How much should rats be fed per day? - briefly
An adult rat needs roughly 15–30 g of high‑quality dry feed daily, plus a modest portion of fresh vegetables and continuous access to water. Younger rats may require up to 35 g, while excess calories can cause obesity.
How much should rats be fed per day? - in detail
Rats require a diet that supplies roughly 15–20 kcal per 100 g of body weight each day. For a typical adult laboratory or pet rat weighing 300–350 g, this translates to 45–70 kcal daily. Commercial rodent pellets are formulated to meet this energy need; a standard 1‑kg bag contains about 3,500 kcal, so a single rat consumes approximately 12–20 g of pellets per day.
Key factors influencing portion size
- Age: Juveniles (under 8 weeks) grow rapidly and need 20–25 kcal per 100 g, requiring 20–30 g of pellets daily.
- Sex: Males are generally larger and may require up to 10 % more food than females of the same age.
- Activity level: Highly active or breeding rats burn additional calories and benefit from a 10–15 % increase in intake.
- Health status: Illness, obesity, or pregnancy demand adjustments; consult a veterinarian for precise modifications.
Recommended feeding schedule
- Provide measured dry pellets once or twice daily.
- Offer fresh water ad libitum.
- Supplement with small amounts of fresh vegetables (e.g., carrot, broccoli) not exceeding 10 % of total diet weight.
- Limit high‑fat treats (nuts, seeds) to occasional rewards, keeping them below 5 % of daily intake.
Monitoring and adjustments
- Weigh rats weekly; a stable weight indicates appropriate feeding.
- Observe fecal consistency; loose stools may signal over‑feeding or dietary imbalance.
- Adjust portions incrementally (2–5 g) based on weight trends and activity changes.
By adhering to these guidelines, owners can ensure that rats receive sufficient nutrition without risking obesity or deficiency.