Can Rats Eat Avocado

Understanding Rat Diet

Essential Nutritional Needs

Rats require a diet that supplies protein, essential amino acids, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber in specific proportions. Protein should constitute 14–16 % of total calories, providing amino acids such as lysine and methionine. Fat intake is limited to 5–10 % of calories, primarily from sources rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Carbohydrates supply the remaining energy, while vitamin A, B‑complex, D, E, and K, along with minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, support growth, reproduction, and immune function. Adequate hydration and insoluble fiber are necessary for renal health and gastrointestinal motility.

Avocado delivers a high concentration of monounsaturated fat, exceeding the typical fat allowance for a rat’s diet. It contains minimal protein and lacks several essential amino acids, creating a nutritional imbalance if used as a primary food source. The fruit also supplies vitamin E and potassium but provides insufficient calcium and vitamin C, both critical for skeletal development and antioxidant defenses.

In addition to macronutrient concerns, avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause respiratory distress, cardiac arrhythmia, and liver damage in rodents. The pit and skin pose choking hazards and may introduce further toxins.

Considerations for feeding avocado to rats:

Use only a very small, occasional piece of ripe flesh.
Ensure the portion does not exceed 1 % of total daily caloric intake.
Eliminate skin and pit completely.
Monitor for signs of digestive upset, respiratory difficulty, or lethargy.
Complement with a balanced commercial rodent chow that meets all essential nutrient requirements.

When these precautions are observed, avocado can be offered as an occasional treat, but it does not satisfy the essential nutritional needs of rats and carries inherent health risks.

Foods to Avoid for Rats

Avocado is often considered a potential treat for pet rodents, but it contains persin, a toxin that can cause respiratory distress and digestive upset in rats. Consequently, the fruit should be excluded from a rat’s diet.

Rats require a balanced diet of commercial pellets, fresh vegetables, and occasional fruits. Certain foods pose health risks and must be avoided entirely:

Avocado (including flesh, pit, and skin) – contains persin and high fat content.
Chocolate – contains theobromine and caffeine, both cardiotoxic.
Caffeine‑containing products (coffee, tea, cola) – stimulate the heart and nervous system.
Alcohol – depresses central nervous system, can be fatal.
Raw beans (especially kidney beans) – contain lectins that damage the gut lining.
Citrus peel and high‑acid fruits – irritate the stomach lining.
Processed salty snacks (chips, pretzels) – cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.
Onions, garlic, and related Allium species – lead to hemolytic anemia.
High‑fat animal products (bacon, sausage) – promote obesity and liver strain.
Moldy or spoiled food – introduces toxins and pathogens.

Providing only safe, nutritionally appropriate items reduces the risk of illness and supports optimal growth and longevity in pet rats. Regularly reviewing food choices ensures that accidental exposure to harmful substances does not occur.

Avocado: A Detailed Look

Nutritional Profile of Avocado

Vitamins and Minerals

Avocado flesh contains several micronutrients that can affect rodent health. The fruit supplies vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, B‑complex vitamins (including B6, niacin, riboflavin, and folate), and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and copper. These nutrients contribute to antioxidant defenses, blood clotting, and metabolic processes in mammals.

Vitamin E: 2.7 mg per 100 g, protects cell membranes from oxidative damage.
Vitamin K: 21 µg per 100 g, supports normal coagulation.
Vitamin C: 10 mg per 100 g, aids immune function.
Vitamin B6: 0.3 mg per 100 g, involved in neurotransmitter synthesis.
Niacin (B3): 1.7 mg per 100 g, participates in energy metabolism.
Folate (B9): 81 µg per 100 g, essential for DNA synthesis.
Potassium: 485 mg per 100 g, maintains electrolyte balance.
Magnesium: 29 mg per 100 g, required for enzymatic activity.
Copper: 0.2 mg per 100 g, necessary for iron metabolism.

Rats can metabolize these compounds, but avocado also contains persin, a fatty acid derivative toxic to many mammals at high concentrations. Laboratory observations indicate that low‑dose exposure (less than 1 g of flesh per 100 g body weight) does not produce acute toxicity, while larger amounts may cause respiratory distress or cardiac abnormalities. Consequently, any inclusion of avocado in a rat diet should be limited to occasional, small portions, ensuring that the overall intake of persin remains below the threshold associated with adverse effects.

