What Can Fish Eat?
Fish dietary needs vary by species. Most need high-quality commercial food as a base with occasional variety.
🍽️
1-2x
Daily Feeding
⏱️
2-3 min
Food Amount
🐠
Varied
By Species
📅
Weekly
Fasting Day
✅Safe Foods for Fish
🥣
Quality Flakes
Species-appropriate formula
🔵
Pellets
Sinking or floating by species
🦐
Brine Shrimp
Frozen or live, treat
🪱
Bloodworms
Frozen, high protein treat
🥬
Blanched Vegetables
For herbivores—peas, zucchini
🟢
Algae Wafers
For bottom feeders
🚫TOXIC Foods - Never Feed
🍞
Bread
AVOIDSwells, causes bloat
🥩
Mammal Meat
AVOIDWrong fat type
🧀
Cheese/Dairy
AVOIDCannot digest
🍕
Processed Foods
AVOIDSalt, preservatives harmful
🍽️ Fish Diet Basics
Amount
Only what they eat in 2-3 minutes. Overfeeding kills fish.
Frequency
1-2 times daily for most fish. Some species need more/less.
Variety
Alternate between 2-3 food types for nutrition.
Fasting
One day without food weekly aids digestion.
🆘If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic
1. Stay Calm
Note what was eaten, how much, and when.
2. Call For Help
ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435 or your vet.
3. Don't Wait
Time matters. Don't try home remedies first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I feed my fish?▼
Only what they consume in 2-3 minutes. Uneaten food rots and poisons the water. Less is better than more.
Can fish eat human food?▼
Some can eat blanched peas, zucchini, or lettuce. Never bread, meat, or processed foods.
Should I fast my fish?▼
Yes—one day without food weekly is healthy. Fish can go weeks without food; overfeeding is the bigger risk.
Learn More About Fish
Explore our complete care guides, cost estimates, and breed information.