Guppies are wonderful additions to any aquarium, and owners often strive to provide them with the best guppy food possible. Things like tubifex worms, freeze-dried brine shrimp, and even homemade foods may come to mind, but commercial flake foods tend to be the best option since they have been specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of these little fish.
In this article, we will look at some of the best commercial foods for guppies. We will also provide you with some tips on selecting the best food for your fish and some helpful reviews of the best guppy foods on the market. Once you have made the most informed decision possible, you will be well on your way to ensuring that your fish are getting everything they need from their diet.
Comparison Table of The 5 Best Guppy Food
BRAND
Ultra-Fresh – Royal Guppy Mignon Pellet
DETAILS
- Brand: Ultra Fresh
- Target Species: Guppy, Guppys, Guppy Fish, Swordtail Fish, Molly, Livebearers, Livebearer fish, platies
- Item Form: Pellet
- Breed Recommendation: All Breed Sizes, Small Breeds
- Specific Uses for Product: For all Picky Livebearers. E.g., Guppy fish, Molly, Swordtails, Platy.
Hikari USA Tropical Fancy Guppy Food
- Target Species: Fish
- Item Form: Granule
- Breed Recommendation: Small Breeds
- Package Information: Bag
TetraMin Nutritionally Balanced Tropical Flake Food
- Brand: Tetra
- Flavor: Fish
- Target Species: Fish
- Item Form: Flake
- Breed Recommendation: All Breed Sizes
Fluval Hagen Color Enhancing Flakes Fish Food
- Brand: Fluval
- Flavor: Other
- Target Species: Fish
- Item Form: Flake
- Age Range Description: Adult
Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Fish Food, Small Granules
- Brand: Fluval
- Flavor: Other
- Target Species: Fish
- Item Form: Granule
- Breed Recommendation: Medium Breeds, Small Breeds
Choosing the Best Food for Guppies
In order to choose the best guppy food, you know what to look for. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Ingredients
A complete guppy diet is comprised of both plant and animal matter, so look for foods that have a balanced mix of both to ensure that your fish are getting everything they need for healthy growth. Good protein sources include fish meal and shrimp, while plant ingredients may include spirulina algae meal or kelp.
Ideally, you want to find a food with at least 30% protein and 5% fat, with zero filler ingredients. These are low-quality ingredients that serve no nutritional value, so it is best to avoid feeding guppies with foods that have them. Of course, the dietary needs of your fish may vary slightly depending on the type of guppy you have, but these differences are likely to be minimal.
Some hobbyists may wonder if it’s important to supplement their pets’ diets with fresh vegetables and spirulina tablets to ensure they have everything they need. The truth is, so long as your fish are fed a complete diet and getting adequate amounts of both protein and fat, they should be able to get everything they need from their food alone.
Vitamin and Minerals
Just like humans, guppies need a variety of vitamins and minerals in their diet to stay healthy. Many hobbyists turn to supplements that provide digestible vitamins and color-enhancing ingredients, but the best way to get these things into your fish is through diet staples such as pellets and flakes.
When choosing the best guppy food, look for foods that have a good mix of vitamins and minerals, such as those sourced from plant-based ingredients like spirulina algae, kelp, and fresh vegetables. You can also look for foods that have been fortified with vitamins and minerals, which are usually indicated on the label.
One key thing to remember is that more isn’t always better. You can feed your guppies with lots of vitamins and minerals, but if they’re not getting enough protein and fat, they won’t be able to properly utilize them. As such, it’s important to strike a balance between all the different nutrients in your pets’ diet.
Life Stage
This may not surprise most hobbyists, but it remains important to remember that a balanced diet for adult guppies may differ somewhat from what it means to their fry.
For instance, fry or baby guppies have different nutritional needs than adult guppies. They need more protein to help them grow, so look for foods with a higher protein content (at least 40%). You will also want to avoid foods that are too large or difficult for them to eat, as this can lead to malnourishment.
As your fish grow and reach adulthood, you can start feeding them foods lower in protein and higher in plant matter. This will help them maintain their health as they age, and it will also prevent them from becoming overweight. Everyone wants to raise healthy guppies, so make sure you give them the proper nutrition for their age.
