Wondering what is the best food for guppies? Truthfully, guppies are not pretty selective when it comes to food. Like goldfish, a guppy practically eats anything that appeases its palate.
As a matter of fact, a guppy can devour any kind of food formulated for fish as long as it is small and soft.
Guppies eat bloodworms, frozen and dried food, flakes, and veggies, like lettuce.
But, as their owner, you should be a little picky about what to feed them.
After all, giving the wrong fish food might harm your pets as well as even lead to a variety of fatal diseases.
Furthermore, feeding premium quality guppy food will help you raise healthy, happy, and beautiful aquarium fish.
See also:
Trust me, you cannot simply compromise the nutrition of your guppy and expect them to live for a long time.
And, did I mention that a guppy needs superior food options with healthy amounts of protein to fuel their energy?
So, what is the best food for guppies? Got no clue on what to feed your guppy? Well, guess what? I have a ton of hacks, hints, and reviews that will help you select the best food for guppies.
Let us take a look!
Table of Contents
What Do Guppies Eat?
In the wild, guppies consume a wide range of food, including water insect larvae and algae. Guppies are an omnivorous species of fish that thrive on a varied diet that is rich in meaty and plant-based food.
And, luckily, you can easily mimic their natural diet in the wild, with these guppy food options.
Fish Food Flakes And Pellets
In a fish tank setting, it is ideal to feed them with a superior quality flake or pellet fish food specifically formulated for guppies.
Not only are premium flakes or pellets a healthy and nutritious staple diet, but they can also enhance the vibrant colors of your fish.
Also, some food pellets may not be a terrific option for your fish since it might be a bit large for the mouth of your guppy.
Freeze-Dried Food
You should incorporate a few other food options, in addition to their staple diet, to keep them happy and healthy. And, one of the best supplemental food options for your guppy is freeze-dried food.
And, guppies eat a smorgasbord of freeze-dried food, such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms.
These food options will give your fish a little variety. And, if you are planning to breed guppies, a varied and nutritious diet will stop your fish from devouring their own fry.
Veggie Pellets
These food options contain healthy greens, like spirulina, plankton, and algae. And, these veggies contain the ideal quantities of calcium and iron. As a bonus, they are high in Vitamins E, D, C, and B.
Spirulina Tablets
You will love these tablets! It will help your fish develop healthier tail and fins as well as resist skin infections. Even better, it enhances the color of your fish, thanks to its carotenoid content.
Live Food
Alternatively, you may serve live food for your fish instead of feeding freeze-dried. It has more nutrients and seems tasty for your fish.
It, however, carries the risk of transferring bacteria and disease to your fish tank.
Vegetables
Guppies love vegetables. If you are planning to infuse vegetables to your guppy’s diet, I suggest that you check out these chopped options:
- Romaine lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Pumpkin
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Sweet corn
- Peas
- Cucumber
- Lettuce
By the way, avoid feeding your fish cabbages, the tomato’s juicy parts, and onions, as they can easily cloud the aquarium water.
Egg Yolk
Surprised? The thing is, egg yolks are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. And, it is rich in minerals, like calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and sodium.
On top of it all, it has Vitamins D, C, A as well as B-12.
You should, however, avoid giving egg yolks to your guppy fries. Eating egg yolks will lead to your guppy having a bloated belly since it cannot digest some complex proteins.
Also, egg yolks can pollute your aquarium, so try not to overfeed your fish with it.
To me, the best way to feed egg yolks to your guppy is to hard boil it, and crush it into a handful of small chunks.
Guppy Food Comparison Chart 2023
Want to score the best food for your guppy? Why not consider these options as you look for the best diet for guppies?
Which Are The Best Food for Guppies To Buy?
Want a more specific fish food for your guppy? Wondering what is the best food for guppy fries? Check out some of my top picks, and see which one is best suited for your preferences, budget, and needs!
