An easy place to start:
Before we go down the recipe trail, I thought we might start with the simplest methods first, which are leftovers and “as is” human foods suitable for Goldfish. Goldfish will eat lots of stuff and fresh foods are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins and nutrients to create pigment stimulation. I caution you all that you should go slow and maybe plan an extra water change when you head down this path. Stay away from greasy, high fat foods and land animal proteins. I have tried most of them and they are not easily digestible. When foods are new to Goldfish they often chew, taste spit and start over, so be prepared to just let it sit in the tank for a while. This works as longs as the quantities are small and do not cloud or foul the tank or tub (or pond). If in a pond consider setting the homemade food on a white plate so you can see if/when it is gone.
I see on occasion people feeding zucchini, lettuce and green beans and I have to ask, why? Very little nutrition, so why bother? If you attempt to put your fish on a vegetarian diet, and you think it is working, great. However, goldfish are omnivores and I will probably not respond to your replies and occasionally, if your post is inflammatory, your post may be removed by a moderator.
Here are some home made simple recipes and foods that most serious keepers like and are not too difficult to prepare;
Vegetables:
Cooked Frozen peas – This can be leftovers after human dinner results in a small amount, ½ cup of peas, or prepared as needed. The peas should be cooked then cooled. For best results place in a tablespoon, then squeeze just hard enough to crack the pea skin, then they’re ready to drop into a tank. No shelling or anything.
Steamed broccoli – You can chuck whole cooked florets in the tank or use a knife to mince the florets into the tank. If you use the first option, you will have to net out the residuals or waste in the morning.
Rice and Pasta:
Leftover carry out or plain cooked rice (white) – So you get carry out Chinese food and there is leftover steamed rice. Take a pinch (10-20 grains) and put it in the tank. If the fish are first timers for this treat, they may chew and spit a while, but within 24 hours it is usually gone unless you have over fed or the fish are too small. Another food trick by breeders is to make white rice according to the instructions, but add a garlic clove or garlic powder to the mix while cooking. The fish generally go nuts for this. This is a favorite trick for breeders near the full moon. It often causes eggs to be laid.
Pasta – Goldfish love most pastas that are cooked and leftover as long as they are properly sized. Spaghetti, Angel Hair, Penne, whatever. If you make your mom’s favorite casserole recipe and there is a noodle left over, dice it up and toss it right in.
Proteins:
Canned tuna in water – Buy a can of tuna or when you are making something with canned or enveloped tuna, take some and set aside. I drain off the moisture and squeeze between my fingers and drop a pinch into a tank a couple of times. The Fish love it and it is way cheaper than frozen fish food. Canned tuna also has no bacteria or parasites that might become active after thawing.
Frozen raw Calamari rings or whole squid – While still frozen you put the squid through the grater attachment in a food processor. Take the frozen bits and place, still frozen risotto-like flecks into a ziploc bag and store in the freezer. When you are ready to feed break off a chunk and put in the tank, the fish love it! It is considered a great conditioning food and is very inexpensive.
The ground squid, still frozen.
The grating blade I use.
Very inexpensive protein, and really easy to make and store.
Chicken Eggs cooked – Use a little pam or oil in a pan and scramble or beat (alternatively cook in the microwave for about 70 seconds) with a pinch of garlic powder. This is an easy quick source of protein, I tend to dice or crumble in my fingers and add to the tank.
Remember the quick tips for fresh food:
Don’t overdo fresh , do change water, and remove residuals.
May your fish grow and as big and beautiful as you ever imagined. Next time we cook!
Gary
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