What do rats eat the most? - briefly
Rats primarily consume grains and seeds, supplemented by fruits, vegetables, and occasional insects. In research facilities, their diet is dominated by «standardized laboratory chow» formulated from corn, soy, and wheat.
What do rats eat the most? - in detail
Rats are opportunistic omnivores whose diet is dominated by high‑energy plant material. The most frequently consumed items are:
- Grains and cereals (wheat, rice, oats, corn)
- Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, millet)
- Fresh fruits (apples, berries, bananas)
- Vegetables (carrots, leafy greens, peas)
- Protein sources (insects, eggs, meat scraps)
In urban environments, rats supplement natural foods with human refuse, which often increases the proportion of processed carbohydrates and fats. Laboratory observations confirm a clear preference for carbohydrates, with glucose‑rich substances such as sucrose solutions and sugary snacks ranking above protein‑rich options. Seasonal variation influences intake: during autumn, seed consumption rises; in spring, fresh vegetation becomes more prominent.
Nutritional balance is maintained by alternating between carbohydrate‑dense foods and occasional protein sources, enabling rapid growth and high reproductive rates. Digestive efficiency is enhanced by a robust cecum that ferments fibrous plant matter, extracting additional energy from otherwise low‑calorie materials.