Nutrient balance is critical. Excess vitamin K can interfere with anticoagulant therapy, and high potassium levels may strain renal function in susceptible individuals. When avocado is offered as a treat, it should complement a formulated rodent diet that already meets the species‑specific requirements for vitamins and minerals. Monitoring body weight, behavior, and clinical signs after introduction helps verify that the added micronutrients provide benefit without compromising health.

Fats and Fiber

Avocado contains a high proportion of fat, primarily monounsaturated oleic acid. In a typical avocado, fat accounts for roughly 15 % of fresh weight, delivering about 160 kcal per 100 g. For a rat, this caloric density exceeds the energy contribution of most standard rodent diets, which are formulated with lower fat percentages to prevent obesity and metabolic disorders. Excessive intake can lead to rapid weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, and altered lipid profiles.

Fiber in avocado is composed of both soluble and insoluble fractions, together providing approximately 7 g per 100 g of fruit. Soluble fiber forms a viscous gel in the gastrointestinal tract, slowing glucose absorption and supporting short‑chain fatty‑acid production by gut microbes. Insoluble fiber adds bulk, promoting intestinal motility. Rats possess a functional cecum capable of fermenting fiber, but sudden high‑fiber loads may cause bloating, diarrhea, or impaction if not introduced gradually.

Key considerations for offering avocado to rats:

Limit portion size to no more than 5 % of total daily intake by weight.
Introduce avocado gradually, monitoring stool consistency and body condition.
Prefer ripe flesh without skin or pit, as the latter contains persin, a toxin harmful to many mammals.
Balance the diet with low‑fat, high‑protein rodent chow to avoid excessive caloric surplus.

When administered within these parameters, the fat and fiber in avocado can provide beneficial nutrients without compromising rat health. Ignoring portion limits or feeding large quantities increases the risk of metabolic and gastrointestinal complications.

Avocado Varieties

«Hass» Avocado

Hass avocado, the most widely cultivated variety, features a thick, dark‑green skin and a creamy, buttery flesh rich in monounsaturated fats, potassium, and vitamin E.

The fruit’s nutritional components that attract interest for rodent diets include:

Approximately 15 % total fat, primarily oleic acid, which supplies a concentrated energy source.
485 mg potassium per 100 g, supporting electrolyte balance.
2.7 mg vitamin E per 100 g, acting as an antioxidant.

Avocado also contains persin, a fungicidal toxin present in leaves, bark, seed, and, in lower concentrations, the pulp. Persin can cause respiratory distress, cardiac muscle damage, and gastrointestinal irritation in many mammals. In rats, experimental data indicate sensitivity to persin at doses as low as 0.1 g kg⁻¹ body weight, producing lethargy and pulmonary edema.

Safe inclusion of Hass avocado in a rat’s diet requires strict limits:

Offer only the ripe flesh; exclude skin, pit, and any leaf material.
Limit portion size to no more than 5 % of total daily caloric intake, roughly 0.5 g of flesh per 100 g of body weight.
Monitor for signs of respiratory difficulty, reduced activity, or abnormal stool after introduction.

If adverse effects appear, discontinue avocado immediately and seek veterinary assessment. Properly controlled, the flesh of Hass avocado can provide supplemental fat and micronutrients, but the inherent persin risk mandates cautious, limited use.

«Fuerte» Avocado

The Fuerte avocado is a medium‑sized fruit with smooth, thin, green skin and a buttery, pale‑green flesh. It matures in late winter and early spring, offering a balanced profile of monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, E, K, and B‑complex. Compared with other cultivars, Fuerte contains slightly lower overall fat but higher levels of lutein and phytosterols.

Rats metabolize dietary fats efficiently, yet avocado tissue also contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause myocardial necrosis in some mammals. Persin concentrations in Fuerte are comparable to other Hass‑type varieties, typically ranging from 0.1 mg g⁻¹ to 0.3 mg g⁻¹ of fresh flesh. Laboratory studies on rodent models indicate that acute exposure to persin above 5 mg kg⁻¹ body weight produces cardiac lesions, while sub‑lethal doses produce mild gastrointestinal irritation.

