When it comes to the health of your aquarium, one of the main focuses is the quality of fish food recipe you provide. While it is convenient to purchase fish food, making DIY fish food recipe will allow you to give your fish the best nutrition possible. You are in complete control of what your fish eat and you can often save money as well. You can even customize your fish food to your fish’s individual tastes, something that you cannot do with store bought alternatives.
In this article we will teach you how to properly make fish food recipe at home, following along with typical and easy recipes that will supply necessary nutrition to your aquatic pets.
Why make your own fish food?
Before we get to the recipes it is important to understand why making your own fish food recipe is often appealing! Store bought fish food typically has preservatives, fillers, and artificial colours. All of these items are often not beneficial to your fish. By making your fish food you limit these unpleasant ingredients and can provide your fish with food that is natural and contains the nutrients needed.
Also, many fish have specific dietary requirements that you can satisfy with custom recipes. Carnivorous fish require a high protein diet, while herbivorous fish require specific plant food. This is why making your own fish food recipe can be better for specific feeding habits.
Basic Ingredients for DIY Fish Food
First, there are some basic ingredients you will want to have for many home-made fish food recipe. These food sources are generally easy to get, and they will allow you to provide the core balanced diet requirements.
Fish (or seafood): Many fish are high in protein (salmon, shrimp, whitefish), which provide some nutrients that are essential for carnivorous fish.
Vegetables: Many fish love leafy greens. Spinach, kale, and peas are plants that fish love.
Gelatin: Gelatin is what helps bind everything together (in a solid form) and be frozen or served out in frozen chunks.
Spirulina: This is a unicellular algae that is high in vitamins and minerals. Spirulina is valuable as it provides nutrients and health to herbivorous fish.
Fish oil: Fish oil is also high in omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil is an awesome source to improve skin (and fin) health.
Simple DIY Fish Food Recipe #1: Protein-Rich Fish Food for Carnivores
This first recipe is a great option for feeding carnivore fish like bettas, cichlids, and predatory fish. It is loaded with protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients to keep your fish healthy and strong!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of fish fillet (salmon, tilapia, or shrimp)
1/4 cup of spinach (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon of spirulina powder
1 tablespoon of fish oil
1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup of water
Instructions:
Use a food processor to blend the fish fillet or shrimp until it becomes paste-like.
Next, add the chopped spinach along with the spirulina powder and fish oil. Blend until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the gelatin in warm water. Incorporate this mixture with the fish mixture and stir until it is mixed.
Pour the final mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone mold for easy serving size.
Once frozen, the cubes can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer.
Diversify Your Fish’s Diet
Though recipe options are limited to protein and veggie-based combinations of ingredients, it’s a good idea to change things up to keep your fish healthy. For example, you can also add blanched zucchini, carrots, dandelion greens, etc., so your fish get a wide variety of nutrients and textures. And rotating between recipes can further ensure that your fish are getting a variety of items from their natural food sources.
Storage and Serving Considerations
Now that you have homemade fish food recipe made, proper storage is important. Always freeze any leftovers in portion-sized cubes, so you can pull out the quantity you require. Do not thaw and refreeze, because this can alter the food’s nutritional value, and increase the risk of bacteria growth (in.)
To serve, defrost a cube and drop it in the tank. Remember to remove any uneaten food after a few hours to keep the water quality up!
ConclusionMaking fish food recipe at home can be a satisfying and practical way to provide your fish with healthy and customized meals. Not only are you able to avoid unnecessary chemicals and additives, but you’re also able to customize feed that meets the specific needs of your fish.
