What Can I Feed My Pet Rat?

Before knowing what rats eat, it is very important to know how to differentiate these small mammals from other domestic rodents such as hamsters. This is because although they have a similar appearance and diet, they are completely different species. Here are some general characteristics of rats:

• Rats are generally slender with a pointed head, large eyes, and prominent, thinly furred ears.
• They have moderately long legs and long, sharp claws.
• The bald soles of their narrow hind feet possess fleshy pads of variable size, depending on species.
• Domestic rats live an average of 2-3 years.

You may also be interested in our article on the difference between mice and rats.

Rat digestive system

Now, focusing on the digestive system of mice, which is what will allow us to know what they eat, we can say that they are mainly herbivores, so their digestive system is adapted to consume plant matter. However, today they can be considered omnivorous animals since in the wild they will occasionally feed on insects. In particular, wild rats have been observed foraging for small invertebrates to supplement their diet.

After food is eaten, it is broken down and digested by the rat's stomach and digestive system. Vegetable matter is degraded in the cecum, but it does not absorb the resulting proteins and vitamins. Lastly, the waste is expelled through the anus. This digestive process is highly efficient, allowing them to extract necessary nutrients from a variety of food sources.

Rat teeth

On the other hand, it is important to note that their incisor teeth grow continuously, so they must be filed through food intake or through chewing. If your rat cannot wear down these teeth, they can develop pain and mouth problems that will prevent the animal from eating and, therefore, can die from extreme physical weakness.

To avoid this, we will need to provide our pet rat with safe elements for them to chew and gnaw, such as:

• Cardboard
• Coconut shells
• Hay cubes
• Unbleached loofah
• Pumice stone
• Seagrass

In addition to these, some pet owners also find that untreated wooden toys or specially designed chew sticks can help maintain dental health.

Rats will eat between 12 to 20g of dry mix a day. However, if you feed them lots of protein and carbohydrates, you will need to reduce this amount. Vegetables can be fed freely as they have low calories and provide great nutritional value for your pet rat.

Since rats are very small animals, it's best to feed them small amounts of food several times a day. For better guidelines, be sure to ask the adoption centre or breeder you get your rat from. This is because there are many different types of domestic rats, some smaller than others. Also, if your rat is pregnant, nursing, or still growing, their food intake needs will likely increase.

In regards to their nutrition, rats generally need their diet to be about 75-80% carbohydrates, 12-20% protein and around 4-6% of fat. Keep in mind that too much protein can cause your rat to itch, causing scabs. Monitoring their health closely will help you adjust their diet as needed, ensuring they remain healthy and vibrant.

Although rats eat a grand variety of fruits and vegetables, there are certain foods that are toxic to them. To avoid feeding our pet rat toxic food, let's take a look at what fruits and vegetables are safe for rats to eat:

Vegetables

• Carrot
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Chicory
• Sweet peppers
• Cucumber
• Cress
• Courgette
• Peas

These vegetables are not only safe but also nutritious, offering essential vitamins and minerals necessary for your pet's well-being.

Fruit

• Apple (make sure you remove the seeds first)
• Pear
• Peach
• Melon
• Dried banana
• Red grapes

Herbs

• Basil
• Sage
• Parsley
• Coriander

Including small amounts of herbs can also add variety to their diet, offering different flavors and textures.

Now that we've seen what food is safe for rats, it's time to see what foods are not safe for rats to eat. The following list is foods that are toxic for rats:

• Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons or grapefruit
• Blue cheese
• Green bananas as it inhibits starch-digesting enzymes
• Green potato skin
• Licorice as it is suspected to cause neurological poisoning in rats
• Mango
• Raw artichokes
• Raw dry beans or peanuts
• Raw red cabbage
• Raw brussel sprouts
• Raw sweet potato
• Avocado
• Rhubarb
• Sticky foods such as peanut butter, some candy, and dried fruits – poses a choking hazard
• Seaweed
• Any processed human food, such as cookies, chocolate, sugary treats, etc.

Ensuring your pet avoids these foods is crucial for their safety, as even small amounts can lead to severe health issues. Always double-check any new food you plan to introduce to your rat’s diet.

If you want to read similar articles to What Can I Feed My Pet Rat?, we recommend you visit our Healthy diets category.