Can Goldfish Eat Betta Food?

When it comes to raising aquarium fish, many novice aquarium hobbyists mistakenly assume that all fish food is the same. Making this mistake can be deadly, however. Most fish foods are specially formulated for different kinds of fish, such as goldfish, bettas and cichlids. While it may not be immediately harmful to feed your fish a food formulated for a different species, it can lead to health problems down the line. To ensure the health and vitality of your goldfish, feed it a variety of foods that cater to its specific dietary requirements.

  1. Goldfish Feeding Tips

    • One of the most important tips to keep in mind regarding feeding your goldfish is to not feed your fish too much. Overfeeding results in excess waste build-up and, because goldfish naturally produce a great deal of waste, this can lead to unpleasant water conditions. Poor water conditions can lead to a number of goldfish diseases, including dropsy, Ich and fin rot. Soaking hard pellets and freeze-dried food before feeding your goldfish is a good way to help prevent swim bladder disorder, which results from a swollen gut. Only feed your goldfish as much as it can consume in five to 10 minutes twice per day.

    Can Goldfish Eat Betta Food?

    • It is safe to feed your goldfish sinking betta food pellets, but it is not recommended that you do so on a regular basis. Betta food is formulated specifically for betta fish and, likewise, goldfish food is catered to the dietary needs of goldfish. Because betta fish are carnivorous, most betta foods are high in protein, but too much protein can be harmful to goldfish. Betta flakes can also be dangerous for your goldfish because, since the flakes do not sink, your goldfish may swallow too much air while feeding. This could lead to bloating and other health problems.

    What to Feed Your Goldfish

    • Provide your goldfish with a varied diet of live and frozen foods in addition to commercial foods specially formulated for goldfish. Giving your goldfish a variety of foods will ensure that all of its nutritional needs are met. Goldfish enjoy live foods like daphnia and brine shrimp, and will eat a variety of frozen foods, including bloodworms, tubifex worms and shrimp. Check your local pet store for pellet foods containing vitamin supplements that are designed specifically for goldfish.

    Foods to Supplement Your Goldfish's Diet

    • In addition to traditional goldfish foods, your goldfish will enjoy some fresh vegetation. Offer your goldfish fresh vegetables several times a week. Boiled peas are especially good for goldfish, because many varieties of goldfish have compacted intestines and the high fiber content in peas helps to regulate digestion. Blanch vegetables before feeding them to your goldfish by tossing them in hot water for 30 seconds or more. You can also add vegetables to your goldfish's diet by adding some live aquarium plants such as Anacharis or duckweed to your tank.