How does the fish act if he is constipated? The reason I ask is that Sebastian (fantail) has been having episodes where he is kind of resting on the bottom of the tank, but he gets active when he gets attention and food. The water quality is great, so we have that handled well. He doesn't have any noticeable parasites or problems. He gets some flakes or pellets, peas, broccolli, cucumber and occasionally some fruit like a bit of orange or mango. He doesn't care much for fruit, though. He seems to like avocado and cheese best. I make sure he gets a bit of protein like tiny (like a 1/4 of a pea) pieces of tuna, or chicken or cheese everyday.
Does too many protein foods cause constipation?

Most sources strongly advise against feeding cheese and meat (other than fish and insects).High fat foods can contribute to constipation.. The last two fish I bought were constipated when I got them and I resolved it by feeding them only peas and canned pumpkin- for one fish it took five days.

I would definitely avoid feeding cheese, tuna OR chicken, since they contain salt, and goldfish shouldn't eat salted foods. Their digestive system isn't designed for dairy products either, having this kind of unsuitable food probably is messing with his stomach, so please stick to the vegetables only (avoid fruit as well since they kind of mess with the water quality in bigger quantities) and live foods MADE for fish. If you can find non-salted clams, feel free to attempt feeding that though.

Wow, all good stuff to know. It's good we don't give him cheese that often then.

His tummy looks fine. He doesn't seem to like lettuce or carrots, he does like peas, avacados, green beens and cucumbers so maybe we'll stick with those.

I've been reading a article on goldish emergency about digestive issues and it does say not to feed dairy or meat but shrimp is o.k. does that mean like canned or frozen shrimp? Anybody have any ideas about the gel food recipe over there? It looks like it would be a great supplement to flakes.

What kind of squash? The winter ones or summer squash?

I don't know if we could feed fish appropriate protein foods (eg bugs, worms ect) it makes me ill to even look at the packaging in the store...

There are much better gel recipes than the one on this site (no offence site). When I get home I'll find links. All my fish eat is gel, fresh veg, frozen and freeze dried shrimp and insects and a bit of live food. They have never been healthier and are growing like crazy.

I posted the recipe I use in general discussion. I can't find the page with all the recipes..I thought I bookmarked it.

I think we did broccoli once, he seemed to like it. He ate it all up except the tougher stem. It seemed to help alleviate boredom a little, too. Kept him busy.

So Cheri, your fish are kind of on a "primal diet" It looks like lots of veggies and protein, and fresh foods. Interesting to see that.

Mearwynna: I feed either one, as long as it's available Mostly it seems to be the summer one though c:
Just slice it, and feed the goldfish a slice or two depending on how many you have They'll be busy for hours...

I should try giving them some broccoli.. I started buying that more often nowadays so that would hardly be a problem to give them a little piece or so while I boil some for our dinners..

I boil it a little bit, yes. That will make it sink, and it will also be softer and easier to pull pieces off of
I don't think you should feed anchovies or sardines unless you are able to find unsalted ones. And I'm not sure if goldfish eat those much, they rather live on worms, shrimp and the like for protein.

How did you know they were constipated?

Cheri I made yopur food and my fish love it!!!!