What do street rats like to eat? - briefly
Urban rats mainly eat discarded human food, favoring grains, fruit skins, dough, meat scraps, and sugary waste. They also consume insects and occasional small vertebrates when accessible.
What do street rats like to eat? - in detail
Urban rats survive on a wide range of food sources found in city environments. Their diet reflects the abundance of human waste, discarded packaging, and opportunistic foraging opportunities.
- Processed foods: bread, pastries, pizza crusts, and fried snacks provide high‑calorie carbohydrates and fats.
- Meat remnants: discarded chicken, fish, and beef pieces supply protein and essential amino acids.
- Dairy products: cheese, milk residues, and yogurt contribute calcium and additional calories.
- Sugary items: candy, chocolate wrappers, and soft‑drink containers offer quick energy.
- Organic waste: fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and garden refuse deliver vitamins and fiber.
- Insect prey: cockroaches, flies, and beetles supplement protein, especially when garbage is scarce.
- Non‑food materials: paper, cardboard, and plastic are occasionally ingested, though they serve no nutritional purpose and can cause health issues.
Seasonal variations affect availability. In colder months, rats rely more heavily on stored garbage and indoor food sources, while warmer periods increase access to outdoor refuse and insect prey. Access to human waste streams, such as overflowing bins and open dumpsters, directly determines the nutritional quality and quantity of their intake.