Best Fish Food of 2026

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Fish food is an essential component of maintaining a healthy and vibrant aquarium environment. There are a variety of options available, from flakes and pellets to frozen and live foods. Flakes and pellets are the most common types of fish food, made from a mix of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Frozen foods, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms, provide a more natural diet for fish and can be a great supplement to their regular food. Live foods, like daphnia and mosquito larvae, are also a great option for many fish species. It is important to choose the right type of fish food that meets the nutritional needs of your fish and promotes their overall health and wellbeing.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TetraFin Goldfish Flakes Cover #TOP 1
TetraFin Goldfish Flakes
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Tetra 16106 Min Tropical Flakes Cover #TOP 2
Tetra 16106 Min Tropical Flakes
ftb score rating icon 9.7
TetraColor Tropical Flakes Fish Food Cover #TOP 3
TetraColor Tropical Flakes Fish Food
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Fish Food

TetraFin Goldfish Flakes

16140
Multicolor
TetraFin Goldfish Flakes Cover
Tetra Goldfish Flakes, Nutritionally Balanced Diet For Aquarium Fish, Vitamin C Enriched Flakes, 7.06 oz

TetraFin Goldfish Flakes are specially formulated as a staple food for your goldfish or small koi. This nutritionally balanced diet is ideal for daily feeding as it helps to support fish's immune system, enhances their colors and improves their vitality. The formula is designed to be easily digested and keep aquarium water clean and clear.

What We Like
Fish love the taste
Keeps water clear
Good value for price
Supports color and health
Convenient pellet size
#TOP 2

Tetra 16106 Min Tropical Flakes

16106
Tetra 16106 Min Tropical Flakes Cover
TetraMin Nutritionally Balanced Tropical Flake Food for Tropical Fish, 7.06 oz (pack of 1)

Tetra Tropical Flakes is a highly digestible and nutritionally balanced fish food specially formulated for top- and mid-feeding tropical fish. With its active life formula, this fish food contains added antioxidants for healthy cells, select proteins for growth, and prebiotics for digestion. Not only does it provide optimal nutrition for your fish, but it also helps maintain clear water without clouding it. The feeding instructions recommend feeding two to three times daily, only as much as your fish can consume within three minutes. With Tetra Tropical Flakes, you can ensure the health and vitality of your tropical fish while minimizing waste.

What We Like
Consistent quality and freshness
Good value bulk packaging
Does not cloud water
Trusted brand reputation
Appeals to many fish types
#TOP 3

TetraColor Tropical Flakes Fish Food

16162
Chicken
TetraColor Tropical Flakes Fish Food Cover
TetraColor Tropical Flakes, Color Boosting Fish Food, Nutritionally Balanced Diet for Tropical Fish, 7.06 oz

Tetra Tropical Flakes are specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of your tropical fish. This food not only supports their overall health but also enhances their vibrant colors, making your aquarium more visually appealing. Designed for top- and mid-feeding fish, it ensures that a variety of species can benefit from it. Additionally, the flakes contain antioxidants, select proteins, and prebiotics, promoting healthy growth and aiding digestion. With a clear-water formula, you can feed your fish without worrying about clouding the water, helping you maintain a clean and beautiful aquatic environment.

What We Like
Enhances fish color
Large, long-lasting canister
Keeps aquarium water clear
Affordable price
Fish enjoy eating
#TOP 4

Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Fish Food

A6577
White
Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Fish Food Cover
Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Fish Food, Small Granules for Small to Medium Sized Fish, 1.6 oz., A6577

Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Fish Food is a nutrient-rich fish food containing up to 40% Black Soldier Fly Larvae, high in multiple proteins like whole salmon, and fortified with essential vitamins, amino acids, and minerals for a balanced daily diet. It comes in a slow sinking micro granule format that allows all fish to feed at their preferred depth. This sustainably processed fish food is made in Canada with no artificial fillers, colors, or preservatives.

What We Like
High insect protein content
Enhances fish color and activity
Slow sinking granules
Does not cloud water
Good value and freshness
#TOP 5

Aqueon Goldfish Fish Food

100106053
Multi-colored
Aqueon Goldfish Fish Food Cover
Aqueon Goldfish Fish Food Slow Sinking Granules, 5.8 Ounce, 100106053

Aqueon Goldfish Fish Food is made of natural ingredients and colors with added vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients. Fish are naturally attracted to its nutritious food ingredients, which are formulated to help fish utilize more of what they eat and create less waste. It is an ideal choice for common goldfish, fancy Orandas, and small koi. Additionally, it will not cloud water when fed as directed, and the approximate granule size is 1.5mm.

