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  4. 10 Best Fish Food UK 2024 | Tetra, Fluval and More
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10 Best Fish Food UK 2024 | Tetra, Fluval and More

Like every living thing, fish need food to survive. In the wild, they find their prey, but in a pond or an aquarium, they don’t have that option. Instead, it’s down to you to make sure that they receive a diet that not only ensures they’re happy but also maintains their health.


With some research on your fish, you’ll soon find the information you need to know, such as whether they require a carnivorous or herbivorous diet and whether they're top or bottom feeders. Read on for our guide and list of the best flakes, pellets and sinking wafers for saltwater fish, goldfish, tropical fish and guppies from expert brands like Tetra and Fluval.

Last updated 25/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Fish Food in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Consider the Diet of Your Fish When Choosing Meat or Plant-Based Food
  2. Observe How They Like to Eat to Choose Between Floating or Sinking Food
  3. For the Best All-Rounder, Opt for Dried Foods
  4. Consider the Size of the Tank and Frequency of Feeding
1

Learn About Their Diet to Determine a Meat or Plant-Based Food

Learn About Their Diet to Determine a Meat or Plant-Based Food

The first thing that you should consider is what type of diet your fish has. Are they a herbivore, a carnivore or an omnivore? Different species have different digestive systems that are able to handle certain diets, so you’ll need to determine the type of food they consume.


Most fish are omnivorous (meaning that they eat a mixture of both meat- and plant-based foods) so they'll be satisfied with most types, at least for a little while anyway. However, some are herbivores, such as plecos, African cichlids and pacus, so you’ll need to be aware of your breed's requirements before choosing a fish food. 

2

Pick Floating or Sinking Food Based On Where They Like to Eat

Pick Floating or Sinking Food Based On Where They Like to Eat

The next thing to think about is where and how they like to feed. Many of you who have experienced feeding a fish before, whether it be in a pond or aquarium, will have noticed that most of the time fish will swim to the top when the food is thrown in. 


However, this isn’t comfortable for all fish, so you’ll need to find out whether your species is a top-, medium- or bottom-feeder. You see, foods can come in many different forms (more on that later) but, whether they float or sink will be specified


Therefore, if your pet is more comfortable as a bottom feeder, for example, as catfish are, then opt for a sinking food. Luckily, many of the styles of food come in both floating or sinking options, so it won’t be too difficult to find something suitable. 


Decorate to your heart's content with our Best Fish Tank Ornaments!

3

For a Wide Range of Recipes, Choose Dried Food Such as Flakes, Wafers, Pellets or Granules

For a Wide Range of Recipes, Choose Dried Food Such as Flakes, Wafers, Pellets or Granules

When it comes to the different types of fish food, the options are seemingly endless. However, the most popular for the home (either pond or aquarium) tends to be dried food. This can be in the shape of flakes, wafers, pellets or granules.

 
These types are the most popular for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, regardless of shape, they come in a range of recipes, so whether your fish prefers plants or other fish, there’ll be an option for them. Secondly, they’re usually very affordable and keep well when properly stored. Dried food can last for ages on the shelf before it expires. You'll just need to make sure you keep it dry, as moisture exposure will quickly spoil it.


One of the types that is a little different, however, is freeze-dried food, which consists of live food that has been dried whole – think shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia. These often have a long shelf as well but won’t provide as much nutritional value. Therefore, they work best when combined with other foods. 

4

Consider the Capacity and How Regularly They Need Feeding

Consider the Capacity and How Regularly They Need Feeding

Buying in bulk is usually the best option. Generally, you should feed your fish no more than what they will completely consume within five minutes and generally do this once or twice a day. Most fish require 16-24 hours to digest their dinner, so one big feed or a couple of smaller ones is fine. Timing isn’t too critical unless you have nocturnal species.


Herbivorous fish will need to eat more regularly in order to correctly mirror their eating habits in the wild, as they have smaller stomachs that can't hold much food. For that reason, several small feedings a day is better. This is also the same for newly-hatched fish that aren’t fully grown. Usually, three to four feeds a day is good.


So, how does this affect the quantity? If you have herbivorous fish, then the chances are you will be required to feed them more often, making larger, bulk buys more economical. If you’ve got carnivores at home, then you have the option of either buying little and often or in volume. 


Keep them comfortable with our Best Fish Tanks!

