What can be given to a rat to chew? - briefly
Provide chewable items such as untreated wood blocks, natural‑fiber toys, cardboard tubes, and mineral chews formulated for rodents.
What can be given to a rat to chew? - in detail
Rats require chewable materials to wear down continuously growing incisors and to satisfy natural foraging behavior. Safe options include:
- Untreated hardwood blocks (e.g., apple, pear, willow, maple).
- Natural branches from non‑toxic trees such as oak, birch, or pine, cut to a manageable length.
- Compressed cardboard tubes, paper rolls, or plain cardboard sheets without ink or glue.
- Commercially produced chew toys made from safe polymers, mineral‑based blocks, or wheat‑based sticks.
- Edible chew items like dried herbs (rosemary, thyme), small pieces of raw carrots, celery, or sweet potato.
Items to avoid:
- Soft woods (balsa, pine sap) that splinter easily.
- Treated or painted wood, which may contain chemicals.
- Plastic objects not designed for rodents, as they can break into hazardous shards.
- Citrus fruits, onions, garlic, chocolate, and any foods toxic to rodents.
Maintenance considerations:
- Replace chew items regularly to prevent buildup of bacteria or mold.
- Rotate different textures to stimulate dental health and mental engagement.
- Clean reusable toys with mild soap and rinse thoroughly before reuse.
- Monitor each chew for signs of wear; discard when fragments become small enough to be swallowed.
Providing a varied selection of durable, non‑toxic chewables supports dental integrity, reduces stress, and encourages natural exploratory behavior in pet rats.