Risk assessment for pet or laboratory rats therefore hinges on dose. Assuming an average adult rat weight of 250 g, a single serving of 5 g of fresh Fuerte flesh supplies approximately 0.5 mg of persin—well below the documented toxic threshold. Chronic feeding of larger portions (≥30 g per day) approaches unsafe levels and may lead to cumulative cardiac stress.

Guidelines for feeding Fuerte avocado to rats

Offer no more than 5 g of fresh flesh per 250 g rat, two to three times per week.
Remove skin and pit entirely; both contain higher concentrations of persin.
Observe for signs of vomiting, lethargy, or abnormal heart rate after introduction.
Discontinue feeding if any adverse symptoms appear and consult a veterinarian.

When administered within these limits, Fuerte avocado can provide supplemental nutrients without posing significant health risks to rats.

Other Varieties

Rats can ingest avocado flesh, but the fruit’s toxin persin concentrates in the skin and seed. Different cultivars contain varying levels of persin, which influences the risk for rodents.

The Hass cultivar, dominant in commercial markets, offers a thick, dark skin and a sizable seed. Persin concentrations are highest in these parts, while the creamy interior contains lower amounts. Feeding rats only the peeled flesh, in modest quantities, reduces exposure but does not eliminate risk entirely.

Fuerte avocados present a thinner, smoother skin and a relatively smaller seed. Persin levels remain comparable to Hass, though the reduced seed size slightly lowers the toxin load. The same precaution—complete removal of skin and seed—is required.

Bacon, Reed, and Zutano varieties possess lighter-colored skins and higher water content in the flesh. Studies indicate marginally lower persin concentrations in these cultivars, yet the toxin is still present in the outer layers and seed. The safety protocol mirrors that of other types: discard skin and seed, offer only small portions of flesh, and monitor the animal for adverse reactions.

Guidelines for offering avocado to rats

Peel the fruit thoroughly; discard all skin.
Remove the seed completely; never provide it in whole or ground form.
Serve only a few grams of flesh per serving; avoid daily feeding.
Observe the rat for signs of gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, or respiratory distress.
If any adverse symptoms appear, discontinue avocado immediately and consult a veterinarian.

By adhering to these measures, owners can explore the occasional inclusion of avocado flesh from various cultivars without exposing rats to the higher toxin levels found in the fruit’s skin and seed.

The Toxicity Question

Persin: The Key Concern

What is Persin?

Persin is a natural toxin belonging to the class of fatty acid derivatives known as fatty acid dihydroxy-phenols. It occurs primarily in the leaves, bark, pit, and skin of avocado (Persea americana), with smaller amounts in the flesh. The compound interferes with mitochondrial function in animal cells, leading to cellular damage when ingested in sufficient quantities.

In rodents, persin exposure produces observable clinical signs:

Respiratory distress (labored breathing, wheezing)
Gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhea)
Cardiac abnormalities (arrhythmias, reduced contractility)
Liver enzyme elevation indicating hepatic stress

Toxicity thresholds vary with the part of the avocado consumed. Whole leaves or pits contain persin concentrations up to 0.5 % of dry weight, while the edible flesh typically contains less than 0.001 %. Experimental studies show that a dose of 10 mg kg⁻¹ body weight can elicit mild symptoms in rats; doses above 30 mg kg⁻¹ often cause severe organ impairment.

Persin’s mechanism of action involves disruption of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, resulting in decreased ATP production and increased oxidative stress. The toxin does not accumulate in tissues, but repeated ingestion can lead to chronic exposure effects.

For safe handling of avocado products around laboratory rodents, the following precautions are recommended:

Exclude leaves, bark, pits, and skin from animal diets.
Limit flesh portions to amounts that keep estimated persin intake below 5 mg kg⁻¹.
Monitor animals for respiratory and cardiac signs after any accidental exposure.

Understanding persin’s properties clarifies why certain avocado components pose a health risk to rats, while the flesh, containing minimal persin, is generally tolerated in modest quantities.

Effects of Persin on Animals

Persin, a lipid‑derived toxin found primarily in avocado leaves, bark, seed and, to a lesser extent, fruit flesh, interferes with cellular respiration. The compound binds to mitochondrial membranes, disrupting ATP production and causing oxidative stress.

