INTRODUCTION: Few things are as important to the well-being of your betta than the food you feed. Problem is too many evaluate a brand based on price. And I can understand you've got a budget even when it comes to what you feed your that tiny bettafish of yours. But like most things you get what you pay for. Not to mention that if you're feeding them a stead diet of el-cheap-o-pellets the one who pays in the end is your pet.
Also most will advise you feed a varied diet. Which is a good thing too. I'm not suggesting varying the menu in a way that your betta would think they're dining at a five star restaurant every day, but it can't hurt to offer a bit of variety. Pellets day in and day out might get old just like a steady diet of shredded wheat might for you. And you might conclude that anyway given the gusto with which they attack treats like frozen brine shrimp or bloodworms.
Still you want your betta to get used to eating pellets as their staple diet. The best offer a well-rounded food source that meets their everyday nutritional needs.
So save the prey food for special occasions, I say. Although it can be nonstop fun watching your guy track down unsuspecting mosquito larvae and inhaling them with great joy. And satisfaction. I mean you can just tell he's proud of himself for a job well done. Besides experiences like this from time to time gets their blood moving and unleashes inbred instincts by letting them do what they do naturally. Hunt.
Okay but getting back to pellets, you'll know you're getting a quality product by reading what's inside. And the label would be a good indicator of what's inside.
Basically you want to see things listed that are meat based. Well, in this case a product that goes heavy on some kind of marine protein. You'll know you're on the right track if you see things like krill and herring meals or other fish meals heading the ingredient list. You're off track if you see things like that suggest a vegetable base like wheat or corn. Remember these guys are hunters not farmers.
Another clue of quality is the protein percentage. It's a shortcut yet not a foolproof way to evaluate the quality of betta food. Still a number hovering around 40% for protein content is likely going to be good enough.
For this reason many swear by the offerings from New Life Spectrum and Omega One. Feeling they are some of the best brands of betta food you can buy.
Going the quality route also means that on those days when you can't lavish time and attention on your finny friend, you can offer up a few pellets confident your fish isn't going to suffer because of it. In other words drop a couple two three pellets in the tank, wish your betta a good day and rush out the door. Free from any guilt that you should have done more.
You can always make up for it later on treat days. Giving your little guy some frozen blood worm, brine shrimp, or glass worms - if you can find them. Just be careful to remove any uneaten leftovers so it's not left to fester, decompose and ultimately foul their water. And don't go crazy. Otherwise you may be seeking help to cure a raging case of bettafish constipation.
CONCLUSION: Just like man doesn't live on bread alone, bettas feel likewise about pellets. But if pellets are the mainstay, don't scrimp. The best will cost less than a medium pizza. That you'll enjoy for a few minutes. While top notch betta food will benefit your lil buddy for their lifetime.
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