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Fish Food in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Tetra

Pleco Fish Food Spirulina Wafers

Tetra Pleco Fish Food Spirulina Wafers 1

£3.85

Low Mid

100% Vegetable Based Food From a Trusted Brand

2

Fluval

Bottom Feeder Granule Fish Food

Fluval Bottom Feeder Granule Fish Food 1

£5.98

Mid

The Fish Version of Shopping Organically

3

Beaphar

King British Bloodworm Treats

Beaphar King British Bloodworm Treats 1

£4.15

Low Mid

A Natural Fish Treat to Enjoy the Benefits of the Wild

4

Supa

Cold Water and Tropical Fish Holiday Food

Supa Cold Water and Tropical Fish Holiday Food 1

£1.39

Low

Assorted Shapes of Food Block to Feed Them on Holiday Without the Fuss

5

Tetra

Veggie Wafers

Tetra Veggie Wafers 1

£4.15

Low Mid

Made With Mineral-Rich Zucchini and Essential Fibres

6

Fluval

Bug Bites Colour Enhancing Fish Food

Fluval  Bug Bites Colour Enhancing Fish Food 1

£13.95

High Mid

Food to Make Them Feel and Look Good

7

Tetra

Colour Fish Food

Tetra Colour Fish Food 1

£13.25

High Mid

Make the Tank That Little Bit Brighter

8

Nishikoi

Growth Complete Food for Koi and Pond Fish

Nishikoi Growth Complete Food for Koi and Pond Fish 1

£84.95

High

One for the Koi to Enjoy

9

Tetra

Tetramin Tropical Food

Tetra Tetramin Tropical Food 1

£11.36

High Mid

Filled With Scrummy Ingredients to Help Fish Grow

10

Beaphar

King British Algae Wafers

Beaphar King British Algae Wafers 1

£5.99

Mid

Food for the Algae Eaters Who Keep the Balance

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

TetraPleco Fish Food Spirulina Wafers

Pleco Fish Food Spirulina Wafers 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Pleco Fish Food Spirulina Wafers 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£3.85
Low Mid
Reference price
£3.85
Low Mid

100% Vegetable Based Food From a Trusted Brand

If you're after a complete food for bottom-feeding fish, look no further than these excellent wafers from Tetra. They're a super nutritious, 100% vegetable-based food that's perfect for small to large fish. There's algae protein included too, so you can rest assured your fish will have a balanced diet. 


Another factor worth mentioning is, although these are thin wafers, they do have a solid consistency, so they won't cloud the water or tank like many others do. Considering the company have been at it for over 60 years, if you need someone to trust, trust Tetra. 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

FluvalBottom Feeder Granule Fish Food

Bottom Feeder Granule Fish Food 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Bottom Feeder Granule Fish Food 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Bottom Feeder Granule Fish Food 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.98
Mid
Reference price
£5.98
Mid

The Fish Version of Shopping Organically

Fluval is one of the most respected names in the fish food game, and it's easy to tell why. All of their products and recipes have top-quality ingredients, such as high-quality proteins, which contain up to 35% insect larvae, lots of omega 3 and 6 and plenty of amino acids.


Furthermore, the contents contain no artificial colourings or flavourings, so it will be a flavour that the fish naturally crave. This is essentially like getting your fish organic goods from the local deli instead of cheap processed food!

No.3

BeapharKing British Bloodworm Treats

King British Bloodworm Treats 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
King British Bloodworm Treats 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.15
Low Mid
Reference price
£4.15
Low Mid

A Natural Fish Treat to Enjoy the Benefits of the Wild

These bloodworms from King British are an excellent and convenient way for your fish to enjoy the food that they would have had in the wild. Not only that, but these work for both cold water and tropical fish as well as all species who like to feed anywhere in the tank. 


They're a little on the small side, weighing in at only 7 grams per tub, but the company do provide you with the option of buying multiple at once. So, why not treat them to the real deal once in a while? 

No.4

SupaCold Water and Tropical Fish Holiday Food

Cold Water and Tropical Fish Holiday Food 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Cold Water and Tropical Fish Holiday Food 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£1.39
Low
Reference price
£1.39
Low

Assorted Shapes of Food Block to Feed Them on Holiday Without the Fuss

Sometimes, you're going to want to go on holiday, which means you might have a dilemma about how to feed your fish while you're away. While you could get a family member or friend to pop over, this isn't always possible and can be a bit of a fuss. 


Enter this vacation-style fish food from Supa! All you need to do is dump it in the tank and your fish can get up to two weeks worth of food without you even needing to be there. The one we've opted for here is for freshwater fish, but there are various others available on the market for different species. 