What We Like
Made of natural ingredients and colors
Contains added vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients
Formulated to create less waste
Will not cloud water when fed as directed
Ideal for various types of goldfish and small koi

Aquatic Foods Inc. Crab & Crayfish Calcium Blocks 40% Protein Nuggets

Aquatic Foods Inc. Crab & Crayfish Calcium Blocks 40% Protein Nuggets Cover
Aquatic Foods Inc. Calcium Blocks Included in Crab & Crayfish, 4mm-3/16 Sinking 40% Protein Nuggets for Crabs & Crayfish, Snails, Shrimp, All Tropical Fish...10oz Jar

The Aquatic Foods Protein Nuggets offer a diverse mix of sinking wafers and pellets designed to meet the dietary needs of crabs, crayfish, snails, shrimp, and tropical fish. The product combines four types of wafers, including spirulina-algae and color-enhancing varieties, helping you provide balanced nutrition that supports vibrant coloration and healthy growth. Additionally, it includes a 12-type ultra mix of floating and sinking pellets, which ensures your aquatic pets receive a variety of textures and nutrients. Despite recent changes in product listings, this food maintains the trusted quality and high ratings of the Aquatic Foods brand, giving you confidence in your purchase.

What We Like
Varied wafer and pellet mix
Supports color enhancement
Suitable for multiple aquatic species
Trusted, family-owned brand
#TOP 7

Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Fish Food

A6586
Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Fish Food Cover
Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Fish Food, Granules for Small to Medium Sized Fish, 1.60 Oz., A6586

Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Fish Food is a highly nutritious food for small to medium sized fish. The food contains up to 40% nutrient-rich Black Soldier Fly Larvae, making it a great source of multiple proteins like whole salmon, omega 3, and 6 for healthy skin, scales, and fins. The granules are fortified with essential vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that provide a balanced daily diet. This sinking granule format is ideal for bottom feeders and is sustainably processed in small batches for quality control and maximum freshness. The food is made in Canada without any artificial fillers, colors or preservatives.

What We Like
Contains up to 40% nutrient-rich Black Soldier Fly Larvae
High in multiple proteins like whole salmon, omega 3, and 6 for healthy skin, scales, and fins
Fortified with essential vitamins, amino acids, and minerals for a balanced daily diet
Sinking granule format is ideal for bottom feeders
Made in Canada without any artificial fillers, colors, or preservatives

Tetra Goldfish Variety Pellets

77035
Tetra Goldfish Variety Pellets Cover
Tetra Goldfish Variety Pellets, Balanced Diet, 1.87 Ounce

Tetra Goldfish Variety Pellets are a specially formulated and highly nutritious staple food for your goldfish. The colorful and floating pellets contain a scientifically developed mix of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that enhance your fish's naturally brilliant colors. With the ProCare formula, this food also helps to support your goldfish's immune system for their optimal health and longevity. Simply feed your fish two to three times daily with only as much as they can consume within several minutes.

What We Like
Specially designed for goldfish
Scientifically developed mix of highly nutritious ingredients
Enhances natural colors of goldfish
#TOP 9

Tetra TetraColor Tropical Flakes 1oz

77160
Tetra TetraColor Tropical Flakes 1oz Cover
Tetra 77160 TetraColor Tropical Flakes, 1-Ounce, 185 ml

The TetraColor Tropical Flakes are a great daily food option for your tropical fish, helping to bring out their natural vibrant colors. These flakes can be alternated with Spirulina foods and treats, offering variety to your fish's diet. Enhanced with vitamin C, this product supports your fish's overall health and immune system. Additionally, it includes TetraMin’s patented ProCare formula, which is designed to promote vitality and well-being in your aquatic pets. By choosing TetraColor Tropical Flakes, you provide a nutritious and color-enhancing diet that contributes to the beauty and health of your aquarium fish.

What We Like
Enhances fish color
Daily feeding option
Contains vitamin C
Includes ProCare formula
Variety with Spirulina
#TOP 10

TetraPro Tropical Color Crisps Fish Food

77080-02
Black
TetraPro Tropical Color Crisps Fish Food Cover
TetraPro Tropical Color Crisps, Fish Food With Natural Color Enhancers, Tropical Fish Food, 7.41 Ounces

TetraPro Tropical Color Crisps is a specially formulated fish food that provides advanced nutrition for tropical fish-keepers. It contains natural color enhancers that promote rich and beautiful coloration in fish. The exclusive low-heat process preserves essential vitamins and nutrients, while the biotin content supports the fish's immune system. The easy-to-digest and floating formula helps fish metabolize food efficiently and reduces waste in the aquarium.

