Best Betta Fish Treats

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Variety is the spice of life.

This adage has never been truer than when it comes to the diet of our Betta fish. 

Can you imagine eating the same food day in and day out? It would get pretty boring, right? Not to mention, it wouldn’t be the healthiest way to live. So why are we feeding our Betta the same food?

Let’s find our Bettas something new with our review of the best Betta fish treats. These nutritional morsels will have your Betta begging for more!

My top choice? Zoo Med Betta Dial-a-Treat.

Check it out and the others that made our discerning list. 

Here are the betta fish treats I will be reviewing:

• Zoo Med Betta Dial-a-Treat
• Hikari Bio-Pure Freeze-Dried Daphnia
• Tetra Freeze-Dried Bloodworms
• San Francisco Bay Freeze-Dried Mysis Shrimp
• Fluval Fish Food
• Aqueon Betta Bloodworm Treat
• Northfin Betta Bits

Reviews of the Best Betta Fish Treats

Don’t have a clue what the best treats are for Betta fish? Here are some you may want to consider. 

Zoo Med Betta Dial-a-Treat

Are you new to buying treats for your Betta, so you’re not sure what to try? Or does he love everything you give him as a snack, so variety is key for your purchase? Then the Zoo Med Betta Dial-a-Treat may be a good option for you (and is why it took the number one spot for this review).

This fancy treat package includes three types of freeze-dried treats; Mysis, Daphnia, and Blood Worms – all favorites of the Betta fish! The foods come in a convenient, wheel-shaped, manual dispenser that you turn to get to the different foods. The company has even included a handy measuring spoon to ensure you are not overfeeding your Betta fish.

Zoo Med Betta Dial-a-Treat provides you with a variety of high-quality foods that your Betta will love to snack on. However, some customers have complained that the packaging has a design flaw in that when you turn it to get a different treat, it tends to mix the foods together. 

Pros

• All-natural treats with 3 varieties
• Handy packaging and measuring spoon
• Reasonably priced
• Highly nutritious

Cons

• Dispenser may mix the treats together when turning

Hakari Bio-Pure Freeze-Dried Daphnia

Daphnia is not only a great treat to help relieve constipation in Betta fish, they are high in vitamins, minerals, and protein. 

The Hakari company takes the life of our aquatic friends seriously and works to maintain quality in every brand of food they produce. The Hakari Freeze-Dried Daphnia is produced through this company’s pharmaceutical freeze-dried technology that allows the daphnia to remain as close to fresh as possible. 

The small size of this brand’s daphnia is perfect for Betta fish and also for Betta fry.

The convenient ratcheting dispenser top is easy to use but is also easy to overfeed your fish. Take care when pouring the daphnia into your tank. 

Pros

• Healthy treat that can also relieve constipation in Betta fish (contains algae)
• High in protein
• Easy to use
• Small size if perfect for top-feeders and some fry 
• Will not cloud the water

Cons

• Ratcheting dispenser may lead to overfeeding

Tetra Freeze-Dried Bloodworms

The Tetra company is one of the leading brands when it comes to fish products, so it’s only natural that their Freeze-Dried Bloodworms would be a good choice for your Betta fish.

This brand uses only freeze-dried bloodworms and insect larvae in their ingredients, which are high in protein and perfect for a carnivorous fish such as the Betta. The worms are a good size for smaller fish, or you can crumble them up if your Betta prefers a more “dust-like” consistency. Some customers have even poked holes in the protective foil and have used that as a sprinkle measurement. 

Pros

• Pure, natural protein
• Easy to use
• Trusted company
• One bottle will last a long time

Cons

• Some freeze-dried worms may turn to dust in packaging.

San Francisco Bay Freeze-Dried Mysis Shrimp

Not only is the San Francisco Bay brand of freeze-dried Mysis shrimp a delicious snack for your Betta fish, but it is an excellent source of protein, lipids, and essential fatty acids that aid in your fish’s overall health. 

Mysis shrimp are enjoyed by many different aquatic fish species and is particularly useful for those finicky or picky Bettas – they gobble them right up. This freeze-dried food is packaged in a convenient jar and the shrimp itself is small enough for all sizes of Betta or other aquatic pals.

The one thing to take note of is these Mysis shrimp will stay afloat, so if you are looking for sinking food, this may not be the right choice for you. 

Pros

• High in protein
• Contain lipids and fatty acids
• Nutritional treat
• Freeze-dried for long shelf-life
• Great for picky eaters

Cons

• Does not sink

Fluval Fish Food

Made from natural fly larvae, the Fluval brand fish food will have your Betta wanting more. These small-sized granules are perfect for all levels of feeding as they stay afloat (for top feeders) and sink slowly, so your fish can enjoy them at their pace and their feeding comfort.

The granules are also fortified with vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, so your Betta can indulge in these insect bites for more than just an occasional treat. The Fluval fish food is great for growing Betta and also for adults as its high protein content will build healthy fins, scales, and color.

These highly palatable bug bits are easy to feed – just drop in one at a time – so the chances of overfeeding your fish are virtually eliminated.

