What food is best suited for your rat? What are its nutritional needs? Should you feed it anything just because it’s an omnivorous rodent? Here are clear answers and advice for a healthy diet tailored to your pet.
Rats are omnivores, meaning they must eat a variety of foods. A proper diet ensures strong health, a shiny coat, and greater longevity. While some rats can be picky eaters, they usually accept seeds, vegetables, meat, hay, fruits, and greens. However, their diet should always be monitored and remain varied.
Your Rat’s Nutritional Needs
Rats require about 15% protein and 4% fat in their daily diet. Food should not be too high in fat or sugar, as this can lead to obesity and related health issues. Their meals should be based on pellets (extruded food) and seed mixes, supplemented with vegetables, fruits, and meat.
Your Rat’s Diet
Pellets (Extruded Food)
Also known as ‘blocks’ or ‘nuggets,’ pellets provide all the essential nutrients for good health. They prevent deficiencies and keep your rat from selectively eating only what it likes. However, some rats may be reluctant to eat them.
Homemade Mixes
Homemade mixes allow for more variety in your rat’s meals. They often include raw pasta, grains, or lentils. You can adjust the ingredients according to your rat’s taste, reducing the risk of it refusing food.
Fruits and Vegetables for Variety
Along with pellets and homemade mixes, you should regularly provide fresh fruits, vegetables, and even cooked meat. Start with small portions to prevent diarrhea. Recommended options include:
- Carrot
- Endive
- Spinach
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Tomato
- Banana
- Grape
- Watermelon
- Apricot
Avoid serving food straight from the fridge. Biscuits, yogurt, and small portions of cheese can also be given. Dried fruits should be avoided or given sparingly as they contribute to obesity.
Proteins
Egg yolk provides a healthy dose of protein, especially useful for pregnant females. Cooked fish or meat is also suitable, as well as small insects.
Treats for Your Rat
Commercial treats such as cereal bars, ravioli, or small candies are available in pet stores. These should only be given occasionally since they are high in sugar and can cause weight gain.
Recommended Ration
To avoid overfeeding, provide about 5 grams of food per 100 grams of body weight daily. For a rat weighing 1 kilogram, this equals around 50 grams of food per day.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods are toxic or harmful for rats and must be avoided:
- Chocolate (contains theobromine, toxic and addictive)
- Chocolate spreads or peanut butter spreads
- Alcohol (can cause coma or death as rats cannot vomit)
- Citrus fruits (can cause kidney problems)
Rats are omnivores and should eat a varied diet based on pellets or homemade mixes, supplemented with vegetables, fruits, and occasional cooked meat or egg yolk. Avoid giving too many treats and strictly avoid harmful foods such as chocolate, alcohol, and citrus.
- Sources:
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- Humane Society of the United States
