What must not be fed to rats? - briefly
Rats must not be fed chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, raw beans, high‑fat processed snacks, sugary foods, salty snacks, or any spoiled or moldy items, as these substances can cause toxicity, digestive distress, or death. Such foods pose serious health risks and should be excluded from their diet.
What must not be fed to rats? - in detail
Rats require a balanced diet that excludes several categories of food because of toxicity, digestive incompatibility, or nutritional imbalance.
Foods that are hazardous include:
- Chocolate and cocoa products: contain theobromine, which can cause cardiac arrhythmia and seizures.
- Caffeinated beverages and foods: caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, leading to hyperactivity, tremors, and potentially fatal heart complications.
- Alcohol: depresses respiratory function and can result in coma or death even in small quantities.
- Raw or undercooked beans, especially kidney beans: contain phytohaemagglutinin, a potent toxin that damages the gastrointestinal lining.
- Citrus peels and large amounts of citrus fruit: high acidity irritates the stomach lining and may cause ulceration.
- Avocado flesh and pits: persin, a fatty acid derivative, can lead to respiratory distress and heart damage.
- Processed meats with high salt or nitrate content: excessive sodium disrupts electrolyte balance, while nitrates can convert to nitrites, impairing oxygen transport.
- Sticky or sugary foods (e.g., candy, caramel): promote dental decay, obesity, and metabolic disorders.
- Dairy products: many rats lack sufficient lactase enzyme, resulting in diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset.
- High‑fat junk food (e.g., chips, fried snacks): contributes to obesity, hepatic lipidosis, and cardiovascular strain.
Additionally, avoid feeding rats any food that is moldy, spoiled, or contaminated with pesticides, as mycotoxins and chemical residues can cause liver and kidney failure.
Treats should be limited to small portions of fresh vegetables, fruits, and commercially formulated rat pellets that meet nutritional standards. Regular monitoring of the animal’s health and weight helps ensure that prohibited items are not inadvertently introduced into the diet.