How much food should I feed a betta fish?

The amount of food to give a betta fish depends on several factors such as the fish's size, age, and activity level. In general, it is recommended to feed a betta fish an amount of food equivalent to the size of its eye twice a day.

It is important not to overfeed a betta fish, as this can lead to health problems such as obesity and constipation. It is better to feed your betta fish small, frequent portions rather than a large amount at once.

The eye rule in practice

A betta's stomach is often compared to the size of its eye. This image helps you realize that a meal consists of only a few small pellets. Large pinches of flakes, on the other hand, almost always end up at the bottom of the aquarium.

It is also important to give your betta fish a varied diet. You can give it foods specially designed for betta fish, such as flakes or pellets, as well as live or frozen foods such as tubifex worms or brine shrimp (Artemia) to provide it with a balanced diet.

How to feed a betta and with what food? 

To feed a betta fish, you can use a variety of foods available on the market, such as flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods. Here are some tips on how to feed a betta fish:

1. Frequency: It is recommended to feed your betta fish once or twice a day in small quantities, rather than a large amount at once.

2. Quantity: The amount of food you give your betta fish should be proportional to its size. A general rule is to give your betta fish an amount of food equivalent to the size of its eye twice a day. Do not forget not to overfeed your betta fish, as this can lead to health problems.

3. Varied foods: For a balanced diet, it is important to vary the food you give your betta fish. You can alternate between flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods such as tubifex worms or brine shrimp (Artemia). Frozen or live foods can be a good source of protein and nutrients for your betta fish.

4. Food preparation: If you use frozen or live foods, make sure to rinse them well before giving them to your betta fish. You can also thaw them in cold water before giving them to your betta fish.

Find other foods in our aquarium fish food section, and our general guidelines for choosing fish food.

Example of a weekly feeding schedule

To combine the regularity and variety mentioned in this article, here is an example of a schedule for an adult betta. It is not mandatory: the main thing is to keep portions small and alternate foods.

The fasting day is a common practice among breeders: it gives the digestive system time to empty and limits the risk of constipation. It only applies to healthy adult fish.

Signs it is eating too much (or poorly)

• Food remains at the bottom for several minutes after the meal
• The belly looks swollen, even in the morning before eating
• The water becomes cloudy or smells bad between water changes
• The fish often spits out its pellets

Leftovers decompose and degrade the water: remove them with tweezers or a small net. If the water becomes cloudy, consult our article why my aquarium water becomes cloudy and monitor nitrites.

And during the holidays?

A healthy adult betta generally tolerates a few days without food. For a longer absence, entrust the meals to a trusted person by preparing the portions in advance, or use an aquarium food dispenser tested before leaving. All our tips in how to manage an aquarium when you go on vacation.

In summary, to feed a betta fish, it is recommended to give a small amount of food once or twice a day, using a variety of foods such as flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods. Do not forget not to overfeed your betta fish and to vary its food for a balanced diet.

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