Beta Fish Feeding Tips
When feeding beta fish remember your fish needs a balanced diet. This is one of the very important factors of having a healthy beta. Fill the nutritional needs of your fish by feeding the following 5 components. They play a key role in making your little friend’s body function properly.
1 – Protein – The beta fish is carnivore meaning it is a meat-eater. Protein is an essential part of its diet. An adult beta requires a minimum of 45% protein and up to 60% for adult fish preparing to breed.
2 – Fats – Approximately 8% of a beta’s diet should fat. Include polyunsaturated fats such as those found in brine shrimp. Saturated fats, such as those found in beef, can harm a beta’s digestive track. As in nature, a beta may have feasted on shrimp and worms but definitely was not designed to eat a cow.
3 – Fiber – Beta fish need fiber to aid in digestion. About 4% should do. Special note: if your beta becomes constipated you may need to increase the fiber content.
4 – Minerals – are needed for bodily functions. A good mix would be calcium, copper, iron, iodine, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc which are normally found in bone and meat products.
5 – Vitamins – aid in proper growth, digestion, healthy bones, scales and metabolism. A beta requires at least vitamins A, D3, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, H and M.
If this all seems a little overwhelming, never fear. You can easily give your little friend all it needs by following a few simple beta fish feeding tips. Choose a good flake or pellet food that meets the vitamin and mineral requirements to feed daily. Be sure to check the label for nutritional information. Then feed live or freeze-dried worms or shrimp a couple of times a week. By including some variety when feeding beta fish you will be providing proper nutrition that will result in a happy, healthy little fish.
Most Important: Never Overfeed Your Beta. This will also help maintain better water quality, which can also affect your beta’s health.
