Best Food For Goldfish in 2023 Reviews & Top Picks

Goldfish can live for well over a decade. In fact, the oldest Goldfish ever recorded was 43 years old! But, the harsh reality is, most never get to live out their full life span.

Why?

Because the majority of owners don’t understand how to properly feed their fish. And honestly, it’s not their fault. There’s too much bad information available.

Many inexperienced goldfish owners think of their fish as pets that they need to simply feed once or twice a day and that’s it. But, in reality, goldfish require much more care and need to be fed the right foods and treats to keep them happy and healthy in their little goldfish world.

There are hundreds of treatment options on the market for goldfish, so it can be frustrating to find one that is not just tasty to your goldfish, but also healthy. We all love our goldfish and want to give them the best life possible, which includes giving them tasty treats from time to time.

In this buying guide, we’ll give you some of the Best Goldfish Food for 2023 along with reviews to help you make the right choice for your goldfish friend.

Out Top Picks

Top Reviews of The Best Food for Goldfish in 2023

1. Omega One Freeze Dried Blood Worms

Brief description of the item:  

As a result of its freeze-dried composition, it floats while dry but sinks when wet, making it an ideal treat for fish with varying feeding preferences. High protein content makes blood worms a useful regular nutritional supplement for breeding fish, but they should be offered only as a treat and not as the primary diet.

Omega One Freeze-Dried Blood Worms are a high-protein food source that may be safely fed to both freshwater and saltwater fish. these real bloodworms have a robust flavor. Freeze-dried bloodworms are as nourishing as a live meal without the danger of germs or parasites.

Feed as part of a diverse diet that includes at least one Omega One staple meal. You should only give your fish as much food as they can eat in two minutes once a day. A minimum of 55% crude protein, a maximum of 3% crude fat, 5% crude fiber, and 5% moisture is guaranteed.

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Product details:

• Brand Omega One
• Flavor Other
• Target Species Fish
• Item Form Frozen
• Breed Recommendation All Breed Sizes
• Specific Uses for Product Weight

Pros

• high in protein
• Very rich in vitamins and minerals
• Good supplement for fingerlings
• Suitable for freshwater and saltwater fish.
• There is no risk of bacterial or parasitic infection.

Cons

• Not a good choice for daily feeding

2. Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm 250 Count Red Wiggler Live Composting Worm Mix

Brief description of the item:  

According to us, Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm Treats is the greatest all-around treat for your goldfish. This farm treat is great for your goldfish since it’s both tasty and nutritious, and it will keep them actively swimming around their tank. Your fish will need to capture the worms from the worm farm if you want them to consume them.

Even yet, you’re not limited to feeding your goldfish with this tasty morsel. The snacks are so tasty that they have been employed as fish bait and as rewards for birds and reptiles. If you want to have a steady supply of these snacks on hand, you may start your own worm farm with a packet of Uncle Jim’s. Due to legal limitations on selling live food, they are not available for purchase in the state of Hawaii.

These worms are a good snack for your baby goldfish or if you are breeding fish. However, for the sake of your baby fish, you should probably break these red worms into smaller pieces.

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Product details:

• Brand Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm
• Flavor Seafood
• Target Species Reptile, Fish
• Item Form Treats
• Breed Recommendation All Breed Sizes

Pros

• Enjoy live
• Applicable for all ages
• Very rich in vitamins and minerals
• Can be used for other pets and livestock

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than some treats

3. Hatortempt 5 lbs Protein-rich non-GMO dry worms

Brief description of the item: 

Weaning Worms (5 pounds) Hatortempt High Protein Non-GMO for Fish, Reptiles, Turtles, Amphibians, and Lizards. No artificial ingredients, nothing but the real thing. High-protein weaning worms that are completely natural and free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), preservatives, and chemicals. They are nurtured in a sterile setting and fed only wheat bran and fresh vegetables. Insects in their second instar form are the most popular mealworm stage among animals.

The duration of the second stage of life is around 8-10 weeks. Mealworms will consume food, develop, and eventually shed their skins during this time. During this time, the molting process may repeat itself anywhere from 10-20 times.