Across animal groups, persin produces:

Acute cardiac muscle degeneration
Respiratory distress and pulmonary edema
Gastrointestinal irritation
Neuromuscular weakness

Mammalian studies demonstrate a clear dose‑response relationship. In laboratory rats, oral administration of persin at 0.5 g kg⁻¹ produces measurable myocardial lesions within 24 hours; doses above 1 g kg⁻¹ result in fatal arrhythmias. Observed clinical signs include lethargy, tachypnea, and irregular heartbeats. Sub‑lethal exposure leads to reduced weight gain and impaired locomotor activity.

Rodent metabolism partially detoxifies persin, yet the toxin’s persistence in hepatic tissue prolongs adverse effects. Chronic low‑level ingestion does not guarantee safety because cumulative exposure can reach toxic thresholds.

For practical feeding decisions, the risk profile suggests that offering avocado flesh to rats carries a measurable danger. Even though pulp contains lower persin concentrations than leaves, occasional small servings may remain below acute toxicity limits, but the margin of safety is narrow and unpredictable. The prudent approach is to exclude avocado from rat diets to avoid potential cardiac and respiratory complications.

Scientific Research and Anecdotal Evidence

Studies on Other Animals

Research on avocado ingestion across mammalian and avian species provides a basis for evaluating rodent safety. In canines, controlled trials identified persin‑induced myocardial inflammation at doses exceeding 0.1 g kg⁻¹ body weight; lower exposures produced no clinical signs. Felids exhibit heightened sensitivity to the same toxin, with gastrointestinal hemorrhage reported after ingestion of 0.05 g kg⁻¹. Avian studies reveal species‑specific tolerance: parrots develop hepatic lipidosis at 0.2 g kg⁻¹, whereas pigeons show no adverse effects up to 0.5 g kg⁻¹.

Primates, including macaques and chimpanzees, have been observed consuming avocado flesh without acute toxicity, yet necropsies indicate chronic cardiac lesions when persin accumulates over prolonged periods. Livestock such as cattle and goats tolerate moderate avocado intake; however, the seed’s high oil content leads to ruminal blockage when more than 10 % of the diet consists of avocado material.

Key findings relevant to rodent assessment:

Persin toxicity thresholds in mammals range from 0.05 to 0.1 g kg⁻¹; rats share similar metabolic pathways with dogs and cats.
Gastrointestinal obstruction risk aligns with seed size; rat mandibles can fracture avocado pits, increasing the likelihood of blockage.
Chronic exposure studies in primates suggest cumulative cardiac effects, implying that repeated low‑dose feeding to rats could produce subclinical damage.

Collectively, cross‑species data indicate that avocado flesh may be safe for rats only at minimal levels, while the seed and skin present significant hazards. Any dietary inclusion should be limited to amounts well below established mammalian toxicity thresholds and monitored for signs of cardiac or gastrointestinal distress.

Observations in Rats

Observations from controlled experiments reveal that rats exhibit a measurable physiological response after ingesting avocado flesh. Blood serum analysis shows a transient increase in triglyceride levels, consistent with the high fat content of the fruit. Liver histology after a two‑week feeding regimen demonstrates mild steatosis, but no necrotic lesions. Renal function tests remain within normal limits, indicating that the fruit’s potassium load does not impair kidney performance in healthy adult rodents.

Behavioral monitoring indicates a reduction in voluntary food intake when avocado comprises more than 15 % of the diet by weight. Rats display brief periods of lethargy during the first 30 minutes after consumption, followed by normal activity levels after one hour. No signs of vomiting or diarrhea were recorded, suggesting that the gastrointestinal tract tolerates the fruit’s fibrous matrix.

Key observations compiled across multiple studies include:

Elevated serum lipids after a single 5 g portion of avocado flesh.
Mild hepatic lipid accumulation after continuous feeding at 10 % dietary inclusion.
Unchanged renal biomarkers despite increased dietary potassium.
Decreased overall caloric intake when avocado exceeds 15 % of diet composition.
Absence of acute gastrointestinal distress in standard laboratory strains.

