This is one of beginner betta fish owners’ most frequently asked questions. When people get their first betta, this question inevitably pops into their minds. Unfortunately, it often happens after they’ve already lost a betta due to irregular or incorrect feeding methods.
In this blog post, we’ll cover a complete guide on how many pellets to feed your betta fish daily, based on their size and age. Drawing from my own experiences, I’ll also share some best practices for feeding your betta fish. Let’s start!
How many pellets to feed a betta fish Size wise:
The size of your betta is crucial. Just as you wouldn’t feed two large burgers to a child, you need to be mindful of how much you feed your fish. Bettas can easily be overfed, and the consequences can be severe. Therefore, feeding the right amount of pellets based on their size is essential. By following this strategy, your betta can maintain a healthy food cycle and metabolism, as it can easily digest the food. And if you’re planning to breed your betta, you should prepare your betta in this way.
After analyzing various Reddit and Quora forum chats and considering suggestions, I’ve arrived at the following pellet counts. Keep in mind that adding or subtracting 1 or 2 pellets won’t significantly impact your betta’s well-being.
| Betta Size | Pellet count | Per day |
| semi-adult betta | 2-3 | 3 times |
| adult betta | 3-4 | 2 to 3 times |
| grown betta | 4-5 | 2 times |
| old age betta | 3-4 | 1 or 2 times |
Betta fry often requires live foods such as brine shrimp or bloodworms, so I didn’t include those in the list. Additionally, when you provide betta fish with live food like bloodworms or frozen foods, avoid feeding pellets immediately afterward. Give your betta an 8-hour break to allow for proper digestion in their stomach. I’ve seen reports on Reddit where people mention their bettas developing swim bladder issues due to this practice.
Personally, I’ve also experienced constipation issues from feeding pellets with tiny air bubbles. Keep in mind that several factors are involved with pellets (which I’ll discuss below). And also consider the tank setup. If it’s a 2.5-gallon or 5-gallon tank, cleaning and water changes are also essential.
Many viewers have asked about how many brand-specific pellet recommendations (Aqueon, Bug Bites, betta bio gold); I’ve addressed that question later in this post (take me there).
Analyze the betta fish pellet:
Betta fish are small creatures with tiny mouth openings, naturally feeding on worms, larvae, and other microorganisms. When it comes to home feeding, providing appropriately sized pellets is crucial for keeping your betta healthy and happy. Feeding irregular pellet types or oversized pellets can lead to severe health issues such as bloated stomach, hernia, and constipation (That’s what I’ve experienced). Therefore, selecting the correct pellet size is the first and foremost step in determining how much to feed your betta.
In the aquarium fish food market, various pellet sizes are available, ranging from 1 mm to 10 cm. Below, I’ve tabulated the best and most advisable sizes for betta fish:
| S.No | Pellet size | Betta Fish Size |
| 1 | 1 mm pellet | 3 months to 5 months old |
| 2 | 2 to 3 mm pellet | 6 months to 1 year old |
| 3 | 3 mm to 5 mm pellet | above 1 year old |
| 4 | above 5 mm pellets | Not friendly for betta fishes |
| 5 | 1 cm pellet | Strictly not advisable for betta fish |
The table displaying sizes is approximate, and whether your betta will eat larger pellets depends on the individual case. However, keep in mind that feeding smaller pellets (around 1 mm in size) to a one-year-old betta is generally not a problem. The real challenge lies in feeding larger pellets to smaller bettas, which everyone should be aware of.
Now, let’s address the next question: Can you feed other foods that are not specifically designed for betta fish?
When it comes to choosing food for your betta, there’s a golden rule: always opt for betta-specialized food. This choice can help solve common issues like bettas refusing to eat or being lethargic.
If you happen to choose other foods, such as tetra foods, keep in mind that they are specifically formulated for tetra fish. While they might suffice for a day or two in a pinch, it’s advisable to invest in betta-specific pellets.
When you’re feeding your pet, especially your beloved aquarium betta, it’s essential to know the actual contents of the food. Sometimes, your betta might have allergies to certain ingredients. In such cases, switching to other food pellets can help resolve the issue.
Additionally, always check the expiry date and manufacturing date to ensure that the food is fresh and safe to feed. And before opening the food container, give it a good shake!
How many Aqueon Betta pellets to feed my betta?
Aqueon betta pellets are slightly larger than the average betta fish pellets. It is recommended to feed 3-4 pellets to your betta per day. Remember to consider the size-to-pellet ratio and analyze your betta’s age before feeding appropriately.
How many Betta Bio Gold pellets to feed my betta?
Hikari Betta Bio-Gold is another popular choice among betta owners. Their pellets are perfectly sized, making it ideal to feed 3-4 pellets twice a day to your betta. However, consider the chart: if your betta is semi-adult, you can increase feeding to three times a day, as it will aid in their growth.
How many Fluval Bug Bites pellets to feed my betta?
Here’s the answer: 4-5 pellets. Since these pellets are smaller than the optimum size for betta fish, keep in mind that they expand inside the stomach. Avoid feeding more than the recommended amount. It’s advisable to gauge your fish’s interest by offering pellets one by one rather than all at once.
Final Thought:
I strongly believe that this post on how much pellets to feed your betta is highly sought after in the beginners’ community. It’s a fundamental question for every betta owner. I’ve shared my experiences on how to feed the appropriate amount of pellets based on your betta fish’s size.
If you have any questions or need clarifications, feel free to comment below or reach out to us on our social media profiles. Until the next post!
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