Making homemade fish food might sound unusual at first, but it is actually much easier than you may think. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it can also be more nutritious than the flakes or pellets you usually find at the pet store. Whether you want to give your fish a nutritional boost or just spoil them a little, creating their food from scratch is a fun and rewarding way to care for your underwater companions.
What Do Fish Really Eat?
Most aquarium owners feed their fish with the standard flakes or dry pellets that come in colorful containers. But when you think about it, those little pieces look nothing like the foods fish would naturally find in rivers, lakes, or oceans.
So what exactly is inside these convenient packages?
While store bought fish food usually contains the basic nutrients fish need to stay healthy, many brands also include preservatives and additives that serve no benefit to your aquatic friends.
The truth is, fish have much simpler dietary needs than most people assume. Just like animals on land, some fish prefer plants, others enjoy meat, and some eat both.
Before you start whipping up a batch of homemade food, make sure to learn what type of diet your fish need. Taking a little time to research their eating habits can help you avoid any mistakes and keep your tank healthy.
Once you know what your fish eat, you can start making food that suits them perfectly. Here are three easy recipes to try at home.
For the Veggie Loving Fish
If your fish are herbivores, this plant based recipe will keep them happy. Begin by blending equal parts of peas, spinach, chopped broccoli, and sliced cucumber. Mix until smooth.
Next, add in the same amount of oats and continue blending until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, prepare your favorite unflavored gelatin according to the instructions. Once the gelatin is warm and fully dissolved, stir in your blended vegetable mixture. Pour everything into an ice cube tray and place it in the refrigerator to set.
Make sure you do not freeze the fish food.
After the cubes have solidified, you can feed your fish by dropping one cube into the tank during mealtime. The gelatin will slowly dissolve, allowing your fish to nibble away at the veggie goodness.
A Recipe for Omnivores and Carnivores
If your fish prefer a more varied or meat based diet, this next recipe is ideal.
Start with equal parts raw whitefish, raw shrimp, and a vegetable such as spinach or broccoli. Steam the vegetables until they are soft, then allow them to cool before blending into a smooth mixture.
Once the vegetables are ready, blend in the shrimp and whitefish. After everything is combined, add a few drops of your favorite fish vitamin supplement.
Just like with the plant based recipe, prepare your unflavored gelatin, mix it with the blended ingredients, and pour the mixture into an ice cube tray to set in the fridge.
For a little extra nutrition and to help maintain a clean tank, consider adding copepods after feeding time. These tiny creatures are excellent natural cleaners and can offer additional benefits to your aquatic setup.
Make Mealtime Special With Homemade Fish Food
Now that you have a few recipes to try, making homemade fish food can become a fun and regular part of your pet care routine. It is a simple way to make sure your fish are getting fresh, quality ingredients tailored to their needs.
Want more tips on how to care for all your pets, both underwater and above? Be sure to explore the rest of our blog for more helpful ideas and inspiration.
