Best Fish Food for Carnivores of 2026

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

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For carnivorous fish, finding the right food can be a challenge. Luckily, there are a variety of options available to ensure these fish receive the proper nutrition they need. Pellets made with high protein ingredients such as krill or shrimp are a popular choice for carnivorous fish. Freeze-dried shrimp or krill can also be a tasty and nutritious treat. Another option is frozen fish or shrimp, which can be fed as a whole or cut into smaller pieces. It is important to remember to feed carnivorous fish a balanced diet that includes both protein and other essential nutrients.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hikari Sinking Carnivore Pellets Cover #TOP 1
Hikari Sinking Carnivore Pellets
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hikari Carnivore Medium Sinking Pellets Fish Food Cover #TOP 2
Hikari Carnivore Medium Sinking Pellets Fish Food
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Northfin Carnivore Formula Cover #TOP 3
Northfin Carnivore Formula
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Fish Food for Carnivores

#TOP 1

Hikari Sinking Carnivore Pellets

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Hikari Sinking Carnivore Pellets Cover
Hikari Sinking Carnivore Pellets for Pets, 2.61-Ounce

Hikari Carnivore Pellets are a perfectly balanced daily diet that carnivorous pets will love. With higher levels of carotenoids, these pellets promote brilliant colors in your pets. They are free of unwanted parasites and bacteria that are commonly found in live foods, ensuring the health and well-being of your pets. The higher digestible protein levels in these pellets provide the necessary nutrition that carnivores need to thrive. Additionally, these pellets absorb water rapidly, mimicking the texture of live fish and making them even more enticing for your pets to eat. Give your carnivorous pets the best with Hikari Carnivore Pellets.

What We Like
Perfectly balanced daily diet
Promotes brilliant colors
Free of parasites and bacteria
#TOP 2

Hikari Carnivore Medium Sinking Pellets Fish Food

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Hikari Carnivore Medium Sinking Pellets Fish Food Cover
Hikari 042220 Carnivore Medium Sinking Pellets Marine Fish Food, One Size

Hikari Carnivore Medium Sinking Pellets Marine Fish Food is a probiotic-enhanced diet that offers superior taste and incredible nutrient mix. It helps reduce waste volume and size, thus reducing the load on your aquarium's bio-action. The food promotes growth and form that are similar to those of actual reef specimens. With continued and exclusive use, it brings "just off the reef" coloration.

What We Like
Probiotic-enhanced for superior taste and incredible nutrient mix
Reduces waste volume and size, reducing the load on your aquarium's bio-action
Promotes growth and form similar to actual reef specimens
#TOP 3

Northfin Carnivore Formula

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Northfin Carnivore Formula Cover
Northfin Food Carnivore Formula 10Mm Pellet 250 Gram Package

Northfin Carnivore Pellets, developed by Northfin, are specially designed to improve the health and vibrant colors of your large predatory fish. These 10 mm sinking pellets are packed with proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, providing a balanced and nutritious diet for your fish. With no fillers, hormones, or artificial pigments, these pellets are easily digestible, promoting optimal nutrient absorption and enhancing fish vitality. The high protein content of these pellets makes them ideal for species that require a higher protein intake. Give your fish the best with Northfin Carnivore Pellets.

What We Like
High protein content
Packed with essential nutrients
Naturally enhances fish vitality and coloration
#TOP 4

Northfin Mass Carnivore Formula Pellets

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Black
d. 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
Northfin Mass Carnivore Formula Pellets Cover
Northfin Mass Carnivore Formula - 10 Mm Sinking Pellets - 1 Kg

If you want to provide a healthy daily diet for your larger predatory fish, Northfin Carnivore Pellets are a great choice. These sinking pellets are free from fillers, hormones, and artificial colors, so you can be sure you're feeding your fish only the best. The formula is rich in proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which support your fish's growth and overall health. Additionally, these pellets help naturally boost your fish’s energy and vibrant colors, making your aquarium look lively and beautiful. Feeding your fish with this food ensures they receive essential nutrients in an easily digestible form, promoting their well-being.

