What to Feed Guppies When Out of Food
Feeding your guppies a balanced and nutritious diet is a top priority for their overall health and well-being.
But… you ran out of food.
Hey, it happens. It only means you’re a terrible person.
Now that I’ve roasted you let’s figure out what can you find in your kitchen right now to feed your babies.
What To Feed Guppies When Out Of Food
Here’s what to geed guppies when you’re out of food:
- Vegetables- spinach, cucumber, carrot, zucchini and/or peas.
- Protein- beef liver or egg yolks.
Guppies are pretty hardy fish, who can even eat goldfish food or survive up to 7 days without eating.
What To Feed Guppies When You DO Have Food
Guppies are omnivorous fish, meaning they eat a combination of animal and plant-based foods.
Here’s an idea of what you should be feeding your guppies on days brighter than today:
- Commercial food for tropical fish
- Live Food (brine shrimp or bloodworms)
- Vegetables
- Zooplankton (via supplements)
When You're Out Of Food- Feed Your Guppies This
You can create a temporary homemade fish food using readily available ingredients.
Before we jump on to that list, let’s cover what not to feed them- anything that contains oil. spice or seasoning.
What you do want is bland food.
Think Outside The Tank
It’s a terrible pun, I know.
Here’s literally everything you can feed your guppies when you’re out of food:
Peas
Peas are a good source of fiber, help with digestion in guppies, and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Be sure to remove the skin and mash the peas before feeding to make them easier for guppies to consume.
You can use either canned peas (which are messy in the tank) or blanch some frozen peas by boiling them for 1-2 minutes. What I usually do is thread the peas on a skewer or a toothpick to prevent messiness.
Zucchini
Zucchini is rich in fiber and vitamins like A and C. It can help with digestion and promote overall health in guppies. Make sure to blanch or boil it before feeding.
Zucchinis can either be blanched, again- for 1 to 2 minutes or served raw. And as I’ve mentioned before- threading them makes cleanup a lot easier.
Spinach
Spinach is high in fiber, iron, and essential vitamins. It can enhance the guppies’ overall health, including their coloration.
Chop it finely before offering it to your fish, or shred it in a blender with some water and add to the tank with a pipette. You can also add the spinach to any other ingredients you may choose to add- like beef liver or egg yolk
Cucumber
Cucumber is a good source of hydration due to its high water content. It also contains vitamins and minerals that contribute to guppy health. Slices or small pieces are suitable for feeding.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which can enhance the coloration of guppies. They also provide essential vitamins and can support overall health. Grate or finely chop them before offering to guppies.
Lettuce
Lettuce contains fiber and various vitamins and minerals. While it’s not as nutritionally dense as some other vegetables, it can be a healthy addition to their diet. Offer small, finely chopped pieces
Broccoli
Broccoli is a source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It can contribute to the overall health and vitality of guppies. Ensure the broccoli is soft and finely chopped.
Kale
Kale is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A. It can enhance guppy coloration and support their well-being. Offer it finely chopped, or blanched for 1-2 minutes in boiling water.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It can contribute to the overall health and vitality of guppies. Ensure the broccoli is soft and finely chopped.
Egg Yolk
You may already know this trick if you breed guppies as you can feed fry egg yolks in their first days.
Out of experience- this is very messy. It’s pretty much a guaranteed water change the next day. Given guppies can go multiple days without eating- I would skip it.
But you are welcome to incorporate it if you are already blending some vegetables together.
Beef Liver
Chances are you don’t have beef liver readily available, but for the slim chance that you do- you should be able to safely feed it to your guppies.
Just make sure to blend it- and you’re welcome to add any fun vegetables you’d like. Use a pipette to feed it to your guppies- and freeze the rest in ice cubes.