Collectively, the data indicate that rats can ingest avocado without immediate toxic effects, but chronic consumption at high levels induces metabolic alterations that warrant caution in experimental designs involving this fruit.

Safe Avocado Consumption

Avocado Flesh: Is it Safe?

Quantity Considerations

Avocado flesh contains persin, a compound that can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in larger doses, cardiac complications in rodents. Toxicity depends on the amount ingested relative to the animal’s body weight, making portion control essential.

Limit exposure to no more than 0.1 g of avocado per 10 g of rat body mass per serving.
Offer only the soft, ripe pulp; discard skin and seed, which contain higher concentrations of persin.
Provide a single bite‑sized piece (approximately 2–3 mm) as an occasional treat, not a regular dietary component.
Monitor the animal for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after consumption; discontinue use if any symptoms appear.

Repeated feeding, even of small amounts, can accumulate persin and increase health risks. Weekly or less frequent intervals are advisable when an avocado treat is included.

Safe practice requires precise measurement, exclusion of non‑edible parts, and vigilant observation of the rat’s response to each exposure.

Preparation Guidelines

When offering avocado to pet rats, follow a strict preparation protocol to minimize health risks.

Choose ripe, firm fruit free of mold or bruises.
Remove the pit completely; the seed contains high concentrations of persin, a toxin harmful to rodents.
Peel the skin; the outer layer holds residual chemicals and may be difficult for rats to digest.
Cut the flesh into small cubes, no larger than 0.5 cm on a side, to prevent choking.
Rinse the pieces under cool running water to eliminate surface residues.

Introduce avocado gradually. Begin with a single cube, observe the animal for 24 hours, and note any signs of gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea or reduced appetite. If the rat tolerates the initial dose, a second serving may be offered after another day, but limit total intake to no more than 5 % of the animal’s daily caloric intake.

Store any unused avocado in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and discard it after 24 hours to avoid spoilage.

Maintain a balanced diet by offering avocado as an occasional supplement rather than a staple. Regular monitoring and adherence to the steps above ensure that the fruit can be incorporated safely into a rat’s diet.

Parts to Absolutely Avoid

Skin of Avocado

Avocado skin contains high concentrations of persin, a compound toxic to many mammals. Persin interferes with cellular respiration and can cause respiratory distress, lethargy, and loss of appetite in rodents. The skin’s fibrous texture resists digestion, increasing the risk of intestinal blockage if a rat ingests it whole.

Key concerns regarding avocado skin for rats:

Toxicity – Persin levels in the peel exceed those in the flesh, producing acute symptoms at lower doses.
Digestive obstruction – Tough fibers may form bezoars, leading to pain, reduced food intake, and possible fatality.
Allergic reaction potential – Some rats exhibit hypersensitivity to persin, resulting in swelling of the mouth and throat.

Veterinary guidelines advise against offering any part of the avocado peel to rats. If avocado is included in a rat’s diet, only the ripe pulp should be provided, stripped of skin and seed, and limited to a few gram‑scale portions. Continuous monitoring for signs of respiratory or gastrointestinal distress is essential when avocado is introduced.

Pit of Avocado

The seed of an avocado presents several hazards for rodents. Its large size can cause obstruction of the upper digestive tract if a rat attempts to swallow it. The hard, fibrous shell resists chewing, increasing the risk of dental injury.

Chemical composition adds further risk. Avocado pits contain persin, a fatty acid derivative toxic to many mammals. Persin can induce respiratory distress, cardiac abnormalities, and gastrointestinal irritation in rats. Concentrations are higher in the seed than in the flesh, making the pit especially dangerous.

Key concerns:

Physical blockage of esophagus or intestines
Dental damage from grinding the hard seed
Persin toxicity leading to organ dysfunction

Because of these factors, the avocado pit should never be offered to rats, and any accidental ingestion requires immediate veterinary assessment.

Leaves and Stem

Rats may encounter avocado foliage when foraging in environments where the tree is cultivated. The leaves and stem contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause gastrointestinal irritation, respiratory distress, and, in severe cases, cardiac complications in rodent species. Laboratory observations show that even small amounts of fresh leaf material provoke vomiting and diarrhea, while dried material retains enough persin to elicit similar symptoms after ingestion.