No.5

TetraVeggie Wafers

Veggie Wafers 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.15
Low Mid
Reference price
£4.15
Low Mid

Made With Mineral-Rich Zucchini and Essential Fibres

Next up is this veggie-based fish food from Tetra. As well as packing the recipe with essential fibres, Tetra have also included zucchini in this product, which is rich in minerals to keep your fish healthy.


These wafters are designed to sink to the bottom of the tank, so they are ideal for herbivourous bottom feeders such as Catfish and Siamese Algae Eaters. We're sure both you and your scaley sidekick will appreciate this highly-rated food. 

No.6

Fluval Bug Bites Colour Enhancing Fish Food

Bug Bites Colour Enhancing Fish Food 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Bug Bites Colour Enhancing Fish Food 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Bug Bites Colour Enhancing Fish Food 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.95
High Mid
Reference price
£13.95
High Mid

Food to Make Them Feel and Look Good

Fluval's Bug Bites boast a high protein recipe, but it's the colour enhancement that will excite pet owners, as these granules will make your fish's scales burst with colour. Thankfully, they do much more than that as well, ensuring a balanced diet is achieved. 


The granule size is 1-2 mm, making it perfect for smaller breeds such as angelfish and large tetras. However, the larger bits can sink a little fast, so you might want to feed slowly so as not to waste too much product at the bottom of the tank. 

No.7

TetraColour Fish Food

Colour Fish Food 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.25
High Mid
Reference price
£13.25
High Mid

Make the Tank That Little Bit Brighter

Are you looking to make the colours of your fish pop? These crisps from Tetra produce significant colour enhancement, which is down to the elevated levels of beta carotenes in salmon skin. 


The food is substantial enough to be a complete diet for any tropical fish. The recipe also includes a prebiotic to help keep the water clear, so you can be sure to appreciate your tank's new technicolour status in all its glory!

No.8

NishikoiGrowth Complete Food for Koi and Pond Fish

Growth Complete Food for Koi and Pond Fish 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Growth Complete Food for Koi and Pond Fish 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£84.95
High
Reference price
£84.95
High

One for the Koi to Enjoy

Koi are one of the most sought-after species of fish, and we can see why – they're truly stunning. Getting the proper feed is vital for Koi, but thankfully, Nishikoi makes that super simple with a cleverly concocted recipe containing 37% protein for efficient digestion, fast growth and much less waste. 


Additionally, you have the option of buying many different sizes. Aside from this 10 kg tub, you can grab one as little as 350 g if you'd like to test the water first. The main reason we don't rate this product as highly as others is because of how niche it is. 

No.9

TetraTetramin Tropical Food

Tetramin Tropical Food 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Tetramin Tropical Food 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£11.36
High Mid
Reference price
£11.36
High Mid

Filled With Scrummy Ingredients to Help Fish Grow

This offering from Tetra is full of beneficial ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acid, which will help your fish grow, and biotin that improves their metabolism. The flakes are easier to digest than many and do not leech colour, which keeps the water in the tank clean and clear. 


This food is manufactured for clear water tropical fish, so as long as your pets fall into this category, this food will be fine. Some buyers have said that the quality of this particular food has dropped over the years, but we think that's up for the fish to decide. 

No.10

BeapharKing British Algae Wafers

King British Algae Wafers 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
King British Algae Wafers 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.99
Mid
Reference price
£5.99
Mid

Food for the Algae Eaters Who Keep the Balance

When putting a tank together, pet owners are often encouraged to buy a few algae eaters. This is because they help create an equilibrium in the tank and maintain a semblance of the natural environment that you're trying to recreate. However, they're going to need feeding too. 


So, for that reason, we've got some algae wafers here. These are high in protein and are sinking wafers, meaning they'll be ideal for catfish, Plecos and other algae connoisseurs. The only downside is that this food has been known to make a bit of a mess of the water. 

How to Make Fish Feed at Home

We all want only the best for our pets, so sometimes not knowing what goes into the diet we're feeding them can be worrying and uncomfortable. Take the stress out of mealtimes and ensure you only feed your pets the very best with this at home fish food recipie:

Top 5 Fish Food

No. 1: TetraPleco Fish Food Spirulina Wafers

No. 2: FluvalBottom Feeder Granule Fish Food

No. 3: BeapharKing British Bloodworm Treats

No. 4: SupaCold Water and Tropical Fish Holiday Food

No. 5: TetraVeggie Wafers

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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