What must not be given to rats? - briefly
Rats must not receive chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, raw beans, citrus peels, processed salty snacks, or any toxic chemicals.
What must not be given to rats? - in detail
Rats require a diet that excludes several categories of substances because they can cause acute toxicity, chronic health problems, or fatal outcomes.
- Chocolate and cocoa products – contain theobromine, which rats cannot metabolize efficiently; ingestion leads to rapid heart rate increase, tremors, and possible death.
- Caffeine‑containing items – coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain sodas stimulate the central nervous system beyond safe limits, producing hyperactivity, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmia.
- Alcohol – depresses respiratory function and impairs liver detoxification, resulting in coma or death even at low doses.
- Dairy products – most adult rats lack sufficient lactase; milk and cheese cause severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and dehydration.
- Raw beans and legumes – contain lectins and phytohemagglutinins that damage intestinal lining and may trigger hemolysis.
- Avocado (especially skin and pit) – high in persin, a toxin that can cause respiratory distress and heart damage.
- Allium family – onions, garlic, leeks, and chives contain disulfides that damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Citrus fruits and acidic foods – excessive acidity erodes tooth enamel and irritates the stomach lining, causing ulceration.
- High‑fat, high‑sugar processed snacks – promote obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic lipidosis; they provide little nutritional value.
- Nuts with shells – pose choking hazards and may contain aflatoxins if stored improperly.
- Artificial sweeteners (e.g., xylitol) – can cause rapid insulin release and hypoglycemia, potentially fatal.
Non‑food hazards that must be avoided include:
- Small plastic or metal objects – can be ingested, leading to intestinal blockage or perforation.
- Household chemicals – cleaning agents, pesticides, and rodent poisons are highly toxic; even trace exposure can cause organ failure.
- Human medications – analgesics, antihistamines, and antibiotics are not formulated for rodent physiology and may cause lethal side effects.
Providing a diet composed of commercial rodent pellets, fresh vegetables, limited fruits, and occasional protein sources (e.g., cooked eggs or lean meat) ensures nutritional adequacy while eliminating the risks associated with the prohibited items listed above.