If you are new to fishkeeping, you may wonder what guppies can eat. Guppies are a very popular type of fish because they are relatively easy to care for. They’re resilient, adaptable, and do well with most types of food. Like most omnivores, they need a good balance of animal and plant-based matter, and there are a few different ways you can provide this for your fish.
This article will discuss some of the best food options for guppies and some homemade alternatives you can try. Not everyone has access to the same food sources, so we’ve provided options to suit every need. Whether you live next to a pet supplies store or have to contend with a more limited selection, we hope you find something that works for you and your fish!
Commercial Fish Food
Nothing is as convenient, cost-effective, and nutritionally complete as a good quality commercial fish food. These food sources are tailored to the unique needs of different fish species, allowing aquarists to provide their fish with all the nutrients they need. Here are some of the best commercial guppy foods available on the market:
1. Ultra-Fresh – Royal Guppy Mignon Pellet
The most important thing to look for in a good commercial fish food is the quality and integrity of its formulation. And the Ultra-Fresh’s Royal Guppy Mignon Pellets certainly delivers on this front. This food is made with high-quality ingredients that provide your fish with a ton of beneficial vitamins. In addition, it’s also free of fillers and other ingredients that can harm your fish.
2. Hikari USA Tropical Fancy Guppy Food
A mainstay in the fishkeeping world, Hikari has been making quality fish food for over a century. And their Tropical Fancy Guppy Food is one of the best options out there for guppies. This food is made with high-quality ingredients that provide your fish with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and thrive.
3. TetraMin Nutritionally Balanced Tropical Flake Food
TetraMin has earned a reputation for making high-quality fish food, and their Nutritionally Balanced Tropical Flake Food is no exception. Its clear water formula ensures that your tank stays clean and healthy, and doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. As a result, you can feel good about feeding this food to your beloved guppies.
Insects
Insects are a great source of additional nutrients for guppies, as they are similar to what these fish would eat in the wild. Here are some options you could try!
4. Mosquito Larva
You’ve probably heard that you can feed your betta mosquito larvae, but did you know that this rich source of protein is also great for guppies? Mosquito larvae are an excellent source of nutrients and can help keep your fish healthy and strong. In addition, they are also a great way to add some variety to your fish’s diet.
If you’re interested in feeding your guppies mosquito larvae, you can either buy them online or collect them yourself. To collect them, simply set up a mosquito breeding trap and wait for the larvae to develop. Once they’re mature, you can scoop them out and feed them to your fish.
5. Brine Shrimp
Adult brine shrimp are relatively easy to come by, and make an excellent food source for guppies. They are an especially good option if you have juvenile fish, as the small size makes them easy to eat. Brine shrimp are also a good source of essential nutrients, making them a great way to ensure your fish are getting everything they need.
The key thing to remember here is to remove any uneaten food from the tank, as brine shrimp can quickly pollute the water if left to decompose. The same goes for any other type of food, but it’s especially important with brine shrimp due to their high protein content.
6. Micro Worms
Anyone who’s ever fed their fish tubifex worms or a bloodworm on occasion knows that fish love them. But you may not know that there’s an even better alternative: micro worms. Micro worms are nematodes in the Panagrellus genus, and make an excellent food source for guppies and other small fish.
Micro worms can give your fish a hefty dose of extra nutrients, and their small size makes them easy to eat. They’re also relatively easy to culture, so you can have a steady supply on hand with very little work.
7. Fruit Flies
Hear us out – fruit flies may not sound appetizing, but they’re actually a great food source for guppies. These tiny insects are packed with nutrients, and their resilience makes them perfect for beginners looking to culture their own food.
Fruit flies are easy to culture, and only require a few basic supplies. All you need is a container, some fruit, and a little bit of patience.
8. Daphnia
Many people are confused and even suspicious about daphnia, and understandably so. They’re often sold in reddish-brown water, which can make them look unappetizing. However, daphnia are actually small, planktonic crustaceans that make a rich protein source for guppies and other fish.
Daphnia are a great food source for guppies, but should only be fed as an occasional treat. Juvenile and baby guppies benefit from the extra protein, but too much daphnia can lead to in adult fish. As always, make sure you don’t under or overfeed your fish, and remove any uneaten food from the tank.
9. Vinegar Eels
For the uninitiated, it may come as a surprise that vinegar eels are not, in fact, eels. They are actually a type of roundworms that feed on something called the mother of vinegar. This is a symbiotic relationship, as the mother of vinegar provides a safe place for the vinegar eels to live, while the eels help to break down the mother of vinegar.
Vinegar eels are a great food source for guppies and other small fish. You can find them for sale online, or culture them yourself with a little vinegar and some time.
Vegetables/Fruits
Most people think of veggie pellets and soft algae wafers when they think of feeding their fish plant matter, but there are many different options. Actual vegetables and fruits can be a great supplement to your fish’s diet, providing them with essential nutrients they might not get otherwise. Here are some of our top picks for guppies:
10. Cucumber
Cucumbers are made up of 96% water – and that’s what makes them such a great component of a varied diet for adult fish. They’re easy to digest, which means that your guppies can get the nutrients they need without having to process a lot of solid matter.
