Can Goldfish Eat Betta Food?

Two of the most popular species for first-time fish owners are Goldfish and Betta fish.

But the truth is they are quite different from one another.

Some people might think that a fish is a fish and any food will do, but what will happen if you feed Betta food to a goldfish?

Can Goldfish Eat Betta Food?

What Is the Difference in the Diet of a Goldfish and a Betta?

Before we explore whether or not a goldfish can eat Betta food, let’s take a look at what the diets of each of these fish consist of both in the wild and in an aquarium.

Bettas are carnivores. In the wild, they’ll eat just about anything from worms to insects to smaller fish.

In fact, protein makes up as much as 70% of their intake in the wild. To try to replicate this, most commercial Betta food contains about 50% protein.

Goldfish, on the other hand, are omnivores and require both protein and vegetables in their diet.

Their digestive system works differently than a Betta’s and too much protein can cause problems, including gas, swim bladder disease, and even kidney failure if they eat too much.

What Kind of Food Does a Betta Eat?

The best kind of food for a betta is live food, though it’s not always possible to find. That’s why most Betta owners use frozen or freeze-dried commercial alternatives.

Bettas are surface eaters so their commercial food is formulated to float. The food that you’ll find on the shelf in a pet store is freeze-dried and one of the easiest options available. Plus, Bettas love it.

Pellets are another option. They’re specially made of Bettas and provide the protein and vitamins needed to help them keep their brilliant colors but be careful not to overfeed. One pellet at a time, twice a day is the perfect amount.

Another reason not to overfeed pellets is that they sink pretty quickly so they’re more likely to cause problems with the ammonia level of the water.

There are Betta flakes available, too. Bettas will eat them but they’re not the best choice. For one thing, they usually don’t have enough protein to satisfy a Betta.

Plus, they quickly sink to the bottom of the tank and dissolve in the water which makes them next to impossible to clean up.

See more: Best Betta Fish Food Available Today? Betta Feeding Guide

What Kind of Food Does a Goldfish Eat?

In the wild, goldfish eat a variety of food, including plants, insects, and even crustaceans.

While you can’t match this diet exactly, a nice variety will keep your goldfish healthy and allow them to grow to their full potential.

Goldfish are not very picky and will eat just about anything you feed them. That’s all the more reason why it’s so important that you know the right things to incorporate into their diet.

Commercial goldfish food is different from Betta food in that it has less protein and more carbohydrates.

That’s why it’s important to use food that’s specially formulated for goldfish instead of generic fish food.

See more: Best Goldfish Food for Growth & Color

Can a Goldfish Ever Eat Betta Food?

A goldfish can eat Betta food occasionally as a way to get their protein requirements but it should be given sparingly and used as a special treat for the goldfish no more than once a week.

Goldfish prefer to eat food that has sunk to the middle or bottom of the tank so, if you do offer Betta food, the goldfish won’t eat it until it sinks.

Monitor this very carefully because any food that settles on the bottom of the tank can break down and cause ammonia levels to rise.

What Can Goldfish East Besides Goldfish Food?

If you’ve run out of goldfish food or are just looking for a special treat for your pet, there are some things you can feed your goldfish that you might have right in your kitchen. These options should be used sparingly but make a nice addition to your fish’s diet routine.

We mentioned that goldfish are omnivores but the main part of their diet comes from vegetables so supplementing with vegetables it pretty safe. Try peas with the shells removed, blanches broccoli, or small pieces of oranges, zucchini, or cucumber.

You can also offer occasional brine shrimp or freeze-dried bloodworms but remember the main part of their diet should always be vegetables and fiber.

If you’re going to offer human food like this to your goldfish, the best time to do it is right before a water change. Any uneaten food can cause problems but this food gets especially messy.

The Right Food for Your Fish

Generally, it’s not a good idea to feed Betta food to a goldfish. These species have very little in common and have different dietary requirements. Betta food has a lot more protein than goldfish need which can cause a lot of problems over time.

If you like to give your goldfish a special treat every once in a while, it’s okay to give them a little bit of Betta food a few times a month but no more than once a week. Any more than that can cause digestive problems or worse.

It’s always important to do your research when it comes to feeding your pets. Some people might think “a fish is a fish” but the truth is Bettas and goldfish are two very different creatures.

Feeding them the right food helps keep them happy and healthy.