What do rats eat in a month? - briefly
An adult rat generally consumes 100–150 g of food each day, which adds up to roughly 3–4.5 kg over a month, drawn from grains, seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein sources such as insects or commercial rodent feed. Supplemental treats are given sparingly to prevent obesity and nutritional imbalance.
What do rats eat in a month? - in detail
Rats require a balanced diet that supplies approximately 15–20 kcal per 100 g of body weight each day. Over a typical 30‑day period, an adult laboratory or pet rat weighing 300 g consumes roughly 135–180 kcal daily, which translates to 4 050–5 400 kcal per month.
Core components
- Commercial rodent pellets – 20–25 g per day; formulated to provide protein (15–20 %), fat (5–7 %), fiber (5 %), vitamins, and minerals.
- Fresh vegetables – 10–15 g daily; options include carrots, broccoli, kale, and bell peppers. They contribute moisture, vitamins A, C, K, and dietary fiber.
- Fruit treats – 5 g every other day; examples are apple slices, berries, or banana. Serve in limited quantities due to sugar content.
- Protein supplements – 2–3 g twice weekly; boiled egg white, cooked chicken, or mealworms meet occasional higher‑protein needs.
- Whole grains and nuts – 5 g weekly; oats, brown rice, or unsalted peanuts add healthy fats and additional fiber.
Water
- Clean, fresh water must be available at all times; average consumption is 30–40 ml per day, totaling about 1 – 1.2 L per month.
Nutrient targets per month (approximate)
- Protein: 150–200 g
- Fat: 30–45 g
- Carbohydrate: 300–350 g
- Fiber: 50–60 g
- Calcium: 1 500–2 000 mg
- Phosphorus: 1 200–1 500 mg
Feeding schedule
- Offer pellets in the morning; remove leftovers after 12 hours.
- Provide a measured portion of vegetables with each meal.
- Rotate fruit and protein treats to avoid monotony and prevent nutritional imbalances.
- Refresh water daily; clean dispensers weekly.
Considerations for wild rats
- Diet consists mainly of grains, seeds, insects, and discarded human food. Caloric intake varies with food availability, often lower than that of captive rats, leading to smaller body mass and higher foraging activity.
Storage recommendations
- Keep pellets in airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent mite infestation.
- Store fresh produce in the refrigerator, using it within 48 hours to avoid spoilage.
- Freeze protein treats in small portions; thaw before feeding.
By adhering to these quantities and variety, a rat’s monthly consumption meets energy demands, supports growth, and maintains health without excess weight gain.