Cucumbers are also a good source of fiber. Many fish keepers make weekly feeding a point to keep bloating and constipation at bay, but cucumbers can help with that in between feedings.
11. Zucchini
A guppy in its natural habitat is unlikely to stumble upon zucchini, but guppies in freshwater aquariums love this soft, easy-to-eat vegetable. Zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium.
The difference between zucchini and cucumbers is that zucchini contains more solid matter. This means that it packs more fiber in a single serving, which can help to bulk up your fish’s diet and keep their digestive system running smoothly. Of course, this also means you need to feed your fish less zucchini than you would cucumber.
12. Tomatoes
When it comes to alternative meals for guppies, tomatoes might be one of the most unexpected – but they can actually be a great addition to your fish’s diet. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, folate, and potassium, making them great for both humans and their pet guppies. Just be sure to remove the seeds and stem before giving them to your fish, as these can be harmful.
One key drawback to feeding tomatoes to your guppy is that they can cause the water in your tank to become murky. This is due to the high level of acidity in tomatoes, which can also be harmful to your fish if it’s not diluted properly. For this reason, we recommend feeding tomatoes right before a water change, or in a separate tank.
13. Lettuce
Perhaps the most ubiquitous of leafy greens, lettuce is a great source of vitamins A and K and fiber. Lettuce makes the perfect plant-based snack for guppies because it is easy to digest and contains very little solid matter.
There are a few different types of lettuce that you can feed your fish, but we recommend sticking to romaine or coral. These varieties provide enough vitamins and minerals for your fish, without being too nutritionally complex. On the other hand, avoid giving your guppies iceberg lettuce, as this type of lettuce can cause bloating.
14. Spinach
Popeye was on to something when he made spinach his go-to superfood. Spinach is a good source of vitamins A and C and is also rich in iron. This leafy green vegetable can help keep your fish healthy and strong while providing an energy boost. In their final growth stage, juvenile guppies will especially benefit from the extra nutrients that spinach provides.
As far as leafy vegetables go, spinach is on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to nutrition. For this reason, we recommend feeding your fish spinach sparingly, as too much can actually be harmful. A good rule of thumb is to offer spinach no more than twice a week. Too often, and you run the risk of overloading your fish’s liver and kidneys.
15. Kale
Kale is often associated with salad bowls and green smoothies, but this leafy green vegetable can actually be a great food for guppies. Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. This superfood can help keep your fish healthy and strong, while also keeping their immune system functioning properly.
To feed kale, we recommend removing the stems and feeding only the leaves. The stems can be tough for fish to digest, and they also contain a higher concentration of oxalates, which can be harmful to your fish. When feeding kale, we also recommend chopping it into smaller pieces to make it easier for your guppy to eat.
16. Peas
Boiled peas have long been touted as the miracle cure for constipated fish. While peas can help relieve constipation, they also offer a host of other health benefits. Peas are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and fiber. This superfood can help keep your fish healthy and strong, while also aiding in their digestion.
The simplest way to feed peas is to thaw a frozen pea and dice it into quarters. You can then drop the pea into your tank and watch your fish go to town. As an alternative, you can also puree peas into a paste and offer it to your fish as a treat.
Because peas take a little more effort to gnaw on, you can leave them in your tank for a little longer compared to other vegetables. Just be sure to remove them before they start to decompose, as this can lead to water quality issues.
17. Corn
Corn is a popular food for both people and guppies, and for a good reason. These bright yellow kernels are sweet, delicious, and most importantly – super good for your fish. Guppies adore corn as they would any other treat, but they also benefit from the high levels of vitamins and minerals that it contains.
The best way to feed corn to your guppy is to opt for frozen corn, because this allows you to thaw a single kernel and feed it to your fish. You can most certainly boil fresh corn, but the leftovers will likely go to waste. No matter which type you opt for, be sure to feed unseasoned corn to your fish. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and butter can actually be harmful to their health.
18. Green Beans
Green beans are a common sight on many dinner plates, but did you know that these delicious vegetables can also be fed to your guppy? Fish keepers appreciate the fact that this sturdy green provides a ton of nutrients to their guppies. As an added bonus, it doesn’t cause any cloudiness in the water and it’s also a lot of fun for fish to nibble on.
The best way to feed green beans is to blanch them, soften them up, and then chop them into small pieces. We recommend blanching a small portion of beans and freezing the rest, as this will make it easier to feed them to your fish on a regular basis. You can also use canned green beans, but keep in mind that these are mushier and may cause a mess in your tank.
19. Potato
Who would have expected to find tubers on this list? Fishkeepers have been feeding their fish potatoes for years for a good reason. This humble vegetable is actually packed with nutrients that can benefit your guppy’s health. Potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and carbohydrates.
When feeding potatoes to your fish, it’s important to cook them first. You can boil, bake, or microwave the potato, and then offer it to your fish in small pieces. Again, don’t season the potato as this can be harmful to their health. You can also puree the potato and use it as a mashed potato treat for your fish.
20. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are another great option for fish food, and they offer many of the same benefits as regular potatoes. These tubers are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a great choice for guppy food. Sweet potatoes are also very easy to prepare, and they can be fed to your fish in a variety of ways.
The best way to feed sweet potatoes to your guppy is to steam or bake them, and then offer them in small pieces. As usual, you can freeze the leftovers, and thaw them out as needed. Given that you should only feed sweet potatoes as an occasional treat, one whole potato should last you quite a while. Talk about stretching your food budget!
21. Carrot
Optometrists aren’t the only ones who appreciate carrots. These bright orange vegetables are also a favorite among fishkeepers, as they offer a variety of health benefits to guppies. Though guppies may not benefit from the vision-related benefits that carrots are known for, they will enjoy the healthy dose of vitamins and minerals that these vegetables provide.
The best way to prepare carrots for your guppy is to peel them, then cut a thin slice off the top and bottom. After that, you can chop the carrots into small pieces or grate them into a fine pulp. Carrots are also often used in homemade fish food, making them incredibly useful to have around!
22. Banana
Of all the food for guppies we’ve listed so far, bananas are probably the most unexpected. Bananas are not a common ingredient in fish food, but they can actually be a healthy treat for your guppy. This may come as a surprise because bananas have a higher sugar content than other fruits, but as long as you feed them in moderation, your fish will reap a ton of benefits from them.
When feeding bananas to your guppy, it’s important to remove the peel first. The peel is quite difficult for fish to digest and can cause intestinal blockages. Once the peel is removed, you can mash the banana into a pulp or cut it into small pieces. Bananas are best fed as an occasional treat, as they should not make up a large part of your guppy’s diet.
Meats
Most people know that you shouldn’t feed bread to guppies, but unfortunately, they assume that meats are a no-no. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as the dense protein content found in animal meat can be a great source of nutrition for your fish. While it is true that meat shouldn’t be used as a staple food, they still make excellent supplements to your guppy’s diet.
23. Thawed Frozen Shrimp
There are lots of different meats that you can feed your guppy, but one of the best is shrimp. Shrimp are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are essential for a healthy guppy diet. In addition, shrimp are also very easy to prepare. All you have to do is thaw them out (if they’re frozen) and then cut them into small pieces.
As with all meat products, it’s important not to overdo it when feeding shrimp to guppies. You should also make sure to source your seafood from a reliable source. A rogue shrimp could contain harmful toxins that could make your fish very sick. And a sick fish can quickly cause your entire tank to crash. As long as you’re careful, your guppies will be just fine!
24. Chicken Breast
What do bodybuilders turn to when they need some extra protein in their diets? Chicken, of course! This humble bird is not only a great source of protein, but it’s also relatively low in fat. This makes it an ideal food for guppies, as they need lots of protein to grow and stay healthy, but they don’t do well with too much fat in their diet.
Unlike chicken legs, thighs, and wings, the breast meat is very lean. This makes it an excellent source of protein for guppies. Simply cook the chicken using your method of choice, cut it up into bite-sized pieces, and then serve it to your fish. Just be sure not to overdo it, as chicken is a very dense food and your guppies may have trouble digesting too much of it.
25. Egg Yolk
Hard-boiled egg yolk is yet another excellent source of protein for guppies. It’s also very easy to prepare, as all you have to do is cook the egg and then remove the yolk. Then, mash the yolk gently and feed it to your guppies. Because egg yolk crumbles easily, your guppies will have an easy time digesting it.
The main issue with feeding egg yolk is that it disintegrates quickly, leaving a cloudy mess in its wake. Many fishkeepers opt to avoid feeding egg yolks because they don’t want their tanks to get dirty. If you decide to feed your guppies egg yolks, be sure to do it in small quantities – ideally, your fish should eat each piece within seconds. This isn’t one for the grazers.
26. Frozen/Boiled Beef Heart
A bit of beef heart never hurt anybody – especially not guppies! This rich, red meat is packed with protein and nutrients, making it an excellent treat for your fish. Beef heart is also relatively easy to prepare. All you have to do is boil it or fry it (without any spices or seasonings) and then cut it into small pieces.
The only downside to feeding beef heart to guppies is that it’s a very fatty meat. This means that it can cause digestive problems if your fish eat too much of it. Therefore, beef hearts shouldn’t be used as a fish food substitute but as an occasional treat.
27. Feeder Fish
Last but not least, we have feeder fish. Usually, these are fast-breeding, tiny little fishies that are sold by the pound. Guppies are generally more than happy to feast on these little critters, and they make for a great source of protein.
However, you should keep in mind that these aren’t the most nutritious food for guppies. As far as animal protein sources go, feeder fish are a little too rich and fatty for guppies. Most adult guppies are better off sticking to the other foods on this list. However, if you have fry that needs a little extra protein in their diet, feeder fish are a great option.
The Takeaway
As you can see, there are plenty of options for feeding guppies. Whether you choose store-bought food or animal protein, your fish will be fine. Just be sure to mix things up and give them a variety of different foods to keep them healthy and happy!
Did you enjoy this article? Please be sure to share it with your fellow fishkeeping enthusiasts! And if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. We’d love to hear from you! Thanks for reading, and happy fishkeeping!
