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Betta Diet Overview: Betta fish (Betta splendens) are carnivorous insectivores by nature, thriving on protein-rich diets. In the wild they feed on insect larvae, small crustaceans, and zooplankton. Therefore, the best commercial betta foods emulate this high-protein, insect-based nutrition. A quality betta food should list a whole protein (insect larvae, fish or krill meal, etc.) as the first ingredient, and have minimal fillers . High crude protein content (generally 37–45% or more) and inclusion of fiber (e.g. chitin from crustaceans or daphnia) help support digestion and prevent bloat. Below we review top betta food brands – including pellets, flakes, freeze-dried and frozen options – with their nutritional profiles, suitable uses (show bettas, breeders, juveniles, rescues), pros/cons, and feeding method. We also provide detailed feeding guidelines on frequency, portion sizes, and avoiding overfeeding.
Fluval Bug Bites Betta Formula (Pellet)
Description: Insect-based micro pellets (~0.5 mm) made with black soldier fly larvae as the #1 ingredient. Also contains salmon and shrimp for a protein punch. Crude protein ~45–46%, crude fat ~10% (from insect and salmon oils). Designed to mimic a betta’s natural diet of insects.
Key Ingredients: Black soldier fly larvae, salmon, fish protein concentrate. Fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Suitability: All bettas as a daily staple. Especially good for bettas that prefer insect flavors or wild-caught bettas. Great for show bettas – high-quality proteins enhance color and fin growth. Also useful for rescue bettas who need enticing food; the natural insect taste often triggers feeding.
Pros: Extremely high protein, natural ingredients (insect larvae). Easy to digest – soft granules that break down like freeze-dried food, reducing digestive stress. Small granule size fits betta mouths and can be eaten by juveniles too. Contains no artificial colors/preservatives.
Cons: Pellets are very soft and can crumble/make a mess if overfed . They also don’t always float – some sink after a short time, so bettas may need to catch them quickly. Learning to feed the right amount is key to avoid waste. Slightly more expensive than generic pellets.
Feeding Method: Semi-floating micro granules. Feed by tapping a few granules at a time; unused bits will sink so avoid excess. Because they are soft, do not pre-soak (they disintegrate). Best to feed in small quantities and observe the betta eating all before adding more.
New Life Spectrum Betta Formula (Pellet)
Description: A high-quality small pellet (~1 mm) boasting a spectrum of ingredients including marine proteins and algae. Protein ~37%, fat ~7%, with moderate fiber (~7%). NLS is known for its well-balanced formulas aimed at overall health and color, rather than just highest protein.
Key Ingredients: Antarctic krill, squid, whole fish (e.g. mackerel), plus seaweed/algae (spirulina, kelp) and fruit extracts. Includes added vitamins (A, D3, E, B12, etc.) and carotenoids.
Suitability: Good for all life stages – juvenile bettas can eat the small pellets (they soften quickly), while adult show bettas benefit from the broad nutrient profile that supports immune health (the inclusion of algae and fruits provides micronutrients). For breeding pairs, NLS alone might not be rich enough to condition for spawning (supplement with frozen foods), but it’s a great maintenance diet post-spawn or between breeding attempts. Rescue bettas with long-term malnutrition may recover well on NLS due to the comprehensive nutrition and easy digestibility.
Pros: Very high quality ingredients – multiple protein sources plus algae means a wide array of amino acids and vitamins. Known for not using hormone-based color enhancers; instead relies on natural ingredients like spirulina and carotene-rich krill for color improvement. Pellets are medium buoyancy – some float, some sink slowly, which can accommodate top- and mid-water feeding habits. NLS foods are formulated to be highly digestible, so bettas produce less waste and have less bloating issues when fed properly.
Cons: The protein percentage (37%) is a bit lower than some competitors; however, it’s very high-quality protein. Bettas that are extremely carnivorous might not initially favor the hint of algae/plant content (though most adapt and enjoy it). Price can be relatively high for a small jar. Pellets can clump if moisture gets in – keep it dry and replace after ~6 months for maximum vitamins (like all foods).
Feeding Method: Floating/semi-sinking pellet. Feed 3–6 pellets per day, split into 2 meals (exact count depends on pellet size and your betta’s appetite – as a rule of thumb, an eyeball-sized amount per meal ). It’s not necessary to pre-soak NLS pellets; they’re formulated to be fed dry and not significantly expand in the gut. Simply drop them one at a time to ensure each is eaten. If any sink unnoticed, remove them to avoid water fouling.
Hikari Betta Bio-Gold (Pellet)
Description: One of the first species-specific betta pellets, Bio-Gold has been around for decades. It’s a tiny pellet (~0.5 mm) formulated for easy feeding. Protein 38% (from fish and krill meal) and fat 4% . Comes in a small foil packet with a portion-control spout, making it easy to dispense a few pellets at a time.
Key Ingredients: Fish meal, wheat flour, soybean meal, krill meal . Enriched with spirulina, garlic, vitamin C & E, and astaxanthin.
