Quick Answer
The quick answer is that most betta fish experts recommend feeding bettas twice a day, every 12 hours or so. This feeding schedule helps prevent overfeeding while ensuring bettas get the nutrition they need. Bettas have small stomachs and can’t handle large meals, so small amounts of food twice a day is ideal.
How Often Should You Feed a Betta Fish?
The general consensus among betta experts is that bettas should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Here are some guidelines for betta feeding frequency:
– Feed bettas once in the morning and once at night, about 12 hours apart. This schedules allows time for food to be digested between meals.
– Only feed amounts they can eat within 2-3 minutes, twice per day. Bettas have small stomachs and cannot handle large portions.
– Skip a day of feeding once a week to allow digestion and prevent constipation.
– Juvenile bettas under 3 months may need to be fed 3-4 small meals per day because of their higher metabolism.
– Adjust feeding frequency based on the individual betta. Older bettas or less active bettas may only need to be fed once a day.
The twice a day, 12 hour schedule allows bettas to get a steady stream of nutrition without overfeeding. Bettas are prone to digestive issues, constipation and obesity if overfed. Sticking to scheduled feedings prevents this.
Example Betta Feeding Schedule
Here is an example betta feeding routine:
– 7 AM – Feed a small breakfast portion
– 7 PM – Feed a small dinner portion
– Once a week, skip one meal for digestion (either breakfast or dinner)
This schedule allows the betta’s last meal to be fully digested before being fed again 12 hours later. The weekly fast gives their digestive system a rest.
How Much Should You Feed a Betta Fish?
When feeding bettas twice daily, only give them as much as they can consume within 2-3 minutes. Follow these portion guidelines:
– Pellets – 2-4 pellets, twice daily
– Freeze dried bloodworms – 1-2 worms, twice daily
– Flakes – As much as they can eat in 2-3 minutes (then remove uneaten food)
– Live/frozen foods – Feed a few items twice daily, adjust as needed
Bettas have tiny stomachs around the size of their eyeball. Overloading their stomach can cause bloating, constipation, and swim bladder disorders. It’s better to feed small portions than overfeed.
Their appetite can vary based on health, age, and activity level. Monitor your betta’s hunger at each meal and adjust portions if needed. Juveniles and more active bettas may need slightly larger portions. Elderly and less active bettas may only want one small feeding per day.
Signs of Overfeeding in Bettas
Here are some signs your betta may be getting too much food:
– Leftover food sinking to the bottom after feedings
– Lethargy and loss of appetite
– Swim bladder problems causing floating or sinking
– Bloating in the belly region
– Constipation
If you notice these signs, cut back on the amount fed at each meal. Also fast the betta for a couple days until symptoms improve.
What Types of Food Should Bettas Eat?
Bettas are insectivores that thrive on a carnivorous diet. Here are proper diet staples for bettas:
Pellets
– Specifically formulated for bettas with high protein
– Easiest nutritional staple, covers all dietary needs
– Feed 2-4 pellets, 2x daily
Freeze Dried Foods
– Freeze dried bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, etc
– Provides beneficial protein and micronutrients
– Feed a few pieces 1-2x weekly
Frozen Foods
– Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, glassworms
– Excellent source of proteins and nutrients
– Feed a few items 2x weekly for variety
Live Foods
– Live brine shrimp, black worms, mosquito larvae
– Stimulates hunting instincts and enrichment
– Feed occasionally as treats, not staple diets
Avoid
– Flakes – Poor nutrition, bloating risk
– Mealworms – Indigestible outer shells
– Beefheart – May cause digestive issues
– Feeder fish – Risk of disease introduction
Choose a high quality pellet as the staple diet. Complement with frozen/live foods for additional nutrients and variety. Avoid low quality foods that offer little nutrition.