Pellet Size
Strange as it may sound, the size of the pellets you feed your guppies can greatly impact their overall health. That’s because if they are too big, it can be difficult for them to eat and digest, which can lead to malnutrition. On the other hand, ultra-tiny pellets may foul the water more quickly, leading to poor water quality and health problems for your fish.
Ideally, you want to find a food with small pellets enough for your guppies to eat easily, but not so small that they dissolve in the water too quickly. This will allow for a cleaner tank environment and improve water quality for your fish. You might even cut down on tank cleaning time because fewer food particles will be cleaned up.
Selecting the right pellet size balances your fish’s health, water quality in your tank, and how often you need to clean. These tiny fish have big appetites, so look for food to give them the nutrition they need without making too much of a mess.
5 Best Guppy Food – Reviews
Now that we have a better idea of what to look for in guppy food, let’s look at five of our top picks for guppy food:
1. Ultra-Fresh – Royal Guppy Mignon Pellet
- Brand: Ultra Fresh
- Target Species: Guppy, Guppys, Guppy Fish, Swordtail Fish, Molly, Livebearers, Livebearer fish, platies
- Item Form: Pellet
- Breed Recommendation: All Breed Sizes, Small Breeds
- Specific Uses for Product: For all Picky Livebearers. E.g., Guppy fish, Molly, Swordtails, Platy.
We all believe that our guppies deserve the best in life, including having the best food on a daily basis. So if you’re looking for high-quality guppy food to keep your fish healthy, fit, and energetic, look no further than Ultra Fresh’s livebearer formula – Royal Guppy Mignon Pellet!
This outstanding product is made with all-natural ingredients and up to 35% wild sword prawns, making it an excellent protein source for your fish. In addition, the pellets are enriched with vitamins and minerals to keep your guppies’ immune system strong and bring out their beautiful colors. Best of all, this formula is specifically designed to appeal to the pickiest of eaters, so you can rest assured that your fish will love it.
Probiotics are also added to the formula to promote digestive health and minimize waste, so you won’t have to worry about your fish suffering from constipation or other issues. They also keep the water clean, breaking down fish excrement, unfinished food, and other substances that may cause ammonia levels to spike. This really is the best of the best when it comes to guppy food, and your fish are sure to thrive on it.
PROS
- Formulated with up to 35% wild sword prawns for added protein
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals to promote overall health
- Optimized for picky eaters and includes probiotics for digestive support
- Keeps water clean and ammonia levels low, promoting a healthier environment for your fish
CONS
- Some reviewers have noted that the food tends to sink a little quicker compared to other brands.
2. Hikari USA Tropical Fancy Guppy Food
- Target Species: Fish
- Item Form: Granule
- Breed Recommendation: Small Breeds
- Package Information: Bag
If you’re looking for high-quality guppy food that will please even the pickiest eaters, Hikari USA’s Tropical Fancy Guppy Food is a great option. This formula is backed by extensive research and is formulated to improve your fish’s health, energy, and even breeding habits. Containing all-natural ingredients and fortified with linolenic acid, you can rest assured that your pets will have everything they need to maintain healthy growth rates.
It’s a well-known fact guppies can be slow feeders, which is where the pellet size of the Hikari comes in. These granules are designed to slowly sink to give your fish time to eat it. This not only prevents overfeeding but also helps minimize water pollution. In addition, the granules are enriched with vitamins and minerals to keep your guppies healthy and their colors vibrant.
One of the best things about this food is that it makes a clear, noticeable difference to the appearance of your fish. Once you start feeding them this food, you’ll notice that their amazing colors become much more vivid and their scales shine brilliantly. Plus, you can rest assured knowing that your fish are getting the nutrients they need to thrive.
PROS
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Formulated to slowly sink and prevent overfeeding
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals for overall health
- Promotes vibrant colors and shiny scales in your guppies
CONS
- Has a tendency to turn the water cloudy if fish are overfed
3. TetraMin Nutritionally Balanced Tropical Flake Food
- Brand: Tetra
- Flavor: Fish
- Target Species: Fish
- Item Form: Flake
- Breed Recommendation: All Breed Sizes
The TetraMin Nutritionally Balanced Tropical Flake Food is by far the most popular guppy food on the market, and for a good reason. This formula is nutritionally complete, meaning that it contains all of the essential nutrients your fish need to stay healthy and thrive. It also contains antioxidants to support a healthy immune system, and is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and scales.
