Apples are a rich source of many nutrients that helps in proper growth and development. But can your goldfish eat apples? Is apple safe for your goldfish? Let us discuss this below:
Goldfish can eat apples as they are a rich source of vitamin C required for proper growth and development. Apples also hold many other nutrients that help your goldfish stay healthy and active. Consider providing one small slice of apples 2-3 times a week to prevent digestive issues in goldfish.
Let us dive into the article to learn more about apples and their numerous health benefits to your goldfish. In addition, we will also discuss how to prepare apples for your fish and will learn about your goldfish’s usual diet.

Contents
What typically do goldfish eat?
Goldfish Diet | Serving Quantity | No. of times | Advisable for your goldfish’s adequate development |
---|---|---|---|
Bananas ( Chopped) | One small slice | 2 times a week | Feed Fresh |
Mosquito larvae | 12-15 | 2-3 times a week | Feed Live |
Zucchini ( Blanched) | One small slice | 3-4 times a week | Feed Fresh |
Pellets | A pinch | 2 times a day | HIKARI SINKING FISH FOOD |
Boiled Carrots | One small slice | 3-4 times a week | Feed Fresh |
Leafy Greens( kale, spinach, lettuce) | A small piece of leaf | 3-4 times a week | Feed Fresh |
Freeze-dried bloodworms | One small pinch | 2 times a week | Freeze-dried bloodworms |
Tubifex worms | One pinch | 1 time a week | HIKARI FREEZE DRIED TUBIFEX WORMS |
Brine Shrimp | One small pinch | 1-2 times a week | HIKARI BRINE SHRIMP CUBES |
Daphnia | One pinch | 2-3 times a week | Freeze-dried daphnia |
Also read: What Do Goldfish Eat?
What are the nutritional benefits of apples to your goldfish?
Here are some nutritional benefits of apples to your goldfish:
Vitamin C
Apples hold a decent amount of vitamin c, which contributes to the growth of your goldfish.
In addition, vitamin c also helps reproduction and immune response in your fish. Therefore, we want you to know that your goldfish diet must contain vitamin c.Â
Potassium
Apples also contain a good amount of potassium. We want you to know that potassium plays a vital role in protein-making.
Therefore your goldfish diet must hold a good amount of potassium.
Dietary Fiber
Apples hold a decent amount of dietary fiber that helps to provide the feeling of fullness to your goldfish.
In addition, it also helps digestion and reduces the risk of constipation in your goldfish. Therefore we want you to know that dietary fiber should play an essential role in your goldfish diet.Â
Magnesium
Apples also hold a decent amount of magnesium that plays an essential role in supporting the immune system of your goldfish.
Therefore we want you to know that the goldfish diet should hold a good amount of magnesium.
Vitamin A
Apples contain a good amount of vitamin A, which is very important to your goldfish.
In addition, we would want you to know that the lack of vitamin a can lead to skeletal deformities in your goldfish. Therefore vitamin a should be a crucial part of your goldfish diet.Â

Is apple harmful to your goldfish?
Apples are not harmful to your goldfish as they provide them with all the necessary nutrients, which helps them stay fit and healthy.
Therefore, we want you to know that apples should not be a part of your regular goldfish diet. Instead, your normal goldfish diet should contain flakes and all the greens.
How often can you feed apples to your goldfish?
You can serve apples 2-3 times a week in small quantities to treat your goldfish, as excessive serving can cause severe damage to your goldfish.
Apples also contain a good amount of sugar which is not beneficial for your goldfish as they cannot handle too much sugar.
In addition, excessive sugar can lead to digestive issues in your goldfish and many other health issues.
Experts suggest feeding the amount of food your fish can consume in 3-4 minutes. Therefore, we want you to know that your regular goldfish diet should contain all the greens and pellets.
In addition, you can serve fruits as a treat to your goldfish in small quantities.
How to prepare an apple for your goldfish?
Select good Quality Apple
Firstly, you must ensure to select fully ripe apples for your goldfish.
The apples chosen must be free from all kinds of pests and diseases and should not have any marks on the skin.
Wash the apple
You must wash the apple properly as it might have dirt on the skin. So, clean the apples thoroughly to ensure they don’t hold any germs.Â
Peel the apple
After washing the apples properly, the next step is to peel them and remove the skin. We want you to know that it becomes difficult for your fish to digest hard stuff like fruit skin.
Fruit skin can lead to constipation in your goldfish
In addition, the fruit skin can stick to your goldfish’s throat, making it difficult for your fish to breathe. So, to avoid mishaps, serving them apples without their skin will be advisable.Â
Soften your apple
After peeling the apples, the next step is to soften them apples for your goldfish. Your goldfish might face problems in chewing the apple as it is hard to chew.Â
Therefore, You can ease the apple into boiling water for about 40 minutes. Keeping the apples in boiling water will help remove the hardness of the fruit, making it easier for your goldfish to eat.Â
Chopping the apple into small pieces
After softening the apples, the next step is to slice them into tiny pieces so they can easily fit in your fish’s mouth.
We want you to know that your goldfish don’t have a stomach, and they have a small mouth.
So it will be advisable to cut small slices of apple (1.5-2.5 millimeters), so your fish can eat quickly. Therefore, you must remove the seeds from the apple as your goldfish will find it hard to digest.

Feeding it to your goldfish
Finally, your apples are now ready to serve your goldfish. It would be best to provide small quantities as apple contains sugar which can cause digestive issues to your goldfish.
We recommend removing the uneaten apple from the tank as it can lead to algae due to its sugar content.Â
These were some steps to prepare apples for your goldfish. You must remember to serve them apples as a treat to your goldfish. Your regular goldfish diet should contain pellets and all greens.
Conclusion:
- Goldfish can eat apples as it is a rich source of vitamin C required for your fish’s proper growth and development.
- You can serve apples 2-3 times a week as a treat to your goldfish
- Excessive serving can lead to digestive issues in your goldfish as your fish cannot handle sugar much.
- Your regular goldfish diet should contain all greens and pellets.
- Experts suggest feeding the quantity that your goldfish can consume in less than 4 minutes.
Related Question
Can Goldfish eat cucumber?
Your goldfish can eat cucumbers as it is a rich source of vitamin k that helps in bone mineralization and blood coagulation in your fish.
In addition, cucumbers are a rich source of vitamin c required for your goldfish’s proper growth and development.
However, it would help if you fed cucumbers 3-4 times a week, as excessive feeding can cause harm to your goldfish.
Can Goldfish eat earthworms?
Your goldfish can eat earthworms as they are a good source of calcium and protein required to repair the body tissues. Earthworms also hold many other essential nutrients which help your goldfish stay fit and healthy.
However, we recommend you feed earthworms 1-2 times a week, as excessive meat can lead to digestive issues in your fish.
Reference: ResearchGate