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Product details:

• Brand Hatortempt
• Flavor Mealworm
• Item Form Granule
• Breed Recommendation Small Breeds
• Target Species Bird, Amphibian, Reptile, Fish
• Item Weight 5 Pounds

Pros

• high in protein
• 100% pure natural
• Weaning worms are not genetically modified
• 100% natural, no preservatives, no additives

Cons

• Shipping restrictions apply

4. Repashy Super Gold – Goldfish and Koi Gel Food

Brief description of the item: 

Specifically formulated for goldfish and koi, Repashy Super Gold is a gel food. Not to put too fine a point on it, but when it comes to gel food, the Repashy brand is without a peer.

They consistently provide premium foods that promote fish health. Having spirulina as the second component is fantastic. Vitamins and minerals abound in this blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). This is excellent for both fish and humans.

Developed especially for the needs of Goldfish and Koi, this food is highly digestible and nutritious. A quick and simple pre-mix that is packed with a variety of high-quality ingredients.
Guaranteed Analysis: Minimum 40% Crude Protein, Minimum 6% Crude Fat, Maximum 5% Crude Fiber, Maximum 8% Moisture, Maximum 10% Ash.

The preparation takes just a few minutes, and you’ll have enough food to last a week or more.

At the time this article was published, groceries from the Repashy brand were cheaper than those from the Gargeer brand. Repashy, like Gargeer, is a gel snack that is made in the USA.

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Product details:

• Brand Repashy
• Flavor Seafood
• Target Species Fish
• Item Form Gel
• Breed Recommendation Goldfish and Koi
• Specific Uses for Product Fish food

Pros

• high in protein
• Very rich in vitamins and minerals
• Good for digestion and excellent nutrition in Goldfish & Koi.
• There is no risk of bacterial or parasitic infection.

Cons

• Preparation is required.
• Can be stinky when you mix it up

5. Blue Ridge Fish Food, Platinum Professional Formula 3/16″ Floating Pellet, Koi, and Goldfish

Brief description of the item: 

Fish food for koi and goldfish, Blue Ridge Platinum Professional Formula 3/16″ Floating Pellet, Koi and Goldfish is the same high-quality diet used by premier American Koi breeders at a fraction of the price.

Floating pellets are in top show condition, featuring top quality protein, carbs, and amino acids; they soften fast for simple digestion, promote healthy development, and do not contaminate the water.

proven to improve color Including spirulina and canthaxanthin in your diet can help you look and feel great, as well as give you a nutritionally full, vibrant, and

Primilac is a probiotic immune stimulant formulated to keep koi healthy and free from disease. Its unique formulation of vitamins and minerals helps prevent illness and promotes resistance to infection.

Check-Price: on Amazon  

Product details:

• Brand Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery
• Target Species Fish
• Item Form Pellet
• Breed Recommendation Koi, Goldfish
• Specific Uses for Product Nutrition

Pros

• high in protein
• carbohydrates and amino acids
• Good supplement for fingerlings
• Soft floating pellets quickly for easy digestion,
• Promotes healthy growth of fish
• at a cheaper price

Cons

• Poor packaging, the box is not sealed

6. Tetra Pond Koi Vibrance

Brief description of the item: 

High-quality nutrition is provided by Tetra Pond Koi Vibrance pond fish food for koi and decorative goldfish of all sizes. The bright reds and yellows of this pond fish are brought out by this mix. The vitamins, proteins, fats, and fiber in this formula all contribute to healthy development, metabolism, and maintenance, while the fats provide a concentrated source of energy and the fiber aids in healthy digestion.

Vitamins, protein, fat, and fiber are all carefully calculated to maintain peak health in the fish. Moreover, fish may benefit from soft sticks as well. TetraPond soft rods instantly soften in the presence of water, making them readily digestible by fish of all sizes. The soft stick’s high digestibility helps keep the water clean by reducing garbage. In addition to being a very nutritious diet, Koi Vibrance produces striking reds and burgundies on ornamental Koi and goldfish!

