How much should you feed a decorative rat? - briefly
An adult ornamental rat needs roughly 20–30 g of high‑quality pellets each day, plus 1–2 tsp of fresh vegetables and a small piece of fruit, with constant access to clean water.
How much should you feed a decorative rat? - in detail
Feeding a decorative rat requires balancing caloric intake with activity level, age, and body condition. Adult individuals typically need 15–20 grams of high‑quality rodent pellets per day, divided into two meals. Juveniles consume 10–12 grams per feeding, increasing to adult levels as they mature. Overfeeding leads to obesity, while underfeeding causes weight loss and health issues.
Supplementary foods should complement the pellet base, not replace it. Offer small portions (1–2 grams) of fresh vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or leafy greens, and occasional protein sources like cooked egg or low‑fat cheese. Fruit is limited to a few bites weekly because of high sugar content.
A practical feeding schedule:
- Morning: half of the daily pellet portion plus any fresh vegetable.
- Evening: remaining pellet portion and optional protein treat.
- Weekly: a handful of fruit pieces distributed across meals.
Monitor weight weekly; a healthy adult rat maintains a stable body mass between 250–350 grams. Adjust portions if the animal gains or loses more than 5 percent of its weight over two weeks. Provide constant access to clean water and replace food containers daily to prevent spoilage.