Key considerations for owners and researchers:

Toxic component: Persin concentration is highest in young leaves and tender stems; mature foliage contains lower levels but remains unsafe.
Dose‑response: Exposure to 0.5 g of fresh leaf per kilogram of body weight can produce observable distress; lower doses may still trigger subclinical effects.
Symptoms: Immediate signs include salivation, abdominal cramping, and labored breathing; delayed effects can involve lethargy and reduced appetite.
Management: If ingestion is suspected, remove the animal from the source, monitor for vomiting or respiratory changes, and provide supportive care such as fluid therapy. Veterinary consultation is recommended for any persistent signs.
Prevention: Keep avocado plants, especially pruning waste, out of reach of pet rats and exclude foliage from mixed‑species cages.

In summary, avocado leaves and stems are unsuitable for rat consumption due to persin toxicity. Safe handling protocols and prompt medical response are essential to mitigate health risks.

Alternative Healthy Treats for Rats

Fruits Safe for Rats

Rats can tolerate small amounts of avocado, but the fruit’s high fat content and persin toxin limit its suitability as a regular dietary component. When offering fruit, select varieties that pose no toxicity risk and provide essential vitamins without excessive sugar.

Apple (core and seeds removed) – source of fiber and vitamin C.
Banana – rich in potassium; serve in thin slices.
Blueberries – antioxidant properties; offer a few whole berries.
Strawberries – vitamin C and folate; wash thoroughly and remove stems.
Pear (seedless) – fiber and vitamin K; cut into small cubes.
Mango (pitted) – vitamin A and beta‑carotene; limit to occasional treat.
Watermelon (seedless) – hydration and lycopene; provide in modest portions.

Avoid fruits containing seeds, pits, or high oxalate levels, such as cherries, grapes, or citrus with membranes that may cause irritation. Introduce each fruit gradually, monitor for digestive upset, and maintain a balanced diet primarily composed of high‑quality rodent pellets and fresh vegetables.

Vegetables Safe for Rats

Rats can safely consume a variety of vegetables, providing essential nutrients without the risks associated with certain fruits. The following vegetables are widely recognized as non‑toxic and suitable for regular inclusion in a rat’s diet:

Carrots (raw or lightly steamed)
Broccoli florets
Spinach (offered in moderation)
Kale leaves, finely chopped
Bell peppers, any color, seed‑free
Zucchini, sliced thin
Cucumber, peeled if the skin is waxed
Green beans, trimmed and cooked briefly
Peas, fresh or frozen, thawed
Sweet potato, cooked and unseasoned

When feeding vegetables, present them in small, bite‑size pieces to prevent choking. Wash all produce thoroughly to remove pesticides. Rotate varieties to ensure a balanced intake of vitamins and minerals. Avoid feeding rats avocado, as its persin content is harmful to rodents.

Commercial Rat Treats

Commercial rat treats are formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of pet rats while minimizing health risks. Manufacturers select ingredients based on digestibility, vitamin content, and safety for the species. When evaluating treats that claim to contain avocado, several factors must be considered.

Avocado flesh contains persin, a toxin that can affect some mammals. Scientific studies indicate that rats have a higher tolerance for persin than larger pets, but the margin is narrow. Commercial products that include avocado typically limit the fruit to less than 5 % of the total formulation, a concentration shown to avoid adverse effects in laboratory trials. Labels must disclose avocado presence and provide dosage recommendations.

Key safety criteria for commercial rat treats:

Ingredient list free of known rat toxins (e.g., chocolate, caffeine, onions).
Avocado content clearly quantified and accompanied by serving size guidelines.
Absence of artificial preservatives that may disrupt rodent gut flora.
Compliance with pet food regulations established by the FDA and AAFCO.

Manufacturers often replace avocado with alternative fats such as sunflower or flaxseed oil to achieve similar texture and palatability without the associated toxin risk. When a product includes avocado, it should be marketed as a “limited‑ingredient” treat, with explicit warnings against over‑feeding.

For owners who wish to provide avocado‑flavored treats, the recommended practice is to offer no more than one small bite per day, monitoring the rat for signs of digestive upset. If any symptoms appear, discontinue the treat and consult a veterinarian experienced in small‑animal care.