How Long Can Fish Go without Food

Every fish is different and some will be more hungry than others. However, there are signs that tell us it’s time to feed our pets! If you’re wondering, “How long can fish go without food?” keep reading.

How Active Are Your Fish?

When fish are hungry, they’ll be much more active so if your tank is generally full of lively swimmers, there’s a chance you need to feed them. On the other hand, if they’re slow and lethargic, they probably aren’t as hungry as usual and it’s time to wait a bit before feeding them again.

What Kind of Fish Do You Have?

Well, there are some types of fish that will eat more often than others. Goldfish, for example, have tiny stomachs and must eat a lot at once to stay satisfied! In the wild, they’ll eat as much as they need as soon as it’s available so in aquariums they need to be fed often.

However, other fish like betta, don’t eat much at all! They typically only need to be fed once or twice a week.

How Large Are Your Fish?

The bigger the fish, the larger their stomach and the more likely they are to go without food for longer periods of time.

However, keep in mind that these particular pets also need an extra intake of calories per day because their metabolism is higher than other breeds.

For How Long Will You Be Away?

The longer you’re going to be gone, the more food your fish will need before you leave. If it’s just a couple of days, they might be okay without being fed right away but if you’ll only come back after a week or so, it’s best to feed them at least once a day before stopping completely.

How Can I Keep My Fish Fed During a Holiday?

Automatic Fish Feeders

The best way to keep your fish fed during a long vacation is by using automatic feeders.

These will guarantee that your fish won’t go hungry and will enjoy full meals at scheduled intervals!

It’s also possible to hand-feed your pets but it requires more dedication and time, which might not be available when you’re traveling.

If you’re on a budget, leave some of your fish’s regular food in its tank and add new food only on the days when you’ll be home.

All good things must come to an end! If you’ve left for a very long time or need to move your fish elsewhere, remember to gradually ease it back into its normal feeding schedule.

Ask Someone to Look After Your Fish

If you know someone who can check in on your fish, don’t hesitate to ask them to give it a quick look!

However, do keep in mind that most plants need more water changes when they are being cared for by multiple people so consider leaving some of their food with them too.

Food Blocks

If you’re planning to be away for a few days, you can buy food blocks that will slowly dissolve in your fish’s tank.

You can also use them as part of your fish-feeding schedule if you only need to stay away for one or two days.

FAQs

What If My Fish Doesn’t Eat For a Long Time?

In most cases, your fish will be just fine if it doesn’t eat for a day or two.

However, you should contact a veterinarian if this behavior continues for several days in a row because they might need additional help. Fish won’t die from going without food for one or two days but if this happens often, they can become ill.

If your fish is not eating for more than 48 hours then it definitely needs medical attention!

Can I Use Table Food?

It’s important to note that although some people feed their fish table food (such as fruits and vegetables), you should never give your fish cooked food.

In fact, feeding them anything from your plate is discouraged because it can make your pet sick!

Most importantly, if you want to keep your fish healthy and alive during a vacation or while you’re away for any other reason, it’s best to contact a local pet shop that sells automatic feeders.

This way, you can rest easy knowing that your pets are in good hands even when you’re gone!

Conclusion

Whether you’re leaving for a few days or plan on being away for an entire month, it’s easy to keep your pets fed while you’re traveling.

If you leave some of their food behind then check in every day or two, they’ll be just fine!

Don’t forget about them during the holidays; instead, make sure they are fed before you leave and have fun!