What We Like
High protein content
No fillers or hormones
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Enhances fish vitality and color
#TOP 5

Ultra Fresh Cichlid Premium Fish Food

Ultra Fresh Cichlid Premium Fish Food Cover
Ultra Fresh Cichlid Sinking Fish Food, Wild Sword Prawns, All Natural Ingredients, Carnivore Pellets for Large Cichlid and Tropical Fish, Royal Cichlid Premium Pellet 4.58 oz

Ultra Fresh Cichlid Food is designed to nourish your carnivorous cichlids and large tropical fish with high-quality ingredients. It contains up to 40% fresh sword prawns and a balanced protein ratio, ensuring your fish receive the essential nutrients they need for optimal health. The all-natural components, free from harmful additives, promote healthy growth while enhancing color vibrancy. Additionally, the inclusion of probiotics helps maintain a clean tank by breaking down waste, which benefits both your fish and water quality. With this premium food, you can enjoy watching your fish thrive and display their natural beauty.

What We Like
High-quality natural ingredients
Enhances fish coloration
Supports immune system health
Probiotics for clean water
#TOP 6

Vitalis Cichlid Carnivore Pellets 4mm 160g

Vitalis Cichlid Carnivore Pellets 4mm 160g Cover
Vitalis Cichlid Carnivore Pellets 4mm 160g (5.64oz) High Protein Daily Diet for Carnivorous African & South American Cichlids Boosts Growth & Color

The Vitalis Carnivore Cichlid Pellets provide a nutritious and easy-to-digest daily diet specially designed for larger carnivorous cichlids from Africa and South America. These soft pellets contain a unique mix of proteins from whole fish meal, molluscs, and crustaceans, helping to meet your fish’s high protein needs while supporting vibrant color. The sinking nature of the pellets encourages your fish’s natural feeding habits, making mealtime more engaging and comfortable. Overall, this balanced feed ensures your carnivorous cichlids get the nutrients they need for healthy growth and vivid coloration.

What We Like
High protein content
Soft, easy-to-digest pellets
Sinking for natural feeding
Supports vibrant fish coloration
#TOP 7

Hikari Tropical Jumbo Carnisticks Fish Food

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Hikari Tropical Jumbo Carnisticks Fish Food Cover
Hikari Tropical Jumbo Carnisticks Fish Food, 6.37 oz (182g)

Hikari Carnisticks Fish Food is a perfectly balanced daily diet for larger top-feeding carnivores. It is free of unwanted parasites and bacteria commonly found in live foods, ensuring the health of your fish. The higher levels of carotenoids in this fish food promote brilliant colors, making your fish look vibrant and beautiful. The texture of the sticks mimics that of live fish, providing a more natural feeding experience. Each stick offers the caloric equivalent of approximately one live goldfish, providing the necessary nutrients for your fish. With Hikari Carnisticks Fish Food, you can conveniently and effectively nourish your fish while enhancing their colors and overall health.

What We Like
Perfectly balanced daily diet
Free of parasites and bacteria
Higher levels of carotenoids for vibrant colors
#TOP 8

Hikari Tropical Jumbo Carnisticks Fish Food 17.6 oz

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No Color
Hikari Tropical Jumbo Carnisticks Fish Food 17.6 oz Cover
Hikari Tropical Jumbo Carnisticks Fish Food, 17.6 oz (500g)

The Hikari Jumbo Carnisticks offer a well-balanced diet specially designed for larger carnivorous fish, making it easy for you to meet their nutritional needs daily. These sticks are free from parasites and harmful bacteria, giving you peace of mind about your fish’s health compared to live foods. They also contain higher levels of carotenoids, which help enhance your fish’s vibrant colors, making them look their best. Additionally, the sticks quickly absorb water, turning into a soft texture that mimics live fish, making feeding more natural and appealing for your aquatic pets.