- Best Overall – Hikari Usa Guppy Food
“Scientifically formulated for guppies, this Hikari fish food is loaded with nutrients to ensure optimum health, including amino acids, EPA, and DHA.” - Best Budget – Api Guppy Food Mini Pellets
“This budget-friendly fish good has an extraordinarily healthy overall formula, with high protein content from shrimps and squids.” - Best for Guppy Growth – Tetramin Guppy Food
“With a plethora of nutrients like omega-3 acids, this guppy food enhances growth and is developed especially for active fish.” - Best Color Enhancer – Omega One Guppy Food Flakes
“With high beta-carotene levels and a nutritious blend, this fish food will help develop a richer, deeper, and more vibrant color for your fish.” - Best for Guppy Fries – Newlife Spectrum Starter Guppy Food
“With its incredibly high protein content, this formula is perfect for growing guppy fries as well as other active fish species.” - Best Freeze Dried Food – Hikari Bio Guppy Food Freeze Dried
“Suitable for all kinds of tropical fish, this option is, hands down, the cleanest and safest freeze-dried food for guppies in the world today.” - Best Micro Pellet Food – Hikari Guppy Food Micro Pellets
“Not only is it rich in essential nutrients, but it is also perfectly sized, designed to help fish with small mouths, like guppies.” - Best for Breeding – Zoo Med Guppy Food Spirulina
“From 8 amino acids to essential fatty acids, this guppy food has all the vital nutrients to help your fish breed.”
Reviews Of The Best Foods for Guppies in 2023
Looking for more information about the best food for guppies? I have a surprise for you! I am going to make things simple on your end by sharing my reviews of the best food for guppies in one place.
Check them out, folks!
1. Hikari Usa Guppy Food
(Best Overall)
After years of extensive research, the premier fish food manufacturer, Hikari, created the ultimate diet for guppies: the Hikari USA guppy food. And, like most of Hikari’s products, this fish food product does not disappoint aquarium hobbyists.
Full of nutrients, this exceptional formula contains all the crucial elements to make your guppies healthier and happier.
For instance, it has stabilized Vitamin C for a boost in the immune system, as well as linolenic acid, to help stimulate growth.
Another feature I love about this brand is its texture. Unlike other fish food pellets, this food acts quite like a sponge, getting soft and absorbing water without dissolving.
Key Features:
- Improves guppy breeding
- Contains a ton of nutrients
- Incredible texture
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Hikari |
| Crude protein | 50% |
| Crude fat | 8% |
| Crude fiber | 2% |
Pros
- Full of crucial nutrients for growth and overall health
- An excellent option for breeding
- Excellent color enhancer
- Easy to digest for the fish
Cons
- May sometimes cloud the aquarium water
2. Api Guppy Food Mini Pellets
(Best Budget)
Guppy owners will, no doubt, love these mini pellets from API guppy. Not only are they high in protein content, but these guppy food pellets also keep the aquarium water clearer and cleaner.
For the most part, we, fish owners, worry that any uneaten pellet will sink into the tank’s bottom and begin to compose, ultimately releasing toxins like ammonia into the aquarium water.
But, with these API pellets, ammonia buildup is likely not to happen in your aquarium.
Unlike other guppy food, API sinks pretty slowly and is easy to digest, leaving less waste in your fish tank.
Key Features:
- Contains premium quality proteins, like shrimp and squid
- Has all critical nutrients for a balanced and complete diet
- Suitable for smaller tropical fish
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | API |
| Crude protein | 37% |
| Crude fat | 8% |
| Crude fiber | 5% |
Pros
- Does not pollute the aquarium water
- High-quality protein
- Easy for fish to digest
- Inexpensive
- Enhances guppy fish colors
Cons
- None
3. Tetramin Guppy Food
(Best for Guppy Growth)
They do not call TetraMin as one of the best guppy food options for nothing. Offering a nutritionally balanced staple diet, this guppy food is jam-packed with essential prebiotics that help promote remarkable digestion for your guppy.
To me, it is the perfect standalone guppy food, so there is no need to add other supplements when using this product.
