Did You Know: You Shouldn't Be Feeding Bread To Fish Because It Can Make Them Very Ill
It can lead to constipation for the fish, or sometimes even death.
By Tamara Jayne — 19 Apr 2024, 11:23 AM
You might have grown up thinking that it's okay to feed bread to fish.
If you did, don't worry, we've all been guilty of it.
When we have stale bread left over, instead of throwing it away, we could have fed it to hungry fish, so we get to see them up close.
But while it might seem like a harmless treat, feeding bread to fish is actually NOT a good idea for a number of reasons.
In reality, bread can actually make fish sick and lead to some very serious health problems.
Bread can expand in a fish's stomach, causing constipation or swim bladder problems
Fish cannot digest yeast, causing it to swell inside their stomachs. This can be extremely painful for fish, and in extreme cases, it may even cause the stomach to rupture, leading to death.
Additionally, bread lacks the vitamins and nutrients necessary for a healthy fish diet.
Besides yeast expanding in fish stomachs, bread also contains sugar, which is unhealthy for them.
Feeding fish, whether they live in ponds, lakes, streams, or the ocean, can disrupt the natural feeding habits and balance in an aquatic environment
On top of that, uneaten bread can sink and decompose, harming water quality and promoting algae growth.
When there is an excess of algae, it can produce toxins that are lethal to fish and other aquatic animals. Even if the algae is not toxic, it can harm aquatic life by blocking sunlight and clogging fish gills.
At the end of the day, the best thing you can feed fish is fish food, whether pellets or flakes
Fish food contains the correct dietary needs for fish. Other types of fish food include freeze-dried bloodworms and brine shrimp.
In general, anything that contains yeast or gluten shouldn't be fed to fish.
But if you really want to feed your fish friends, there are many other alternative foods that'll provide them with proper nutrients.