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Product details:

• Brand Tetra Pond
• Flavor Other
• Target Species Fish
• Item Form Stick
• Breed Recommendation Small Breeds

Pros

• Provides nutrition for energy
• contains vitamins for growth,
• and fiber for healthy and efficient digestion.
• Highlight the vibrant red and yellow of the fish

Cons

• A little more expensive than some dishes

7. Blue Ridge Fish Food [50lb], Platinum Professional Formula 3/16″ Floating Pellet, Koi and Goldfish

Brief description of the item: 

Koi and goldfish need the best nutrition possible year-round, and Blue Ridge [50 pounds], Platinum Professional Formula 3/16″ Floating Pellet, Koi, and Goldfish Fish Food provides just that. is what most of the top Koi growers in the US utilize.

Sophisticated koi keepers who want the best for their fish should feed them Blue Ridge Platinum Pro, a professional diet based on fishmeal. Your koi will flourish on this higher-protein recipe, which is specifically formulated to promote optimal development, nutrition, and coloration.

Protein, carbs, and amino acids of the highest quality are all included in Platinum Pro to ensure peak performance in your koi. Spirulina and Canthaxanthin, two well-established color boosters, are included. Primilac, a probiotic immune stimulant designed to keep koi healthy, is included as well.

superb presentation state. Contains high-quality protein, carbs, and amino acids; pellets soften fast for simple digestion; promote healthy development; and do not pollute water. The diameter of the big pellet is 3/16 inches. Both the 4.5 and 14-pound containers have foldable covers.

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Product details:

• Brand BLUE RIDGE
• Target Species Fish
• Item Form Pellet
• Breed Recommendation Small Breeds
• Specific Uses for Product Nutrition
• Package Information Bag

Pros

• includes top-quality protein,
• carbohydrates and amino acids
• Proven Color Enhancer
• Primilac bacteria immune stimulant
• Contains a special blend of vitamins and minerals.
• Quick soft food pellets for easy digestion, promote healthy growth

Cons

• Expensive

8.  Blue Ridge Fish Food Pellets, Koi and Goldfish Growth Formula, Mini Floating Pellet

Brief description of the item: 

Feed your koi and goldfish the same high-quality nutrition used by top American koi producers with Blue Ridge Fish Food Pellets, Koi and Goldfish Growth Formula, Mini Floating Pellet, and Balanced Diet.

Balanced nutritional diet, vitamins, and minerals in Blue Ridge Koi and Goldfish Fish Food Growth Formula, High Quality, Floating, Mini Pond Pellets, Promotes Resistance to Stress and Immunity to Disease.

The premier koi and goldfish breeder in the United States, Blue Ridge Koi, and Goldfish, feeds its own fish this meal. All of Next Day Koi’s facilities feed their fish the same foods. You may feel good about feeding them to your fish since you know they are getting all they need to thrive and develop quickly.

For koi and goldfish that don’t exceed a length of five inches, we recommend the Mini Pellet Growth food. For optimal development, feed your koi and goldfish this meal. Includes a synergistic combination of vitamins and minerals shown to increase the body’s natural defenses against stress and illness.

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Product details:

• Brand Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery
• Flavor Fish
• Target Species Fish
• Item Form Pellet
• Breed Recommendation All Breed Sizes
• Package Information Tub, Bag

Pros

• Contains a special blend of vitamins and minerals to help boost stress resistance and immunity to disease.
• Quick-release soft gels for easy digestion, encouraging healthy growth.
• A completely balanced nutritional diet significantly enhances growth in all koi and goldfish.
• Proven Color Enhancer

Cons

• A little more expensive than some dishes

9. Blue Ridge Fish Food, Platinum Professional Formula 3/16″ Floating Pellet, Koi, and Goldfish

Brief description of the item: 

Professional koi keepers who want nothing but the finest for their fish will appreciate Blue Ridge Platinum Pro, a diet made from fish meals. The increased protein content of this mix ensures optimal health, development, and pigmentation for your koi.

The floating pellets of Blue Ridge Fish Food, Platinum Professional Formula 3/16″ Floating Pellet, Koi, and Goldfish, soften rapidly for simple digestion, promote healthy development, and do not contaminate the water.

Platinum Pro has high-quality protein, carbs, and amino acids to maintain your koi in show shape. Spirulina and Canthaxanthin, two well-established color boosters, are included. Primilac, a probiotic immune booster, is also included for further protection against illness in your koi.