And, it is easy to digest for your guppy fish, meaning it will prevent waste in your aquarium. Furthermore, this fish food contains antioxidants that help develop healthy cells as well as quality proteins that promote growth.
Key Features:
- Less food and fish waste
- Clear aquarium water formula
- Formulated for tropical fish
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Tetra |
| Crude protein | 47% |
| Crude fat | 10% |
| Crude fiber | 3% |
Pros
- Healthy and complete fish diet
- Helps the digestive and immune system
- The perfect staple guppy food
- Superior quality proteins
- Does not cloud the water
- Contains Omega-3 acids
Cons
- None
4. Omega One Guppy Food Flakes
(Best Color Enhancer)
Searching for the best color-enhancing food for your guppy? When it comes to enhancing your guppy’s colors, there is no option better than Omega One guppy food flakes.
These guppy food flakes contain high beta-carotene levels, thanks to its salmon skin content.
Of course, there is more to this premier guppy food than its color-enhancing properties. For one, it gets its healthy natural fats from excellent sources, including fresh seaweed, salmon, and halibut.
Not to mention, it has a little starch, a ton of protein, and will not pollute the aquarium water.
On the low side, the Omega One guppy food flakes are somewhat expensive compared to other guppy food choices.
Key Features:
- Uses premium quality ingredients
- Color-enhancing nutrition
- Clearwater formula
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Omega One |
| Crude protein | 42% |
| Crude fat | 12% |
| Crude fiber | 2% |
Pros
- Fresh marine ingredients
- Immune system booster
- Color-enhancing formula
- Prevents aquarium water clouding
Cons
- Is a little bit pricey
5. Newlife Spectrum Starter Guppy Food
(Best for Guppy Fries)
The NewLife Spectrum starter food is truly a guppy’s favorite. With a high protein content of 50%, this formula is ideal for guppy fries and other active tropical fish species.
Additionally, it has a micro-particle structure that makes sure all the food’s nutrients are easily digestible for fries and smaller fish.
And, the food will eventually sink and still remain insoluble, meaning your fish may spot and consume them, without clouding or muddying the aquarium water.
As with most top options, this guppy food helps promote optimal growth and health for your pets.
Key Features:
- Easy to digest for fish
- High protein content
- Perfect for guppy fries
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | NewLife Spectrum |
| Crude protein | 50% |
| Crude fat | Not specified |
| Crude fiber | Not specified |
Pros
- Perfect size for little guppy fries
- Suitable for other types of smaller fish
- Rich in protein and nutrients
Cons
- May cloud your aquarium water
- Other fish species do not like it
6. Hikari Bio Guppy Food Freeze Dried
(Best Freeze Dried Food)
I feed these freeze-dried blood worms to my guppies a couple of times a week as their treat. They are small enough for my guppies and other community fish.
But, they can also be fed to some larger fish. One of my community tanks house guppies, mollies, zebra Danio, mollies, and they also love these treats.
In fact, my fish go crazy every time I feed them this freeze-dried food.
Another upside to this food is that it is rich in multivitamins. And, surprisingly, it does not have a foul odor.
Key Features:
- Rich in multivitamins
- Does not cloud the water
- Free of harmful bacteria and parasites
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Hikari |
| Crude protein | 65% |
| Crude fat | 5% |
| Crude fiber | 3.5% |
Pros
- Does not cloud the aquarium water
- Safe to consume for your fish
- Nutritious and healthy treats
- Does not smell funny
- Inexpensive
- Lasts long
Cons
- Some cichlids do not like it
7. Hikari Guppy Food Micro Pellets
(Best Micro Pellet Food)
No list of the best guppy food is complete without the inclusion of Hikari guppy food micro pellets. In my book, it is the best food for guppies, if you want to mimic the natural diet of your fish in the wild.
The formula contains a mishmash of vegetable and marine proteins that are chosen specially to feed guppies and other high-energy small fish. Plus, the manufacturer has added spirulina and krill, to enhance your fish’s colors.
