What can and cannot be fed to Dambo breed rats? - briefly
Dambo rats should receive a balanced diet of high‑quality rodent pellets, fresh vegetables, limited fruit, and occasional protein sources like boiled egg or mealworms, with constant access to clean water. They must not be given sugary snacks, dairy, raw meat, nuts, or processed human foods, which can lead to digestive problems and obesity.
What can and cannot be fed to Dambo breed rats? - in detail
Dambo rats require a balanced diet that supplies protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in proportions similar to other laboratory or pet rats. Commercial rodent pellets formulated for laboratory strains meet these requirements when offered as the primary source of nutrition.
Acceptable foods
- High‑quality rodent pellets (minimum 18 % protein, 4–5 % fat)
- Fresh vegetables: carrots, broccoli, kale, cucumber, bell pepper (washed, chopped)
- Fresh fruits in moderation: apple, pear, banana, berries (seedless, skin removed if thick)
- Whole grains: cooked oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa (cooled)
- Lean animal protein: boiled chicken breast, boiled egg white, low‑fat cottage cheese (small portions)
- Water: clean, fresh, available at all times
Foods to exclude
- Processed human snacks: chips, cookies, candy, chocolate, sugary drinks
- High‑fat or high‑salt items: bacon, sausage, fried foods, salted nuts
- Toxic plants: avocado, rhubarb leaves, onion, garlic, tomato leaves, nightshade family members
- Citrus fruits in large amounts: orange, lemon, lime (acidic, can cause digestive upset)
- Raw beans or legumes: contain lectins that are harmful without cooking
- Dairy products with high lactose: milk, ice cream (rats lack sufficient lactase)
Feeding protocol
- Provide pellets daily, measured to supply approximately 15–20 g per adult Dambo rat.
- Offer fresh produce in 1–2 g portions per day, rotating varieties to prevent nutrient gaps.
- Limit treats to no more than 5 % of total caloric intake; a single small piece of fruit or a teaspoon of cooked protein suffices.
- Remove uneaten fresh food after 12 hours to prevent spoilage.
Health monitoring
- Observe stool consistency; soft or watery feces may indicate dietary intolerance.
- Track body weight weekly; a change of more than 5 % requires diet adjustment.
- Inspect teeth weekly; excessive hard foods can cause malocclusion, while insufficient chewable material may lead to overgrown incisors.
Adhering to these guidelines ensures that Dambo rats receive the nutrients needed for growth, reproduction, and overall well‑being while avoiding substances that can cause illness or metabolic disorders.