
A Guide To Feeding your Guppies
Feeding guppies is about offering a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that supports their health, colour, and activity. Guppies are omnivores, thriving on a mix of plant and animal-based foods. A quality base diet like Intan Guppy Pellets, which are floating, high-protein (40%) pellets designed for small surface-feeding fish, can provide essential nutrients for growth, digestion, and immunity. Avoid overfeeding and low-quality food, and always monitor their behaviour, especially in community tanks. Proper feeding practices help guppies stay vibrant, healthy, and stress-free, making them a joy to watch and care for.
Feeding guppies might seem simple at first glance, but there’s more to it than just sprinkling flakes into the tank. These colourful, energetic fish need a balanced, varied diet to stay healthy, breed well, and display their vibrant colours. Whether you’re a new aquarist or a guppy enthusiast looking to refine your care routine, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Do Guppies Eat?
In the wild, guppies feed on a mix of plant and animal based food. Replicating this variety is key to feeding guppies in a home aquarium. They’re omnivores, which means they thrive on both plant-based and protein-rich foods.
Here’s what should be in their diet:
- High-quality flakes or micro pellets – These should form the base of daily feeding
Intan Guppy Pellets are floating, high-protein (40%) fish food specially designed for guppies and other small surface-eaters. These small-sized pellets are easy to consume and made from a balanced blend of high-quality animal and plant-based ingredients like fish meal, krill, insect meal, and algae. Formulated to support vitality, immunity, and digestion, they also contain natural astaxanthin and marigold to enhance the fish’s vibrant colours.
How Often Should You Feed Guppies?
When it comes to feeding guppies, consistency is crucial but so is moderation. Guppies have small stomachs, and overfeeding can quickly lead to water quality issues and health problems.
Follow this basic feeding routine:
- Feed 2–3 small meals per day
- Offer only what they can eat in 1–2 minutes
- Remove uneaten food after each feeding
- Consider a ‘fasting day’ once a week to help their digestion
Best Practices for Feeding Guppies
Guppies are enthusiastic eaters, but that doesn’t mean they should eat everything. To make sure you're feeding guppies the right way, keep the following in mind:
- Watch for aggression – Some guppies may outcompete others; spread food around
- Feed at regular times – Morning and evening routines work best
- Use crushed flakes for fry – Smaller particles are easier to eat
- Avoid human food – It may cloud the water or harm their health
Feeding Guppies in a Community Tank
If your guppies share their tank with other fish, feeding guppies becomes slightly more strategic. Guppies are quick, but some species are faster or more dominant.
Here’s how to ensure they get their fair share:
- Feed small portions in different areas of the tank
- Offer sinking foods for bottom dwellers so guppies focus on the top
- Monitor behaviour — adjust if anyone’s missing out or overeating
Feeding is also a great time to observe their health. Active, responsive guppies are a good sign that all’s well in the tank.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced hobbyists can make missteps when feeding guppies. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Overfeeding – A leading cause of poor water quality and guppy bloating
- Using low-quality food – Cheap flakes often lack nutrition and cause waste buildup
- Neglecting fry needs – Baby guppies need more protein and more frequent feedings
- Feeding once a day – They do better with small, spaced-out meals
How to Keep a Guppy Happy?
Feeding guppies the right way ensures they stay colourful, active and full of life. With a good mix of quality food, regular feeding times, and a watchful eye, you’ll keep your guppies healthy and thriving for years to come.
They may be small, but guppies bring a big personality to any tank and a little extra care in their feeding routine goes a long way.
At Intan, we are here to provide you with premium fish feed. Our feed is tailored to meet the specific needs of each species. Every feed can spark positive change and create a future promoting quality, resilience, and well-being. We aim to serve the needs of hobbyists and breeders for the best quality of each species’ unique requirements. To know more about us, check out our Instagram page or contact us.
We are not just a brand; we are stewards of the underwater world. We believe in the well-being of our friends and their mental health. Understanding and addressing the stressors that affect fish is not just a concept for us, it's a commitment. Through our dedication to research and innovative products, we aim to ensure that fish everywhere can lead happier, healthier lives.