Bettas are in most cases picky eaters and you need to keep that in mind. Some species would eat anything you present but that’s not always the case with Bettas. The water in the tank and food are two essential things for your Betta to stay healthy and grow. You can achieve that with a varied diet rich in all the nutrients Bettas need.
So, can Betta fish eat tropical flakes? Bettas are carnivores, so we need to say that it’s not good to feed it constantly with these because they lack proteins. There are many kinds of flakes on the market that are formulated for Bettas. So, stick to them and follow our recommendation and you will make no mistakes.
When choosing food for your Betta pet, try to provide the best nutritional value that is focused on Betta`s needs. The food needs to contain protein, fiber, fat, calcium, phosphorus, carbohydrates and vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, D3, E, K, C, M, H). Check for the manufacturers’ label and make sure the food is natural and that it consists of protein as the first ingredient.
In this article:
What are tropical flakes?
Tropical flakes are made for tropical fish such as Angelfish, Barbs, and Tetra. There are many kinds offered in the market. Tropical flakes are a complete diet, nutritionally balanced and enriched in vitamins. It is important not to purchase flakes that are made for goldfish and such species, they are not good for your Betta.
Some Bettas just ignore flakes and refuse to eat them. After floating at the surface for some time they sink at the bottom and make a mess. That causes other problems and makes the tank and the water dirty so you need to clean it more often than planned. Our advice to you is that all uneaten flakes should be removed from the tank right after feeding.
When we talk about flakes there are certain types that are specially designed for Bettas, all the other kinds that are offered at the market do not satisfy nutritious value and are not good for your pet.
We can recommend only two kinds that completely satisfy the need.
The first is Omega One Betta flakes and they are good for all life stages. They are delicious, made of wild salmon flavor and very rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. They provide exquisite color enhancement. With them you do not have to worry about the tank, water pollution is reduced because they are naturally insoluble. The advice for the feeding schedule is a two minute rule meaning to provide as many flakes as your fish can eat in two minutes. If there is any uneaten food, pick it up and throw it away.
The second recommendation is Tetra 16838 Bettamin flakes that can be used in all life stages too. Bettas love it. They are made of a combination of red thin flakes and dried freeze brine shrimp. They are specially formulated to a maximum acceptance and they do not cloud the water. If your Betta doesn’t eat all of it, just collect the leftovers and throw them to the trash, do not keep them for the next meal.
What are tropical fish flakes made of?
Depending on the food you buy, flakes are made of different components. Tropical flakes are plant-based food but in most cases, flakes are a combination of fish, squid and shrimp meal combined with earthworms, spirulina and all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Depending on the kind of fish and its requirements depends on the kind of flakes you are going to choose. Some are good, others have poor nutritional value, but still they can be a choice for a meal or too if you run out of other food.
Are tropical flakes good for Bettas?
Tropical flakes are OK for Bettas but you have to keep in mind that Bettas are carnivores. They need proteins as the most important nutrient. Like in the wild, live insects and larvae are rich in proteins, so you need to simulate a diet like in natural conditions. Flakes, on the other hand, are not rich in proteins, so if you base a diet only on flakes your Betta might get sick. The most common diseases caused by constant feeding on tropical flakes are swim bladder and bloating.
Can Bettas eat tropical flakes instead of Betta pellets?
Pellets are the most common Betta food and yes, a Betta can eat tropical flakes instead of pellets, but not constantly. People often choose pellets rather than flakes because they are of higher quality than their counterparts. Pellets are also easier for feeding because you can watch how much your Betta eats and how much you should give it. They float longer so if they stay uneaten it is easier to collect them and avoid water pollution. Another thing is that they look more natural to a Betta.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Bettas can eat tropical flakes but not all the time. The best two for your fish are Omega One Betta flakes and Tetra 16838 Bettamin flakes. These two kinds of flakes fulfill the necessary requirements in nutrition value for your fish. If you provide other kinds, you can harm your fish and cause the diseases mentioned above.
The best is to provide your Betta pet with a varied diet full of proteins and other necessary ingredients for a healthy life.