Pros

• High in protein
• Good for all life stages
• Made from fly larvae
• Easy to feed
• Good for all stages of feeders (top, middle, bottom)

Cons

• Inconsistent in the size of the granules

Aqueon Betta Bloodworm Treat

Made from 100% pure bloodworms, the Aqueon Betta Bloodworm treat may be the perfect snack for your Betta buddy. This brand does not use any artificial colors or ingredients, so you know that what you are dropping into your tank is all-natural.

These freeze-dried snacks are easy to use, just crumble or drop a whole bloodworm into your tank and watch your Betta gobble it up. Bloodworms are high in protein, so they make a great snack for growing Bettas or to just add a protein boost to his regular diet. 

Pro

• Made from real bloodworms
• High in protein
• No added fillers
• Easy to use
• Great for all stages (crumble up or leave whole)

Cons

• Not all Betta enjoy bloodworms

Northfin Betta Bits

Made from Antarctic krill and other healthy ingredients, the Northfin Betta Bits is an excellent choice as a snack or a regular diet. These 1 mm in diameter bits are perfect for the Betta’s small mouths and are slow-sinking for those top-feeders. 

The Northfin Betta Bits are made without fillers, hormones, or artificial pigments, so you know they are healthier than some other brands. They are also easily digestible and are great for fish with sensitive stomachs. Plus, one 100 gram package will last for months!

Pros

• A nutritious snack or regular diet
• Made without hormones, or unnecessary fillers
• Krill is the first ingredient
• Easily digestible (great for sensitive stomachs)
• Reasonable priced

Cons

• May sink quickly

Why Do Betta Fish Need Treats?

Bettas are carnivores. In the wild, they will search the surface of their pond or rice paddie for live insects or mosquito larva (that’s why their bottom jaw juts forward, to make it easier to snatch these food sources).

However, in captivity, we have to give them what they need and treats are one way to meet their needs.

High-quality snacks have many benefits for the Betta fish;

1. Breaks up the boredom of hum-drum flake and pellet foods
2. Adds a nutritional boost of protein and vitamins
3. Can trigger hunting instincts
4. Some foods can enhance their colors
5. Helps with constipation and bloating

Pro Tip: As with the betta’s normal diet, we do not recommend overfeeding treats. This can lead to water pollution and health issues for your fish.

What to Look For in a Good Betta Fish Treat

Before you purchase just any Betta fish treat (or food), be sure to check the side of the container for the ingredients list. Avoid foods that contain a lot of fillers as these can be harmful to your Betta in the long term. 

Instead, look for these protein sources;

Bloodworms

The most common type of bloodworm found in aquatic food is the larvae of the non-biting midge fly. They are bright red in color because of the red iron porphyrin which is found in their tissue and blood. In nature, these bloodworms are on the food chain of many aquatic fish and animals. 

Brine Shrimp

These critters are any crustacean that belongs to the order os Anostraca. They are found in brine ponds with a high saline level throughout the world. Brine shrimp can grow up to 0.6 inches in length with a segmented body and broad, leaf-like appendages. Many fish, birds, and other crustaceans dine on brine shrimp.

Daphnia

Also known as ‘water fleas’ these small crustaceans belong to the planktonic genus. There are around 200 species of this crustacean and depending on the individual species, they range from 1 to 5 millimeters in length. Daphnia is great for Betta fish as they are high in protein and may be used as a laxative for constipated Betta fish.  

Mysis Shrimp

These little crustaceans are considered ‘false shrimp’.’ They are bigger than brine shrimp (can grow up to 1 inch long) and are also known as ‘opossum’ shrimp due to their brood pouch. Mysis shrimp are high in protein and enriched with nutrients. 

Tubifex Worms

These segmented worms are naturally found in sediments of lakes and rivers. There are around 13 different species of the tubifex that can grow to over 7 inches in length. These worms are high in protein and make good snacks for Betta fish as long as they have been cultivated without pesticides and parasites. 

Mosquito Larvae

This type of food is high in protein and harvested from the mosquito (or other insects) in the larvae stage. They are then freeze-dried for convenience and usually stay on top of the tank for an adequate time, allowing the fish to pluck them from the surface. They are also great for bottom-feeders once they make their way to the substrate. 

Pro Tip: Of course, if you purchase these foods in a bottle, they will be freeze-dried; however, you may also purchase treats in frozen or live form.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Betta Fish Treat

Purchasing treats for your Betta is not as simple as grabbing the first one you see and sprinkling it on top of the water.

Consider:

1. Betta Biology & Individual Preferences: We have reviewed several types of treats for Betta fish; however, not all Betta will like all foods – some can be quite picky. When choosing a treat you will also want to take into consideration the size of the treats and how long they stay afloat. Betta’s can also be prone to constipation, so watch the amount and type of treats you feed your fish. 
2. Tank Size: Small tanks can quickly become polluted with uneaten food. Be sure that your Betta is eating everything you give him or be sure to scoop out the leftovers.

Choosing the Best Treats For Your Betta Fish

Please consider all the points we have covered in this post when choosing the best treats for your Betta fish. It’s important to understand what type of food you are offering your Betta and how that food will affect his overall health and biology.

Feeding your Betta snacks is not only an excellent way to relieve the monotony of a regular diet, but some can help relieve constipation and add a good protein boost. 

Choose one (or all) of the treats we have reviewed here today, or do some further research to find the best betta fish treat for your aquatic pal.