Betta fish are shallow-water fishes that are native to Asia. You will find them in marshes, fields, ponds, and slow-moving streams.

They are naturally carnivorous, and, in the wild, they feed on zooplankton, crustaceans (small shrimps, daphnia), smaller fish species, bloodworms, and insects larvae.

They will also feed on water-bound insects.

Do not expect them to survive only on plants. Bettas are non-vegetarians.

Bettas can also feed on plants, but it is not their primary food. What they prefer are protein-rich meaty animals.

How often should you feed your betta?

Bettas have different appetites, and the best way to determine its food need would be to observe and understand the fish’s requirements.

It would be best if you fed them an assortment of nutrients to ensure their health. Feed with hours between intervals, giving them 2-5 pellets, insect larvae, fish, and other bits of food.

That’s it!

You can also keep a tab on your fish to determine the amount it needs and, it is crucial to monitor its food intake so that it does not overeat or eat too little.

Do not overfeed your fish. Bettas tend to eat anything. This means that you need to be careful with that, so it does not harm the fish.

Uneaten or waste materials settle at the bottom. It can result in the release of ammonia and nitrate, increasing to a toxic level.

If you are an aquarist who wants to keep bettas, you may need some ready and packed food.

Here’s your betta menu:

Fish Flakes

omega one flakes 7g
These are common food choices as they are simple to use and inexpensive. Yet, uneaten remains can be a nuisance. Remove the leftovers so that it does not pollute the water.

Ensure that your flakes have a high protein content and are not loaded with plant-based fillers instead.

Introduce flakes to your betta to see if it will eat the food. Bettas may avoid the flakes as it can appear like debris to them when it floats. If it does not like flakes, you will have to move on to the other food choices.

Pellets

ocean pellets
Whether you go for floating or sinking pellets based on your betta’s preference, these are good food options. Pellets can appear like larva or insects to betta, ensuring that they eat the pellets. Just be sure to check the ingredients and see that it is protein loaded. Pellets usually contain the meat of fish or shrimps.

Freeze-dried food

tetra bloodworms
These are usually treats. It includes fish, shrimps, and daphnias. They have lesser nutrient content and lack moisture.

Remember to rehydrate freeze-dried food in tank water before feeding them to your bettas.

These are good options to keep as they are free from harmful microorganisms that may inhabit live food and are storable for a long time.

Live and frozen food
Live foods are obvious favorites as they have the highest nutrient content. This option may have bad reviews because of the risk of food carrying diseases and pathogens.

Live foods can be cultured at home if you are concerned that your betta gets the best treatment. Fruit flies, fish, and shrimps are some food options for your culture.

Frozen foods are great options. Freezing removes harmful organisms that are present on live food.

Brine shrimp
These are saltwater crustaceans. The tiny eggs are hardy and remain dormant for a long time. You can culture them to hatch and grow.

Bloodworms
These are the larvae of midge flies and are treat foods for your betta. Bloodworms are nutrient-rich foods and can cause bloating or constipation with too much intake， read more on Aquarium Fish City(AFC).

Wingless fruit flies and mosquito larvae
These are easy to culture betta foods. A wingless fruit fly colony will provide a longtime food supply.

You can breed mosquito larvae in de-chlorinated, murky water. The eggs hatch and go underwater to grow. This is the larval stage, the stage for betta food.

Constipation:
Your fish can sometimes suffer from overfeeding, which can result in bloating and constipation.

It is best to regulate your betta’s food intake. But, if constipation does happen, blanched peas are remarkable cures.

Peas provide the fiber it needs to correct digestion.

Before feeding the pea, cool it, remove the cover, and feed half of the pea to your betta.

That is a simple cure, yet, it is best to avert harming bettas with too much or the wrong food.