Female betta fish have an unfair reputation for being picky eaters. This is large because male bettas are commonly purchased and kept as pets, with a lot of preventative research conducted beforehand to ensure they won’t go hungry. Female bettas, on the other hand, aren’t usually kept as pets because they aren’t colorful or photogenic enough to be appealing to most owners. As a result, we hear much less about how finicky female betta fish for sale online are in terms of food. However, this doesn’t mean that female betta don’t prefer certain kinds of food over others – it just means that their needs haven’t been researched enough for us to know what those feeding preferences might be.
What Do Female Bettas Eat?
First and foremost, we need to get something straight – female Bettas do not eat male Bettas! They don’t feed on any other aquatic creatures at all. This is because female Bettas are carnivores, and carnivorous fish require a source of protein in their diet to stay healthy and thrive. Fish meal is, of course, a great source of protein for any type of aquatic pet – not just female Bettas.
Unfortunately, this means that you can’t feed your female Betta fish flakes, pellets, or other vegetarian foods. While some aquatic species thrive on a vegetarian diet, this isn’t the case with Betta fish. If your Betta is female and you want her to stay healthy and thrive, she needs to eat food that contains protein.
Female Betta Food Recommendations
The first thing to note is that there are two types of female Betta fish foods on the market – ones made for breeding Bettas, and ones made for pets. While both of these types of foods contain protein, breeding foods are usually higher in fat, so it’s best to feed your Betta pet food. Feeding your pet Betta breeding food can lead to her gaining weight and developing health issues, while the higher fat content of breeding food can negatively affect her offspring. There are a couple of good brands of Betta fish pet food on the market, including Betta Bits and New Life Spectrum Betta. These are both high in protein and low in fat, making them a great choice for feeding your Betta fish.
Foods for Healthy Female Bettas
There are a few foods that are especially good for feeding your female Betta, and they are also excellent sources of protein. These include:
– Bloodworms – Bloodworms are a natural food source for aquatic creatures, making them a good choice for feeding Betta fish. They’re also relatively easy to find, making them a convenient option for feeding aquatic pets. Keep in mind that bloodworms can be high in fat, so it’s best to feed them in moderation.
– Brine Shrimp – Brine shrimp is another natural food source, and they’re high in protein. This makes them an excellent food for feeding Betta fish and other aquatic pets too.
– Daphnia – Daphnia are tiny crustaceans that are also a good source of protein for aquatic animals. These also tend to be high in fat, so keep them to occasional treats rather than a staple in your Betta’s diet.
– Flakes – While it’s never going to be as nutritious as worms or other live foods, flake food is a quick and easy way to feed your Betta. It’s also readily available and comes in a range of different flavors.
Foods to Avoid When Feeding Female Bettas
While it’s positive to know what foods are good for feeding your Betta, you also need to be aware of what you shouldn’t be feeding her. Feeding your Betta high-fat foods like fish oil, dairy foods, and peanuts or peanut butter can lead to weight gain in your pet, and she may develop health issues as a result.
Avoid feeding your Betta high-sugar foods too, as this can lead to an increased chance of bacterial infections. There are also some foods that your Betta shouldn’t even come into contact with. Feeding her raw or undercooked fish can lead to bacterial or parasitic infections, so it’s best to avoid feeding her fish that you haven’t cooked correctly.
Tips for Feeding Female Bettas
– Choose a Good Betta Food: As with any other pet, it’s important to feed your Betta the right food. Feeding her an inappropriate diet can lead to weight gain and potentially affect her health.
– Choose a Good Betta Tank: Betta fish need a lot of swimming space to be happy, so make sure you have a Betta tank (or tank and bowl) that gives her enough room to swim.
– Give Her a Betta Friend: Female Bettas are social creatures, so it’s better to have a friend than to be kept alone. However, if you do decide to keep your Betta with another fish, make sure it’s a male Betta.
– Give Her a Betta Treat: Betta fish love to be rewarded for good behavior, so it’s a good idea to have a trick up your sleeve. It’s usually best to feed your Betta live food, as processed foods can cause her digestive system to become sluggish.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with feeding your Betta live worms. This is the healthiest food you can give her, and it’s the kind of food that her species has been eating for millions of years. Enjoy your Betta, but remember that you need to take care of her just like you would any other pet. Ensure that she has enough space in her tank and feed her a healthy diet to keep her happy and healthy. If you do this, she’ll love you right back, and she’ll stay with you for a long time.