What We Like
Balanced daily diet
Parasite and bacteria free
Enhances fish coloration
Soft, live-fish texture
#TOP 9

Ocean Nutrition Formula One ON-Disk Fish Food

Ocean Nutrition Formula One ON-Disk Fish Food Cover
Ocean Nutrition Fish Food Formula One On-Disk - All-Natural Fish Food for Saltwater Carnivore, Tangs, Angels, Clownfish, High Protein (38%), 2.1 oz (60 g), Large Size

The Ocean Nutrition ON-Disk Food offers a natural, nutrient-rich diet for your saltwater fish. Its high protein content supports healthy growth, while the balanced fat and fiber levels help maintain your fish’s energy and digestion. The food easily sticks to the aquarium glass, making feeding simple and mess-free—you just press the disk against the tank or let it sink. With controlled moisture and mineral content, this formula ensures your fish get a complete and balanced meal every time, helping you keep your aquatic pets healthy and happy.

What We Like
High protein content
Balanced fat and fiber
Easy feeding method
Natural nutrients
#TOP 10

Hikari AHK21711 Tropical Carnivore Sticks

42055217118
No Color
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Hikari AHK21711 Tropical Carnivore Sticks Cover
Hikari Usa Inc AHK21711 tropical carnivoreivore sticks 2-Ounce

Hikari Carnivore Sticks are a top choice for larger top-feeding carnivorous fish, especially arrow Ana. These sticks are perfectly balanced to offer a daily diet that most top-feeding carnivores love. They contain higher levels of carotenoids, which promote brilliant colors in your fish. The sticks are also free of unwanted parasites and bacteria that are common with live foods. Additionally, they contain stabilized vitamin C to support the immune system health of your fish. With their flavorful and easily digested nutrient mix, Hikari Carnivore Sticks provide a convenient and beneficial option for feeding your fish.

What We Like
Brilliant colors
Free of parasites and bacteria
Supports immune system health
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do you feed carnivore fish?

Carnivorous fish can be fed a variety of fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, and live foods. Suitable options include seafood items like shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, and some fish. These provide the necessary protein and nutrients for carnivore fish.

2. How often do you feed a carnivore fish?

Carnivorous fish have larger gaps between meals as they rely on catching their own food. It is generally recommended to feed them once or twice a day, following the specific instructions for the fish species. This regular feeding schedule helps keep the fish healthy and satisfied.

3. Can you feed meat to fish?

Feeding meat to fish can be tricky as it often contains fats that can be problematic for aquarium fish. It is best to avoid meat, except for beefheart, which can be fed after trimming away excess fat. Beefheart can be frozen, shredded, and offered to many types of fish without causing issues.

4. What meat do fish like to eat?

Most fish require some meat in their diet, which they obtain from insects, worms, or smaller fish. Larger carnivorous fish primarily feed on other fish, small mammals, or birds. The size of the fish determines the size of its prey.

5. What can I feed my fish if I don't have fish food?

If you don't have fish food, you can provide fresh vegetables like sliced zucchini, cucumber, romaine lettuce, sweet potato, peas, and spinach. Attach them to the inside wall of the tank using specialized clips and remove them after 24 hours to prevent cloudy water.

6. Can I feed my catfish with meat?

Meat, including bone marrow waste, can be used as supplementary feed for catfish. Dry bones (bone meal) are also important inputs in catfish feed.

7. Can I feed chicken meat to my fish?

In some cases, feeding fish a small amount of chicken, such as frozen chicken, can help encourage nutrition if they are not eating normally. However, it is important not to give them too much chicken, as chickens are often fed hormones and antibiotics.

8. Can fish eat chicken?

Fish find chicken flesh very palatable due to its softness and neutral taste. It can be used as bait or as a food item in the water to attract fish. Chicken has been successfully experimented with as a bait for fishing.

Editor's Notes

During our fish food for carnivores research, we found 24 fish food for carnivores products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 21,594 customer reviews through our big data system to write the fish food for carnivores list. We found that most customers choose fish food for carnivores with an average price of $14.42.

The fish food for carnivores are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of fish food for carnivores, including Hikari, Northfin, Ultra Fresh, Vitalis Aquatic Nutrition, Ocean Nutrition. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 376 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.