feeding bettas freeze dried food

[duskmist]

Freeze-dried foods like worms and daphnia are often considered a nutritious alternative to pellets for our Bettas. Yet, I've noticed some members here strongly oppose their use. I'm curious - what's the reasoning behind this opposition to freeze-dried foods?

[benthos]

I personally don't have any issues with freeze dried foods as long as the fish are willing to eat them.

I think what's most crucial is providing a varied diet that covers all the necessary nutrients for the fish. Ease of use is another key factor - live foods require more effort to set up or can be costly to purchase, whereas frozen foods are simpler to store and have a longer shelf life, and freeze dried and pelleted foods last even longer. I've found it works for me to maintain a mix of pellets, frozen food, and the occasional live food purchase.

[goldminer]

To get the most out of freeze-dried foods, pre-soaking them is key. Try soaking the food in a spoonful of tank water for about 15 minutes before feeding - it makes a big difference.

[duskmist]

To get the most out of freeze-dried foods, pre-soaking them is key. Try soaking the food in a spoonful of tank water for about 15 minutes before feeding - it makes a big difference.

Thanks benthos, but what do you mean by fluxx isn't mentioned, however, I'd like to know what you're getting at with "range of foods" - could you elaborate on that

[goldminer]

If the freeze dried food isn't rehydrated before feeding, it'll expand in the fish's belly. I also make a point to pre soak pellets for the exact same reason, to avoid any potential issues.

[boomer]

Freeze-dried foods are a no-go for me. The main issue I have is they absorb a lot of water, and inside the fish, this can cause bloating and other serious problems. Flake foods don't have this issue to the same extent, although some people argue pellets are even better in this regard. I've been using a combination of two flake foods and one pellet for years, rotating them to keep things interesting.

I do use frozen foods, but only as treats. They're just not as nutritious as high-quality flake and pellet foods. I give my fish frozen daphnia and bloodworms once a week, usually a couple of hours after water changes. The rest of the week, they get the flake and pellet foods, with one fasting day.

In my opinion, good-quality flake foods like Omega One and New Life Spectrum are the way to go. They're made from whole fish and other wholesome ingredients, with no fillers or additives. These foods are the best choice for most of our fish, and I've seen great results with them.

[goldminer]

The frozen food industry, serving both people and animals, would likely take issue with your stance. Freezing is known to destroy only a negligible amount of vitamins.

[boomer]

To get the most out of freeze-dried foods, pre-soaking them is key. Try soaking the food in a spoonful of tank water for about 15 minutes before feeding - it makes a big difference.

When it comes to fish foods, I think we should be cautious of what manufacturers claim. Their business is to sell, after all.

Comparing labels is a good idea - quality flake foods appear to be far more nutritious than frozen fish food. I recall the late Jack Wattley, a renowned expert on breeding discus, often emphasizing that high-quality prepared foods like flake and pellets were the best choice for discus, surpassing frozen, live, and other options in terms of nutrition.

[benthos]

Freeze-dried foods are a no-go for me. The main issue I have is they absorb a lot of water, and inside the fish, this can cause bloating and other serious problems. Flake foods don't have this issue to the same extent, although some people argue pellets are even better in this regard. I've been using a combination of two flake foods and one pellet for years, rotating them to keep things interesting.

I do use frozen foods, but only as treats. They're just not as nutritious as high-quality flake and pellet foods. I give my fish frozen daphnia and bloodworms once a week, usually a couple of hours after water changes. The rest of the week, they get the flake and pellet foods, with one fasting day.

In my opinion, good-quality flake foods like Omega One and New Life Spectrum are the way to go. They're made from whole fish and other wholesome ingredients, with no fillers or additives. These foods are the best choice for most of our fish, and I've seen great results with them.

I'd like to respectfully disagree with your point on fish foods. Firstly, it's a sweeping statement that encompasses a vast array of fish species, each with unique nutritional needs. Secondly, despite extensive research, we still don't fully grasp the nutritional requirements of most species. Take Atlantic Salmon, for instance - one of the most studied fish, yet we're still unraveling the mysteries of their nutritional needs.

Regarding carbohydrates in fish food, it's essential to note that they serve a purpose. Fish require some form of carbs, albeit in varying amounts depending on the species. Interestingly, the third ingredient in Omega One's "Super Colour Flakes" is wheat flour, and four out of the top ten ingredients are cereals. These components not only provide essential nutrients but also improve the food's performance, act as binding agents, and protect other ingredients during processing.

It's worth noting that the inclusion rate of these ingredients is often minimal. Moreover, they contribute to the sustainability of the feed by reducing the reliance on fishmeal, thereby minimizing the impact on ocean resources. I'd recommend reading up on the role of non-fishmeal products in fish nutrition. Some insightful review papers on the topic include:

- Utilisation of Dietary Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates in Fish Nutrition
- Feeding Aquaculture in an Era of Finite Resources
- Fish Nutrition, Feeds, and Feeding (focusing on Atlantic Salmon)
- The Interaction of Vitamins, Minerals, and Feed Composition in Fish Nutrition
- Nutrient Requirements of Ornamental Fish

[boomer]

I've reviewed the abstracts, and I still maintain that New Life Spectrum and Omega One are top-notch options for aquarium fish. Their products, such as the Kelp Flake and Veggie Rounds, are formulated to provide excellent nutrition without unnecessary fillers. I've never used the Colour Flake, but I've heard great things about it. I'm inclined to trust the expertise of renowned breeders like Brent Monks and the late Jack Wattley, who swear by these brands. As for freeze-dried foods, I still believe they're inferior to high-quality flake and pellet options.