What can I feed my betta?

My betta fish cannot seem to swallow the pelleted "top fin" betta food (tiny pellet) that was sold along with him from our fish store. Can a betta eat a flak? What else can I feed my betta. He is clearly trying hard to eat the pellet, but just can't seem to get it into his mouth. Otherwise he seems healthy. Also- anyone have a suggestion on the best water conditioner for a betta?