Check-Price: on Amazon  

Product details:

• Brand Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery
• Target Species Fish
• Item Form Pellet
• Breed Recommendation Large Breeds, All Breed Sizes
• Specific Uses for Product Nutrition
• Package Information Tub

Pros

• has high protein function
• Very rich in vitamins and minerals
• Proven Color Enhancer
• There is no risk of bacterial or parasitic infection.
• designed to protect koi from illness and disease,

Cons

• Bucket unsealed and half empty

10.  Tetra Pond Koi Vibrance

Brief description of the item: 

All sizes of koi and decorative goldfish will thrive on Tetra Pond Koi Vibrance because to its high nutrient content. The bright colors of these pond-raised fish are highlighted by this dish.

This formulation includes vitamins essential for development, health, and metabolism; protein for development and maintenance; fat for a concentrated source of energy; and fiber for healthy, efficient digestion. This is the perfect feed for keeping your koi, goldfish, and other outdoor fish healthy and happy. Helps sustain life and health by supplying essential nutrients.

Floating bars are easy for fish to eat and digest. Feed daily when the water temperature is above 50 degrees. Feeding high-quality, easily digestible food produces less waste so the water is clearer.

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Product details:

• Brand Tetra Pond
• Flavor Other
• Target Species Fish
• Item Form Stick
• Breed Recommendation Small Breeds
• Specific Uses for Product Active

Pros

• Ideal for all Koi and Goldfish
• protein for growth and maintenance of fat
• This formula contains vitamins for growth
• Floating bars are easy for fish to eat and easy to digest
• Provides nutrition for energy, longevity, and overall health.

Cons

• Bucket unsealed and half empty

Buyer’s Guide

Ingredients:  Treats should have as few ingredients as possible, so read labels carefully. The majority of snacks just have one component, however, some may contain two or three for extra nourishment. Less is more when it comes to the materials used to make snacks for your goldfish, since unnecessary additives may contaminate the tank water and drive your fish to overeat without providing them with any real benefit.

Source: If you’re giving a live treat, it’s best if you know where it came from. Farm-raised insects, on the other hand, are less likely to have been exposed to pesticides and other toxins that might harm your fish. If you catch crickets in your yard or dig up earthworms from your garden, you run the risk of introducing harmful chemicals to your aquarium. Instead of not knowing where the worms have been dining, you may rest easier if you keep them in a compost pile or tend a pesticide-free garden.

Nutritional Content: Fish of varying ages have diverse dietary requirements, and being overweight is detrimental to a fish’s health and lifespan. Fattier treats are more likely to cause weight gain and should be given in moderation. Breeding fish, young fish, and fish that are recuperating from sickness will all benefit from high-protein treats. The most important thing to keep in mind is that treats should only be given occasionally, and not as a replacement for the animal’s regular food. The best method to guarantee your fish is receiving all the nutrients it needs for peak health is to feed it food that is specifically formulated to act as a major nutritional source for fish.

Sinking/Floating:  Some fish, like fancy goldfish, are more prone to swim bladder issues and should be fed sinking meals to prevent them from gulping air. To get to their food, some fish swim to the surface, while others are timider and remain below in the water column. By learning what kind of treats your fish is like, you can give it something that will really benefit it.

Freeze-dried: Frozen: These meals are freeze-dried, meaning they’ve been dehydrated by being frozen and then having the ice removed. After soaking in water for a while, these snacks will swell. Meals that have been freeze-dried are a healthy alternative since they retain many of the nutrients found in fresh foods while posing less of a risk from parasites and harmful chemicals.

Frozen: Cold storage involves freezing the food in ice cube trays. While thawing these meals first is ideal for many fish, there are some that won’t mind eating right from the floating ice cube. When possible, stock up on frozen goods at a shop close to home. This will let you transport frozen goods safely from the store to your home freezer.

Live: Fish love eating live things since they are entertaining and nutritious. The introduction of harmful chemicals like lawn chemicals and pesticides may be avoided if you know where your living foods came from.

Processed: From a health perspective, processed snacks are the worst option. The fillers in these meals are what give them their distinctive forms, such as sticks, pellets, and flakes. While processed foods may last longer in the pantry than fresh items, they also tend to be higher in calories from fat and lower in nutrients when compared to fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried options.