How to Feed Betta Fish
Follow these tips for proper betta feeding:
– Feed on a consistent schedule, 2x daily about 12 hours apart
– Only feed amounts betta can eat within 2-3 minutes
– Soak dry foods in tank water before feeding to prevent bloating
– Drop food items one at a time near the betta to prevent missed items
– Remove any uneaten food after 5 minutes to keep water clean
– Fast betta for 1 day a week to allow digestion
– Vary diet with occasional frozen/live nutritional foods
– Adjust feeding amounts based on betta’s age, health status, and activity level
What Not to Do When Feeding Bettas
– Don’t free feed dry foods – Only give one feeding amount at a time
– Don’t feed more than betta can eat in 2-3 minutes
– Don’t feed exclusively freeze dried foods – Use as treats, not only food
– Don’t feed flakes – Low in nutrition and difficult for bettas to eat
– Don’t feed fatty foods like beefheart which bettas can’t digest
– Don’t feed live foods meant for other fish species
Signs Your Betta is Hungry
Here are signs that your betta fish is likely hungry and ready to eat:
– Increased activity and swimming when you approach the tank
– Coming to the water surface when you open the tank
– Flaring gills at sight of food
– Increased aggression or trying to jump out of water
– Change in normal swimming patterns and routine
– Lethargy or loss of coloration
Consistently scheduled feedings will help avoid hunger. But monitor your betta at meal times for increased interest in food and feeding behavior. Increased hunger may mean it’s time to increase portion sizes slightly.
Signs Your Betta is Full
Here are signs your betta may be full and disinterested in food:
– Loss of appetite and ignoring food
– Spitting out food after tasting it
– Lethargy after eating
– Floating or difficulty swimming after meals
– Bloating in belly region
– Lack of aggression around feeding times
If you notice these signs, your betta is likely getting too much food. Try cutting back on portion sizes at meals. Also fast for a couple days until digestion improves.
Adjusting Feeding Amounts
As your betta ages, pay attention to its appetite and adjust feeding amounts accordingly. Here are some guidelines:
For Juvenile Bettas
– Need more frequent feedings, 3-4x daily
– Small portions, only what they can eat in 2 minutes
– Let them free feed on microworms or infusoria if under 3 months old
For Adult Bettas
– Feed standard portions twice daily
– Monitor if showing signs of hunger or lethargy
– Increase portions if needed based on activity and health
For Elderly Bettas
– May need reduced feeding to once daily
– Try soaking pellets to make easier to digest
– Monitor weight and adjust amounts to prevent excess weight gain
The needs of juvenile, adult, elderly bettas vary. Adjust feedings according to the individual’s appetite, weight and life stage.
Tools for Feeding Bettas
Having the right tools can make betta feeding easier:
Turkey Baster
– Allows precise placement of food near betta
– Can remove uneaten food from tank
Food Container
– Used to thaw frozen foods before feeding
– Can soak pellets before feeding
Measuring Spoons
– Allows accurate portioning of pellet foods
– 1/8 teaspoon holds ideal 2-4 pellet portion
Timer
– Sets a 2 minute timer for feeding time limit
– Prevents overfeeding past betta’s stomach capacity
Invest in tools like turkey basters, food containers, measuring spoons and timers. This can improve the feeding process and prevent common issues like overfeeding.
FAQs About Feeding Bettas
Here are answers to some common questions about betta feeding:
How long can bettas go without eating?
Healthy adult bettas can go 1-2 weeks without food. But juvenile, elderly or ill bettas have less starvation resistance. Skipping more than 2-3 meals in a row is risky.
Can I feed my betta mealworms?
Mealworms are not recommended for bettas – their hard outer shells are indigestible. This can cause intestinal blockages. Stick to softer insect larvae like bloodworms.
Why is my betta eating the aquarium plants?
Bettas may snack on aquarium plants if they are hungry between meals. Make sure to stick to a proper feeding schedule. Remove any uneaten food to avoid fouling the water.
Why is my betta spitting out his food?
Spitting out food could mean the betta is full and has no appetite. Or the food may have gone bad. Try feeding fresher foods in smaller portions. Fast for a couple days if spitting persists.
Should I feed freeze dried shrimp as my betta’s only food?
No, freeze dried foods like shrimp should only be occasional treats. They lack proper nutrition balances to be sole diets. Feed a quality pellet as the dietary staple.
Conclusion
Feeding betta fish twice a day, every 12 hours or so, provides a healthy balance. Follow suggested portion sizes based on the individual fish’s age and needs. Stick to a schedule but adjust amounts as needed. Use proper carnivorous betta foods like pellets, live or frozen treats. Avoid overfeeding and low nutritional foods. Proper feeding helps bettas live happy, healthy lives with fewer digestive issues. Follow these best practices for feeding frequency, amounts and diet when caring for your betta fish.