What We Like
Enhances fish color vibrancy
Good value for money
Minimal tank debris
Suitable for various fish sizes
Keeps water clear
Buying Guide Image

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Fish Food for Your Pets

Ingredients

We recommend that you do not get carried away by the brands, since always when choosing a food, we must carefully analyze the components and nutrients that are detailed on the back of the package or boat. On the one hand, we have the ingredients (such as fish, vegetables, cereals, yeasts, oils and fats).

On the other hand, we also have to have analytical constituents and their percentages, such as protein, fat, fiber and ashes. Finally, you will find vitamins (A, D, C, and E), in addition to organoleptic additives, composed of a series of dyes. All these components are positive for your pet.

Lecithin

It is a compound found in fish feed. Lecithin is a generic word used to name a group of fats present in living things, both animal and vegetable. It is composed of phosphoric acid, choline, fatty acids, glycerol, phospholipids, triglycerides and Phosphatidic acid.

A balanced diet is given in a diet with the presence of lipids, especially in cold-water fish, since having a low temperature, animals require food that gives energy and can easily move through the aquarium. Lecithin is usually mixed with fish oil to coat the sticks.

Color enhancers

If you are one of those with a koi or goldfish carp, you will be interested in buying fish food with a color enhancer compound. There are some products that meet these characteristics, loaded with natural dyes such as astaxanthin (a very potent antioxidant for the skin and eyes). This food especially highlights the golden, orange and red colors.

Another benefit of these enhancers is the reinforcement of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and beta-glucans (help your pet to be calm), as they are two immune system stimulators. In addition to worrying about their appearance, you will also be taking care of their health. It can be a somewhat delicate balance to maintain, but it can certainly be achieved.

Fish type

The type of food will be adapted to the lifestyle of your pet. If you have a bottom fish, it makes no sense to provide food that floats on the surface. A very common mistake is to mistakenly think that the fish will go where the food is.

This is not always the case. Of course, we also recommend that you encourage your pet to strive for food, so they get motivation and exercise, in addition to increasing their brain functions by having to investigate to eat.

Residue

It is an important criterion because he thinks that if you choose a food that generates little residue you will have to clean the aquarium fewer times. It is pure logic, but many people often choose the first food for fish they see and do not realize they are investing in a quality product. Logically, the more quality, less waste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What foods do fish eat?

Fish have a diverse diet that can include other fish, eggs, algae, plants, crustaceans, worms, mollusks, insects, insect larvae, amphibians, and plankton. The specific diet of a fish can vary depending on its species and environment.

2. What do you feed betta fish?

Betta fish can be fed with specialized betta pellets and flakes, which provide the necessary nutrients in the correct portions. As treats, betta fish can also enjoy freeze-dried and frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms, which are high in protein.

3. What frozen food do fish eat?

For fish fry, baby brine shrimp is an excellent food choice to promote healthy growth and survival. Larger fish can be fed with frozen fish foods that contain bigger ingredients such as mysis shrimp, krill, and silversides.

4. How often should fish be fed?

Feeding fish once or twice a day is generally sufficient. Some fish owners even fast their fish one or two days a week to allow their digestive systems to clear. Larger and less active fish can go longer between meals compared to smaller and more active fish.

5. How long can fish go without food?

Most fish can go without food for three to five days, but it's not necessarily good for them. The duration can vary depending on factors such as the type of fish, the size of the tank, and the number of fish. In some cases, fish can survive for up to seven days without food, but it is not recommended.

6. What food can fish not eat?

Fish should not be fed fatty meat, bread, crackers, or dog food. These foods are not suitable for their dietary needs and can cause health issues.

7. What can I feed my betta if I ran out of food?

If you run out of betta fish food, you can feed them hardboiled egg yolks or earthworms found after a rainstorm. These options mimic the carnivorous diet of betta fish in their natural habitats.

8. How long can betta fish go without food?

Betta fish can survive without food for approximately 10 to 14 days. They have small stomachs and don't require large amounts of food to sustain themselves.

9. Can I put frozen fish food straight in the tank?

Frozen fish food should be fed directly to the fish in the tank. It can be targeted using a feeding tool or bulb syringe, or simply poured into the aquarium. However, it's important to only feed the amount that the fish can consume within 2 to 3 minutes and avoid overfeeding.

10. Can I feed my fish frozen food everyday?

Frozen fish food should be offered as a supplemental treat and not as the sole source of nutrition. It is recommended to feed most fish frozen foods only 2 to 3 times per week, as they are less nutritionally complete compared to dry foods.

Editor's Notes

During our fish food research, we found 24 fish food products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 422,793 customer reviews through our big data system to write the fish food list. We found that most customers choose fish food with an average price of $10.64.

The fish food are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of fish food, including Tetra, Fluval, Aqueon, Aquatic Foods Inc.. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.