Blood worms: Bloodworms are the larvae of midge flies, and their native habitat is slow-moving shallow water. Blood worms are consumed by a wide variety of aquatic carnivores, including fish, snails, turtles, crabs, and frogs.

Red worms/earthworms: In the world of earthworms, the red worm is a subspecies that is known for its tiny size and exceptional composting abilities. They are a suitable food source for fish of medium to big sizes due to their high nutritional density and manageable size. Nightcrawlers are the other common species of earthworm, and they are bigger and better at aerating soil than decomposing trash.

Shrimp/krill: Small freshwater shrimp are a fantastic source of protein and fiber for fish because of their high fiber and protein content. Goldfish will consume whatever shrimp they can fit in their jaws, including cherry shrimp and ghost shrimp, even though they are often offered to fish freeze-dried or frozen.

Black soldier fly larvae: The grub-like black soldier fly larvae are excellent at decomposing and recycling organic matter. Even dead fish will be composted along with food trash. They are high in healthy fats and nutrients, making them ideal for larger fish.

Daphnia: Daphnia is not insects despite their common name of “water fleas.” Small crustaceans like this exist as a kind of plankton. You may buy daphnia in a variety of forms, including live, freeze-dried, and frozen, and there are even kits available for cultivating your own daphnia.

Mosquito Larvae: Goldfish are pleased to take care of the mosquito larvae that populate ponds and other bodies of water in warm climates. You can capture mosquito larvae to feed to the fish in your tank if you are sure in the quality of the water, but mosquito larvae are often only found in stagnant, low-quality water. Those who want to feed their fish mosquito larvae may buy them frozen or freeze-dried from specialty stores.

Mealworms/super worms: Mealworms and super worms, both named after fictional characters, are really the larvae of several species of beetles. In many pet shops that also sell reptile supplies, you may find them both alive and freeze-dried.

Waxed worms: the larvae of wax moths are a popular delicacy for reptiles. They may be bought fresh at the pet store or frozen and dried.

Crickets: You can get live crickets at most pet shops, and you can also find them freeze-dried. Even though crickets are packed with protein, most species are too big to be given to fish fry or smaller fish.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What’s the best thing to feed a goldfish?

A mixture of specialized goldfish flakes and granules is a good staple diet. Ideally supplement this with live brine shrimp and a mixture of frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and veggie mix. The diet can also be supplemented by scalded peas, small invertebrates, and duckweed.

Q. Are pellets or flakes better for goldfish?

Pellets. Almost all goldfish diets will start with the pellet vs. flake debate. Very small fish will likely need to start with flakes, but as soon as your fish graduate to having a mouth that can handle a small pellet, it is better for their overall health.

Q. Is it OK to feed goldfish once a day?

Until they are one year old, you should feed goldfish 2 or 3 times per day. Once they are older than one year, you should feed goldfish just once per day. There are, however, a number of factors that could lead you to adjust this schedule. Also, the type and amount of goldfish food you feed your goldfish are important.

Q. How often should goldfish be fed?

How Often Should You Feed Your Goldfish? The general rule to follow is that you should feed your goldfish 2 or 3 times per day.

Q. How do I know if my goldfish is hungry?

You will see the goldfish looking around for food, and you will visibly know that your fish is hungry. This is a mild sign of hunger. If you notice this happening often, you may want to adjust the amount of food you are giving your goldfish or the times that you are giving it to them.

Conclusion

Overfeeding is a major contributor to fish mortality, so remember that if you only remember one thing from this essay. If your fish are swarming the front of the tank pleading for food, don’t fall for it. They are not dying of starvation. Always eat at the same time of day, and make sure everyone in the family knows they need to do the same.

My own philosophy is that little is more. Daily, for 30-60 seconds, feed your Goldfish high-quality gel food and add them some greens. The gel food’s high-quality components make for a healthy staple diet, while the greens round things off by providing additional fiber and beneficial nutrients.

When you get your routine down down, it’s time to start rewarding your pal with some tasty goodies on occasion. If you’re new to caring for goldfish or are just feeling overwhelmed by all of the available alternatives, these evaluations should serve as a useful resource. I really think this information will be useful for you.

Best of luck to you and your fish!

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