Bettas should not eat goldfish food. Though it might seem convenient to feed your betta fish whatever is available, their dietary needs are distinct from those of goldfish. Betta fish, or Siamese fighting fish, are carnivorous and thrive on a diet rich in protein, particularly from live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and specially formulated betta pellets.
Goldfish food, on the other hand, is primarily plant-based and designed to meet the nutritional requirements of goldfish, which are omnivorous. Its nutritional composition may lack the necessary protein levels essential for bettas' health and can lead to long-term problems such as malnutrition or digestive issues. Additionally, goldfish food may produce excessive waste, which can negatively impact water quality in a betta's habitat.
If you are in a situation where you need to feed your betta and don't have access to betta-specific food, it's best to seek alternative options that align more closely with their dietary needs. For example, small amounts of cooked, unseasoned shrimp or fish can be offered. However, these should only be given occasionally and should not replace a balanced diet designed for bettas.
To summarize, while it might be tempting to use goldfish food for convenience, providing a diet tailored to your betta's species-specific needs is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Regularly feeding your betta high-quality pellets or live food is the best way to ensure they thrive.