These Hikari mini pellets also slowly sink, giving guppies plenty of time to consume their food. And, there is also no aquarium water clouding, so it will not upset the water’s chemistry and balance when it hits bottom.
Key Features:
- Developed primarily for guppies and small-mouth fish
- Full of nutrients
- Brightens colors
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Hikari |
| Crude protein | 43% |
| Crude fat | 7% |
| Crude fiber | 7% |
Pros
- Does not clog up your aquarium filters
- Sinks slowly
- Keeps the aquarium water clean
- Made from superior quality vegetables and marine proteins
Cons
- Contains filler
- A bit big for smaller guppies
8. Zoo Med Guppy Food Spirulina
(Best for Breeding)
Searching for the best fish food for a community tank with guppies? Why not consider Zoo Med, as one of your top options, when looking for the best food for guppies?
With spirulina as one of its primary ingredients, this fish food ensures a healthy and long life for your beloved aquatic pets.
Moreover, it has a wealth of essential vitamins, including several Bs, E, C, and A. The fish food has beta-carotene as well, meaning it is an exceptional choice if you want to boost your pet’s colors.
And did I mention that it is suitable for saltwater fish too?
Key Features:
- Suitable for saltwater and freshwater fish
- Made 100% in the USA
- Nutritious vegetable-based fish food
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Zoo Med |
| Crude protein | 45% |
| Crude fat | 4% |
| Crude fiber | 3% |
Pros
- Helps breed fish
- Rich in quality raw protein
- Ideal for community fish tanks
- Natural color booster
Cons
- None
9. Hikari Bio Brine Shrimp Guppy Food
I originally bought this fish food to spice things up, and a little variety to the diet of my guppies since some of them were losing interest in small pellets and flakes. Eventually, though, it became one of their favorites, and I am actually feeding them these treats very often lately.
The brine shrimp of this brand comes in small cubes, and my fish just go nuts whenever they spot it.
I have to break these cubes into pieces, however, so that my smaller guppies can eat it. While not exactly a staple daily food, it can be a terrific supplement or treat for your charming guppies.
Key Features:
- Rich in multivitamins
- Prevents diseases and stress
- Free of harmful bacteria and parasites
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Hikari |
| Crude protein | 47% |
| Crude fat | 5.5% |
| Crude fiber | 0.5% |
Pros
- Nutritious
- Safe for fish
- Quality ingredients
- Enhances fish colors
Cons
- Has a funny smell
- Clouds the water
- Can get a little messy
10. New Life Spectrum Fish Food Optimum Flakes
This New Life Spectrum will give your guppies a whole lot of energy to swim and play around. It is packed with protein and is ideal for smaller guppies and fish that are more active than other types of aquatic creatures.
The food will not cloud the aquarium water and contains seaweed particles, vegetables, fruits, and kelp.
Besides guppies, I also use it to feed my mollies, platys, platys, and gouramis. And, so far, it has been helping my fish grow fast and thrive. Even better, it helps enhance the colors of all my aquarium fish.
Key Features:
- Contains garlic to improve the fish’s immune system
- Enhances the colors of your fish
- Premium quality proteins
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | New Life Spectrum |
| Crude protein | 50% |
| Crude fat | NA |
| Crude fiber | NA |
Pros
- No artificial preservatives, flavors or colors
- Includes a variety of seaweed and algae
- Fish seems to like it
- Does not cloud the tank water
Cons
- Sinks fast
11. Aquacarium Guppy Food Flakes
These tropical flakes are scientifically formulated and primarily designed for guppies and other tropical fish.
It is available in a bubble pack and is typically shipped in a sturdy box, meaning it is perfectly protected when it is shipped.
As with the top guppy food brands, this one teems with probiotics and vitamins, to make your vibrant guppies and tropical fish happy and healthy.
Additionally, it has a protein content of 43% and includes a variety of veggie sources, such as kelp and spirulina.
