Can Goldfish Eat Betta Food? What to Know Before Mixing Their Diets

If you have both goldfish and bettas, it might seem easier (and cheaper) to use one kind of food for both. You may think, “Why not just feed them the same thing?” But there are a few reasons to pause before giving betta food to your goldfish.

Here’s what to know about feeding betta food to goldfish, what could happen if you do, and whether these two fish can safely share the same diet.

Goldfish & Betta Fish: Different Fish, Different Needs

When it comes to fish diets, not all fish are built the same. Goldfish and bettas are different species with different needs, and that’s where the big issue lies.

Goldfish are omnivores, so they need a mix of plants and protein. In the wild, they eat algae, plants, tiny insects, and small crustaceans. With their slower metabolism, they don’t need as much protein, and a balanced diet keeps them healthy.

Bettas, on the other hand, are carnivores. They thrive on a high-protein diet with insects, larvae, and other small animals in the wild. With a faster metabolism, they do best with a protein-rich diet and don’t need much fiber. 

Because of these differences, their foods are made to fit their unique dietary needs.

What’s in Betta Food?

To understand why betta food might not be the best choice for your goldfish, let’s look at what’s actually in it.

Betta food is generally high in protein since that’s what they’re designed to eat. Most of it is made up of animal-based proteins, like shrimp, fish meal, or other meaty ingredients. 

The idea here is to mimic the high-protein diet they’d get in the wild.

You’ll often see betta food in the form of pellets, flakes, or freeze-dried options. Some of the common ingredients in betta food include:

- Fish meal: A common protein source that’s easy for bettas to digest.

- Shrimp meal: Adds flavor and protein.

- Wheat flour: Used as a filler to bind the food but not as nutritious.

- Vitamins and minerals: To support overall health and immunity.

Betta food is a great choice for a betta’s needs, but it doesn’t cover the balance that goldfish need. It’s too high in protein and lacks enough fiber to support a goldfish’s digestive system.

So, Can Goldfish Eat Betta Food?

The short answer is, yes, goldfish can technically eat betta food. 

If you run out of goldfish food, giving them a little betta food won’t hurt right away. They might even enjoy the taste since it’s something different. But feeding them betta food regularly isn’t the best idea.

Betta food is high in protein and lacks the plant-based ingredients that goldfish need. Goldfish benefit from more plant-based food to support their slower digestion and avoid any digestive problems.

But What Happens If You Feed Betta Food to Goldfish Long-Term?

Feeding your goldfish betta food regularly might seem like a convenient option, especially if you have both types of fish. However, relying on betta food for your goldfish over a long period can lead to several health issues. 

Here’s what might happen:

Then, What Should I Feed My Goldfish?

If you want your goldfish to stay healthy and happy, they’ll need a balanced diet. In the wild, goldfish munch on all sorts of things like plants, insects, and tiny crustaceans. While you can’t fully recreate that in a tank, you can still give them a good mix of foods to keep them in top shape.

A balanced diet helps with smooth digestion, keeps vitamins and minerals in check, and supports proper growth and bright colors. Goldfish aren’t picky and will eat just about anything, so it’s important to make sure they’re getting the right kinds of food.

Avoid giving them meat from land animals since it’s tough for them to digest and the fats aren’t good for them. If you do want to offer a bit of meat, something low-fat like beef heart (in small amounts) is a better choice.

For the best variety, try combining flakes, pellets, veggies, and some live foods. Their main food should be high-quality pellets or flakes with the nutrients and carbs goldfish need.

1. Flakes

Flakes are a popular goldfish food you can find at almost any pet store. The downside is they dissolve quickly, which can dirty up the water. Plus, when goldfish eat flakes from the surface, they sometimes swallow air, which can cause digestion issues like swim bladder problems. 

After opening a container, flakes can lose nutrients over time, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on freshness and switch them up with other foods.

2. Pellets

Pellets are another good option. Some float, others sink, so you can pick based on your goldfish’s eating style. Floating pellets are easier to scoop out if there are leftovers, but they carry the risk of air swallowing. 

Sinking pellets avoid this problem but can be trickier to spot and clean up. Pellets are easy to store and measure, making feeding simple.

3. Live Food

Live food like brine shrimp, worms, and small snails are great for adding protein. Goldfish love it, and it lets them “hunt” a little, like they would in the wild.

Just keep in mind that live food from pet stores can sometimes carry diseases or parasites, so it’s best used as an occasional treat.

4. Freeze-Dried Live Food

Freeze-dried options, like brine shrimp or bloodworms, offer the protein of live food without the risk of harmful stuff in the tank. It’s easy to store and feed in small amounts, making it a good protein boost in their diet.

5. Vegetables

Yes, goldfish can enjoy veggies too. 

Peas are a great choice for digestion since they’re high in fiber. Just cook them, remove the shells, and offer small pieces. Other good options include spinach, lettuce, and zucchini, chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Tips for Keeping Your Goldfish’s Diet Interesting

Goldfish love variety, so try mixing things up with different types of food. A mix of pellets, flakes, and the occasional live or freeze-dried treat will keep them happy and well-fed. Adding veggies every now and then is a nice way to give them extra fiber to keep their digestion on track.

Stick to small portions, too, so they don’t overeat or leave food that can mess up the water. Goldfish will eat as much as they can, but it’s up to you to control the portions.

A little time spent giving them a good, balanced diet can make a huge difference in their health and color. So go ahead and get creative with their meals!

What Else Can You Feed Goldfish Besides Fish Food?

In addition to standard goldfish food, there are plenty of treats you can offer your goldfish to add variety to their diet. These should only be given a couple of times a week to keep their main diet balanced and nutritious.

Giving your goldfish a break from their usual food with snacks like insects or small worms can make feeding time more interesting for them. Many of these treats are available at pet stores, but some can be found in your own backyard. For example, earthworms are a favorite among goldfish; they’re filling and packed with nutrients.

Here are some safe and healthy options to consider:

- Shelled peas

- Worms (live or freeze-dried)

- Shrimp

- Leafy greens

- Cooked rice

- Boiled carrots or corn

- Grapes

- Watermelon slices

- Orange slices

Each of these treats provides unique nutrients and can be a fun addition to their diet, but keep portions small and limit these foods to a few times a week.

Find Your Perfect Pet Goldfish at Tropicflow

Looking to add a beautiful goldfish to your aquarium? Check out Tropic Flow’s collection of fancy goldfish. We have a range of colors and types to fit any tank setup. Each of our goldfish is healthy and full of life, ready to bring color and personality to your home. 

Whether you’re new to keeping goldfish or have been at it for years, you’ll find the perfect fish at Tropicflow. 

Explore our collection and add some vibrant energy to your tank today!