Homemade Axolotl Food Recipe
Mix 2 cups earthworms, 1 cup shrimp (peeled), 1 cup white fish, and 1 tablespoon fish oil in a blender until smooth. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Each cube provides one meal for an adult axolotl. Thaw a cube in tank water before feeding. This recipe gives your pet balanced protein, healthy fats, and nutrients that support growth and color.
Making the Perfect Food Mix
Start with fresh ingredients from trusted sources. Buy earthworms from bait shops or raise them yourself. Grocery store shrimp works fine, just remove all shells and tails first. White fish like tilapia or cod provides lean protein without heavy oils.
Blend everything together until you get a paste-like consistency. Some chunks are okay, but avoid large pieces that won’t thaw evenly. The fish oil adds omega-3 fatty acids that keep your axolotl’s skin healthy and vibrant. You can find it at any pharmacy or supplement store.
Pour the mixture into standard ice cube trays. Each compartment should hold about 2 tablespoons of food. Cover the trays with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for at least 4 hours. Once solid, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date so you know when you made the batch.
This recipe makes roughly 20-24 cubes, enough to feed one adult axolotl for 6-8 weeks. Double the recipe if you have multiple pets or want to stock up for longer periods.
One major benefit of homemade food is control over ingredients. Store-bought options sometimes contain fillers, preservatives, or mystery proteins that don’t sit well with sensitive stomachs. When you make food yourself, you know exactly what goes into every meal.
Tips for Success
Rotate your protein sources to add variety. One batch might feature salmon instead of white fish. Another could include bloodworms or brine shrimp. Different proteins provide different vitamins and minerals that create a well-rounded diet.
Portion control stays important even with homemade food. One cube per feeding is plenty for adults. Younger axolotls need half a cube since they eat more frequently but take smaller amounts.
Always thaw cubes completely before feeding. Drop one into a small container of tank water and wait 10-15 minutes. Cold food can shock your axolotl’s system and cause digestion problems. Room temperature food mimics what they’d encounter naturally.
Clean your blender thoroughly after making each batch. Raw seafood leaves behind bacteria that multiply quickly. Hot soapy water and a good rinse prevent contamination.
Store frozen cubes for up to three months maximum. After that, nutritional quality drops and freezer burn becomes an issue. Write dates on your storage bags so you use older batches first.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
Can I skip the fish oil?
You could, but fish oil boosts immune health and makes colors more brilliant. It’s worth including.
What if my axolotl won’t eat the cubes?
Try adding more earthworms to the recipe. The stronger scent attracts picky eaters more effectively.
Do I need to add vitamins?
Not if you’re using fresh, quality ingredients. Whole foods provide everything your axolotl needs naturally.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
No. Axolotls are carnivores who can’t digest plant matter properly. Stick to meat-based proteins only.
