Do you want your betta fish to swim happily and show bright colors? The secret is choosing the right food! Betta fish (also called Siamese fighting fish) are special pets. They are meat-eaters who need lots of protein to stay healthy and look their best. This guide will help you find the best betta food in North America. Let’s start!
What to Look for in Betta Food
Betta fish are not like other fish. They need specific nutrients to thrive. Here’s what to check before buying:
1. Protein is King
Bettas need at least 40% protein in their food. Look at the ingredient list on the package. The first ingredient should be:
- Fish meal (like salmon or herring)
- Shrimp or krill
- Insects or larvae
Example: “Hikari Bio-Gold” has fish meal as the first ingredient – that’s good!
2. Avoid Bad Fillers
Some cheap foods have “fillers” that bettas can’t digest. Do NOT buy food with these as top ingredients:
- Wheat, corn, or soy
- Artificial colors (words like “Red 3” or “Yellow 5”)
Fillers cause bloating and make your betta sick.
3. Choose the Right Type
Betta food comes in 3 main types. Pick what works best for you and your fish:
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pellets | Daily feeding | Floats, easy to measure, no mess | Some bettas are picky |
| Freeze-Dried | Weekly treats | High protein (like bloodworms) | Can cause constipation if overfed |
| Flakes | Picky eaters | Easy to eat for small bettas | Many have too much wheat |
Top 5 Best Betta Foods in North America
These foods are easy to find in stores like Petco, Amazon, or Chewy. They are loved by betta owners and vets!
1. Hikari Bio-Gold Floating Pellets
- Protein: 38%
- Best For: Beginners, daily feeding
- Why We Love It: Floats so bettas can eat at the top (their favorite spot!). It has astaxanthin to make their colors brighter.
- Price: $5–$8 for a small container (lasts 2–3 months!).
2. Ultra Fresh Shrimp Patties
- Protein: 50%
- Best For: Color enhancement
- Why We Love It: Made with real sword prawns and shrimp. No artificial stuff! It keeps water clean too.
- Price: $8–$10
3. Fluval Bug Bites
- Protein: 43%
- Best For: Natural diet lovers
- Why We Love It: First ingredient is insect larvae (what bettas eat in the wild!). Most bettas go crazy for this!
- Price: $6–$9
4. Northfin Betta Bits
- Protein: 45%
- Best For: No artificial ingredients
- Why We Love It: No hormones, colors, or fillers. Great for bettas with sensitive tummies.
- Price: $7–$9
5. Omega One Freeze-Dried Bloodworms
- Protein: 55%
- Best For: Weekly treats
- Why We Love It: Like candy for bettas! Freeze-dried to keep nutrients. Feed 1–2 per week as a snack.
- Price: $4–$6
How to Feed Your Betta Fish
Feeding your betta the right way is just as important as choosing good food!
How Much?
- 2–3 pellets per meal (about the size of their eye!).
- Twice a day: Morning and evening.
Pro Tip: If your betta spits out food, the pellets might be too big. Try crushing them or switching to smaller pellets like Northfin Betta Bits.
Sample Weekly Schedule
| Day | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 2 Hikari pellets | 1 freeze-dried bloodworm |
| Tuesday | 3 Fluval Bug Bites | – |
| Wednesday | 2 Ultra Fresh pellets | 1 freeze-dried brine shrimp |
| Thursday | 3 Northfin bits | – |
| Friday | 2 Hikari pellets | 1 bloodworm |
| Saturday | 3 Fluval Bug Bites | – |
| Sunday | FASTING DAY (no food!) | – |
Why fast? It helps their tummies digest food better!
Important Tips
- Remove uneaten food after 5 minutes (it makes water dirty).
- Store food in the fridge to keep vitamins fresh (most last 6 months).
- Never feed betta fish goldfish food (wrong nutrients!) or tropical flakes (too many fillers).
Common Questions
Q: Can I feed my betta human food?
A: No! Stick to fish food. Bettas can’t eat bread, veggies, or meat.
Q: What if I go on vacation?
A: Ask a friend to feed them 2 pellets once a day. Or use an automatic feeder (set for 1 pellet twice a day).
Q: My betta won’t eat pellets. What should I do?
A: Try Fluval Bug Bites – most bettas love the insect taste. You can also mix in a little freeze-dried bloodworm to encourage them.
References
- BettaSource. (2024). “Best Betta Fish Food: The Ultimate Guide”
- Hikari USA. (2025). “Betta Bio-Gold Product Page”
- Reddit Betta Fish Community. (2023). “Feeding Schedule Tips”
- FishLore Forum. (2025). “Top Betta Food Recommendations”
Note: Links to these sources can be found by searching the titles online.
Your betta fish will thank you for choosing the best food. Happy feeding! 🐠