Since these flakes are somewhat large, you will have to crush them to feed smaller guppies. It is pretty easy to crush them, though.
Key Features:
- No artificial additives
- Made freshly in small batches
- Does not cloud the water
- Made 100% in the USA
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Aquacarium |
| Crude protein | 43% |
| Crude fat | NA |
| Crude fiber | NA |
Pros
- Comes with a heap of vitamins and probiotics
- Includes kelp, spirulina and other veggies
- Ideal for an array of aquarium fish
Cons
- You need to crush the bigger flakes when feeding smaller fish
12. Aqueon Guppy Food Flakes
Another flexible and nutritious option for guppies and other tropical fish is the Aqueon food flakes. It provides a healthy and balanced diet, thanks to its natural ingredients, vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients, which aid in promoting overall health.
Plus, it brings out the vibrant colors of your guppy, with its high concentration of marigold powder, chili powder, and spirulina.
Moreover, these fish food flakes float at the water surface for a while, making it easier for your fish to eat them.
On top of it all, it contains plenty of minerals, including calcium, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, and manganese sulfate.
Key Features:
- Creates less fish waste
- Supports a healthy fish immune system
- Formulated specially with natural ingredients
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Aqueon |
| Crude protein | 41% |
| Crude fat | 7% |
| Crude fiber | 3% |
Pros
- Made by a trustworthy manufacturer
- Floats a long time
- Water remains clean and clear
- Enhances the color of your fish
Cons
- Flakes crumble easily
- A bit expensive
13. Hikari Fish Food Bites
Still looking for other choices for your guppy fries? Excellent guppy and other fish fries, this fish food is ideal in a nursery with egg layers as well as livebearers. This fish food is made with a variety of healthy ingredients, such as dried seaweed and krill.
It has an impressive protein content of 48% and contains ascorbic acid as well as vitamins E, D3, and E.
And, thanks to its low heat protection, this fish food can keep the minerals and vitamins intact in higher temperatures.
Key Features:
- Promotes ideal feeding habits
- Rich in freshly harvested and highly nutritious ingredients
- Excellent for egg layers and livebearers
- Promotes rapid growth
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Hikari |
| Crude protein | 48% |
| Crude fat | 3% |
| Crude fiber | 2% |
Pros
- Perfect for nurseries
- Superb protein content
- Plenty of nutrients n vitamins
- Great for guppy fries
Cons
- Can be difficult for some fish at first because of its powdery texture
14. Cobalt Aquatic Fish Food Tropical
Cobalt Aquatic is a superb fish food designed for guppies and other tropical fish species. It comes in the form of flakes, so it is ideal for guppies, even for smaller ones.
One of the primary benefits of feeding these flakes to your fish is that it helps improve your pet’s gut health, thanks to its probiotic content.
Other ingredients include kelp, krill, shrimp meal, fish meal, and crude protein.
Also, it does not cloud your aquarium water due to its unique formula.
Key Features:
- Comes with a plethora of probiotics
- Support a healthy immune and digestive system
- Balanced nutritionally for beautiful colors, palatability and consistent growth
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Cobalt Aquatics |
| Crude protein | 44% |
| Crude fat | 10% |
| Crude fiber | 4.2% |
Pros
- Does not clog your aquarium water
- Contains probiotics and other vital nutrients
- Available in an array of sizes
- Has a range of ingredients
Cons
- None
15. Freeze Dried Guppy Food
I adore this freeze dried guppy food! It has a protein content and has brine shrimp as its primary ingredient to make your guppy healthier, especially the breeding ones.
And, it has no preservatives, chemicals, and additives, meaning it is safe for your guppies. With its cube-like and convenient design, it is a suitable option for bigger guppies and bottom-dwelling fish.
In addition to its superb protein content, this fish food contains a whole lot of vitamins to boost your fish’s energy.
