Fish Food

1. Wipe or rinse out mouth.
2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
3. Rinse any exposed skin with lukewarm water.
4. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

Fish food nourishes fish by providing macronutrients (protein, fats, and carbohydrates) along with vitamins and trace elements. It can be either plant- or animal-based. The sourcing for animal-based fish food is often from other fish specifically harvested to produce fish meal or from the leftover products from fisheries that process fish for human consumption. Fish meal is often available as a dry product; baking it removes moisture for a more stable shelf life and comes in flakes, pellets, sticks, wafers, and granules. Fish food can also be found as live, frozen or freeze-dried products. These foods are intended mainly for the special dietary needs of some species and include mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Although these are the optimal food for fish, they are rare because they are difficult to find and expensive to buy.

Most aquarium owners feed their fish pre-formulated pellets or flakes purchased at pet stores or supermarkets. The poison center receives calls about children eating the food intended for fish. Most times, no symptoms are associated with eating fish food. Minor symptoms may occur, including initial choking (especially for very young children not accustomed to eating solid foods) and some stomach upset or mild diarrhea.

Allergic Reactions

Fish food has ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Symptoms include developing a skin rash or a more severe allergic reaction, and there can be swelling of the face, lips, and tongue. When the mouth and lips swell, one may consider it a medical emergency— call 911 immediately for direct medical attention.

Important note: Live bloodworms can bite. Bloodworms have a small amount of venom present. When a human is bitten, expect to see symptoms like a bee sting, and there is a chance of an allergic reaction occurring. Contact the Missouri Poison Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222 if you have a live product exposure.

Fish food is not intended for human consumption and should be treated like other pet food. Store it out of the sight and reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. An adult should supervise any handling of fish food. Always remember to wash your hands after the task is complete.

If you find someone has eaten a small amount of fish food, do not panic. Rinse or wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth and give them some water to drink. If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day, for poisoning emergencies and questions.

**Note: Don’t forget— every case is different. To make sure you are getting the best information for your individual situation, click below to call or chat. It is fast, free, and confidential.