their natural diet and provide them with live larvae for occasional treats.

Also, make sure to follow our feeding instructions to keep your fish healthy and happy.

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