What should I feed a rat from birth? - briefly
Newborn rats require a specialized rodent milk replacer formulated for neonatal nutrition until about three weeks of age. After weaning, a nutritionally complete rat pellet diet supplemented with small portions of fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional protein treats supports healthy growth.
What should I feed a rat from birth? - in detail
Feeding a newborn rat requires a diet that mimics the nutritional profile of the mother’s milk until the pups are weaned. The first weeks depend entirely on a milk replacer formulated for rodent neonates. The replacer should contain approximately 18‑20 % protein, 10‑12 % fat, and essential vitamins and minerals. Feed the pups with a syringe or specialized nipple bottle every 3‑4 hours, including nighttime intervals. Each feeding volume starts at 0.2 ml per pup and increases gradually as the litter gains weight, reaching 1 ml by day 10.
Around day 10 to 14, introduce solid food while continuing milk replacer. Offer the following items:
- High‑quality laboratory rat pellets, unflavored, dust‑free
- Small pieces of soft, unsweetened oatmeal or cooked brown rice
- Fresh, clean water in a shallow bottle with a low‑profile spout
Provide solid food in a shallow dish, allowing the pups to explore and nibble. Reduce milk replacer frequency to two feedings per day by day 18, and discontinue it entirely by day 21, ensuring that solid food is readily available.
Supplementary nutrients become relevant during the weaning phase. Add a fortified vitamin‑mineral supplement to the water at a concentration of 0.5 ml per liter, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Occasionally offer a few pieces of fresh apple or carrot for enrichment, limiting treats to no more than 5 % of total caloric intake.
Monitoring growth is essential. Record body weight daily; a healthy increase is approximately 2‑3 % of the previous day's weight. Observe for signs of dehydration, such as skin tenting, or for abnormal stool consistency. Adjust feeding volumes or frequency if weight gain stalls, and consult a veterinarian experienced with rodents if health concerns arise.