Suitability: Great beginner’s betta food – ideal for new betta owners and pet store bettas because it’s readily available and bettas usually recognize it. Useful for juvenile bettas, as the tiny pellets fit small mouths (for very young fry, Hikari makes a separate “Betta Starter” formula as well). Show bettas can do well on Bio-Gold as part of a varied diet, but since it has some fillers, champion breeders often prefer supplementing with other high-protein foods. For a recovering betta, Bio-Gold is easy to eat (softens fast) but not as nutrient-dense as others – it can be a stepping stone to get a sick betta eating, due to its mild smell and small size.
Pros: Easy to feed without overfeeding – the package design literally lets you count out pellets (each pellet is tiny, ~1/3 the size of many pellets, so Hikari even recommends up to 3 pellets three times a day for a 1.5-inch betta) . Bettas generally accept it readily. Hikari’s long research into betta nutrition lends credibility – they include antioxidants like grape seed extract to reduce aging effects, and stabilised vitamin C for immunity. It’s also one of the most affordable quality betta foods and widely sold.
Cons: Contains more fillers (wheat, soybean) than newer premium brands. While these help bind the pellet and provide some fiber, excessive fillers can contribute to constipation if overfed. Lower crude fat (4%) means it’s less rich – bettas might need a bit more volume of Bio-Gold to meet energy needs, but you must be cautious not to overdo it. The small foil packet, while handy, is not resealable and can crack – you may want to transfer it to a small container after opening to keep it fresh. Also, the small size means it’s easy for pellets to fall through tank cracks or be missed by the fish.
Feeding Method: Micro floating pellets. Hikari’s guidance: for a ~1.5″ betta, feed 2–3 pellets up to 3 times a day, but never more than 5 pellets in one feeding. In practice, many owners feed twice a day, ~3–4 pellets total per day, adjusting based on their betta’s belly (a slight bulge is okay; huge bloat is not). Due to fillers, some recommend soaking these pellets in tank water for a minute before feeding to pre-expand them – however, Hikari says it’s formulated to be fed dry. If your betta tends to bloat, a brief soak can help. Always remove any uneaten pellets (they can swell and decay quickly).
Supplemental Foods: Freeze-Dried & Frozen Options
In addition to pellet staples, supplemental foods can greatly benefit bettas – especially for specific needs like breeding or recovery. These include freeze-dried treats and frozen (or even live) foods that add variety and extra nutrition. Below are some top picks and guidelines for their use:
Freeze-Dried Foods: These are real foods (worms, shrimp, etc.) with water removed. For bettas, popular choices are freeze-dried bloodworms, daphnia, and blackworms. Freeze-dried bloodworms (midge larvae) are a high-protein treat, but be cautious – they can cause constipation if overfed because they’re low in fiber and can expand in the gut. Freeze-dried blackworms are an excellent alternative; they have a better nutritional profile and bettas love them. Blackworms are very filling, so just a small piece is enough. Freeze-dried daphnia is often called the “betta laxative” – daphnia are tiny crustaceans high in roughage and can help clear a betta’s digestive tract. In fact, Hikari’s Bio-Pure FD Daphnia comes vitamin-enriched and is great for occasional use to prevent bloat.
Feeding tips: Always pre-soak freeze-dried foods in a bit of tank water before feeding. This rehydrates them and reduces the risk of them swelling inside the fish. Feed freeze-dried treats no more than 2–3 times a week (or even just once weekly as a treat). A few bloodworm pieces or a small cube of blackworms (a cube can be split across multiple feedings or multiple fish) is plenty – feed what the betta can eat in about 2 minutes. Watch for any signs of bloating and adjust accordingly. Freeze-dried foods are excellent for finicky eaters and conditioning, but they should not replace a pellet staple entirely because they lack certain vitamins (unless vitamin-fortified).
Pros: Convenient (no need to keep frozen), long shelf-life, and can be soaked in supplements (e.g. you can add a drop of vitamins like Vitachem while soaking to boost nutrition). Bettas generally find them tasty and they can help provide variety.
Cons: Can be drying/constipating if not soaked and if overfed, due to lack of moisture and fiber. Also, exclusively feeding freeze-dried can lead to nutrient gaps, as some vitamins may be lost in processing.
Top freeze-dried picks:
- Bloodworms – e.g. San Francisco Bay Brand, or Hikari Bio-Pure (which are gamma-irradiated to eliminate parasites).
- Blackworms – often available as cubes (Australian Blackworms brand, or generic). These have higher protein and are devoured by bettas.
- Daphnia – Hikari’s FD Daphnia is a standout for preventing constipation.
Frozen Foods: These are often the gold standard for betta treats and conditioning. Common frozen foods for bettas include bloodworms, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and daphnia. For example, frozen bloodworms are often considered a favorite – they are “an excellent source of natural protein” and bettas respond eagerly to them. Frozen foods are whole and unprocessed (aside from freezing), so they retain a lot of nutritional value and moisture. This makes them superb for breeding conditioning, as noted in many guides: “feed two or three helpings of live or frozen food each day for 2–3 weeks before breeding”.