Additionally, this quality flake food is designed with a clear water formula, which means that it won’t cloud your aquarium water. Not to mention, the flakes are easy for your fish to digest and they won’t cause any stomach upsets. When it comes to commercial food, this is truly one of the best options on the market.
Whether you have small or large guppies, this food will provide all of their nutrients to stay healthy and happy. So if you’re looking for high-quality food that will keep your fish looking and feeling their best, TetraMin Nutritionally Balanced Tropical Flake Food is a great choice.
PROS
- The nutritionally complete formula provides essential nutrients and antioxidants
- Clear water formula prevents clouded aquarium water
- Made with easy-to-digest flakes that won’t cause tummy upsets
- Enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and scales
CONS
- It might not be the best option for pickier fish
4. Fluval Hagen Color Enhancing Flakes Fish Food
- Brand: Fluval
- Flavor: Other
- Target Species: Fish
- Item Form: Flake
- Age Range Description: Adult
The Fluval Hagen Color Enhancing Flakes Fish Food is a great option if you’re looking for food that will enhance the colors of your guppies over time. This formula is rich in natural color enhancers, making it an ideal food for those hoping to feed their guppies a varied diet that improves their appearance. Additionally, this food is fortified with a hefty dose of vitamins and minerals to support overall health. It contains a blend of proteins and carbohydrates to provide your fish with energy.
One standout feature of this formula is that it contains antioxidants extracted from ocean fish, which means that it’s packed with naturally-derived nutrients that will support a healthy immune system. It also contains kelp, a natural fiber source that helps with digestion. Kelp also contains Omega-3, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and scales.
Environmentally-conscious aquarists will appreciate that this food is made with responsibly-sourced ingredients and does not contain any fillers or artificial additives. So if you’re looking for a commercial flake food that will promote beautiful, vibrant colors in your guppies, the Fluval Hagen Color Enhancing Flakes Fish Food is definitely worth considering.
PROS
- Rich in natural pigments for vibrant, color-enhanced fish
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals for overall health
- Contains antioxidants from ocean fish for a healthy immune system
- Made with responsibly-sourced ingredients and no fillers or artificial additives
CONS
- The shape of the flakes may cause crumbling
5. Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Fish Food, Small Granules
- Brand: Fluval
- Flavor: Other
- Target Species: Fish
- Item Form: Granule
- Breed Recommendation: Medium Breeds, Small Breeds
The Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Fish Food, Small Granules is an excellent option for guppy owners who want to give their fish a protein-packed, nutritious diet. This formula is made with real black soldier fly larvae, which are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients. Owners of small species such as guppies and mosquito fish swear by this food brand.
Boasting a tiny, yet slow-sinking granule size, this food is perfect for guppies of all sizes. Because guppies tend to feed at the surface, the slow-sinking nature of these granules allows them to get the food they need without searching for it. Even if it does start sinking, it will only do so slowly, which buys extra time for your guppies to find it.
As one of the leading brands in the aquatic world, you can rest assured that Fluval only uses high-quality ingredients and careful manufacturing processes when making their fish foods. So if you’re looking for a nutritious, protein-packed diet for your guppies, the Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Fish Food, Small Granules is definitely worth considering.
PROS
- Rich in protein and nutrients from real black soldier fly larvae
- Contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and scales
- The slow-sinking granule size is perfect for guppies of all sizes
- Made by a trusted brand with high-quality manufacturing processes
CONS
- It May be too high in protein for some guppy breeds or owners with sensitive fish
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the best guppy food, there are a lot of factors to consider. However, by figuring out what your guppies need and doing some research, you can find the perfect food to keep them healthy and happy. After reading through our reviews and buyer’s guide, you should be more than ready to start shopping for the perfect guppy food for your fish!
We hope this buyer’s guide has been helpful and that you now have a better understanding of what to look for when choosing guppy food. If you still have questions, please feel free to fire away in the comments section below, or reach out to a professional retailer if you have more specific questions. And if you know a guppy enthusiast who might find our guide helpful, please share it with them today!