Key Features:
- High protein content
- Terrific for conditioning your guppy breeders
- Ideal, fresh and fantastic diet for raising guppy fries
Product Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Aquatic Foods Inc. |
| Crude protein | 50% |
| Crude fat | 8% |
| Crude fiber | 2% |
Pros
- Can be easily crushed for smaller guppies and fish
- Excellent protein source
- Packed with nutrients
- Available in a variety of sizes
Cons
- It sometimes turns into powder when you crush it
Tips When Looking For The Best Guppy Food
Still having a problem making a decision? Then, make it a point to heed these tips and suggestions!
Source Of Protein
Look for high-quality sources of protein. An exceptional guppy food, for the most part, has herring meal, blood meal, shrimp meal, anchovy meal, whitefish meal, squid meal, fishmeal, and other kinds of aquaculture protein as its primary ingredients.
Krill is, likewise, an outstanding protein source and a terrific color enhancer.
Packaging
It is crucial to pick a fish food that is correctly packaged. Look for a brand with a remarkable container or packaging that protects the fish food from vitamin-degrading light, air, and other outside contaminants.
Quality
Spend some reading the contents and ingredients of every guppy food you are planning to buy. And, only consider those with high-quality content.
Not only will it help your guppy live a healthy and fruitful life, but it also helps your pond’s condition.
Low-quality guppy food tends to have a high phosphate content, which may lead to green water and algae growth.
So, only consider options that have low phosphate content. Also, opt for those food options that are high in probiotics, minerals, and vitamins, which help boost the immune system and lower the risks of sickness and diseases.
Read Reviews
The best way to score the best food for guppies is to read reviews from certified fish experts and hobbyists like us. Through their insights, you will know which guppy food is best for your guppy fish.
Additionally, their reviews feature unbiased opinions, highlighting the upsides and downsides of every product.
Go For A Reputable Manufacturer
A reputable manufacturer usually has a team of experts, nutritionists and scientists, to ensure that your guppy gets the best nutrition possible. Moreover, these manufacturers are, at their core, fish hobbyists, meaning they want to give the best for you guppy and other aquarium fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a guppy survive without food?
A guppy can go on without food for around a week. If you are away for over a week, ask a neighbor or friend to do the feeding chore while you are away.
You may also use an automatic feeder or a fish feeding cake, which can remain in your aquarium for about 3 days.
Can guppy eat bread?
Technically, guppies can eat bread. They are omnivores and will literally eat anything you throw at them. Even so, you should, by no means, feed them bread.
Keep in mind bread only contains fiber and carbohydrates, meaning it will not help them grow. Moreover, some commercial bread or bread crumbs have artificial flavorings and high amounts of preservatives.
How often should I feed my guppies?
I feed my adult guppies around 1 or 2 times a day. I supply them in small quantities in less than a minute and remove anything that is left uneaten.
Guppy fries, meanwhile, need to be fed a bit more often. Whenever I raise guppy fries, I feed them at least 5 times a day. Also, I try to make their diet as diverse as possible.
Can I keep just one guppy in my aquarium?
Yes, it is okay to keep one guppy in your fish tank. I, however, do not recommend it since these fish prefer to go in groups, although their swim patterns are random.
Can betta and guppies live in one aquarium?
Guppies and betta fish can live in one tank. But, since betta fish are a little aggressive, it is essential to take some precautions to protect your guppies.
For one, you can add the less aggressive types of betta, such as Halfmoon Betta Fish and Delta Betta Fish.
My Top Pick
It is, honestly, not easy to pick the best food for guppies. From reputable brands to underrated stars, there are plenty of contenders to the title of the best food for guppies.
But, there is guppy food that stands above the rest, and that is Hikari Usa Guppy Food.
Formulated by a trustworthy manufacturer, this guppy food can be beneficial for your guppy in a lot of ways.
Not only does it improve resistance against bacteria and diseases, but it improves breeding growth and enhances your fish’s colors as well. And, it is easy to digest for your fish.
The only downside is it can cloud your aquarium water. Fortunately, it is an easy fix for all aquarium hobbyists.
