What can be given to rats for gnawing? - briefly
Safe chew options for rats include untreated wooden blocks, fresh natural branches, mineral chew blocks, and durable chew toys made of hard plastic or silicone. Avoid materials treated with chemicals, painted surfaces, or soft plastics that can splinter or be ingested.
What can be given to rats for gnawing? - in detail
Rats require constant gnawing to prevent overgrowth of their incisors. Providing appropriate chew objects supports dental health and offers mental stimulation.
Safe chew options include:
- Untreated hardwood blocks (e.g., apple, maple, birch)
- Fresh, pesticide‑free branches from non‑aromatic trees (e.g., willow, maple)
- Natural mineral or calcium chews designed for rodents
- Uncoated cardboard tubes, paper rolls, or plain paper towels
- Fresh vegetable sticks such as carrot, celery, cucumber, or broccoli florets
- Commercially manufactured silicone or safe plastic chew toys labeled for small rodents
Items that should be excluded because they can damage teeth or cause toxicity:
- Softwood varieties like pine, cedar, or fir, which contain aromatic oils
- Pressed wood products, particle board, or plywood treated with chemicals
- Plastic objects that can splinter or contain harmful additives
- Toxic plants (e.g., nightshade, oleander, azalea) and citrus peels
- Processed foods high in sugar, salt, or fat
Regularly rotate chew items to maintain interest and monitor for wear. Replace any object that shows signs of splintering or excessive degradation. Maintaining a varied selection of safe gnawing materials promotes oral health and reduces stress in captive rats.