How much should you feed a “Dumbo” rat per day? - briefly
Adult Dumbo rats require roughly 20–30 g of nutritionally balanced pellets each day, with a modest supplement of fresh vegetables (about a tablespoon) and occasional treats. Provide unlimited fresh water alongside the diet.
How much should you feed a “Dumbo” rat per day? - in detail
A Dumbo rat typically requires 10–15 g of high‑quality laboratory rodent pellets per 100 g of body weight each day. For an adult weighing 300 g, this translates to 30–45 g of pellets. Younger rats (weanlings) need proportionally more protein and calories; provide 15–20 g of pellets per 100 g, adjusting as they grow.
Supplementary foods should not exceed 10 % of the total diet. Suitable additions include:
- Fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli, kale) – 5–10 g daily.
- Small pieces of fruit (e.g., apple, banana) – 2–5 g, limited to prevent sugar spikes.
- Occasional protein treats (e.g., boiled egg, cooked chicken) – 1–2 g, no more than twice a week.
Water must be available at all times, fresh and clean. Change daily to prevent bacterial growth.
Feeding schedule: Offer pellets in the morning and evening, allowing the rat to eat throughout the day. Remove uneaten fresh foods after 4 hours to avoid spoilage.
Adjustments:
- Increased activity or breeding periods raise caloric demand; add 5–10 % more pellets.
- Illness, weight loss, or dental problems require veterinary assessment and possible reduction in solid food, supplemented with softened diets.
Monitoring body condition score weekly ensures the intake remains appropriate. If weight deviates by more than 5 % from target, modify portions accordingly.