What should not be given to rats and why? - briefly
Do not feed rats chocolate, caffeine, sugary pastries, raw beans, salty processed foods, or avocado pits. These items contain theobromine, stimulants, high sugar, hemagglutinin, excess sodium, or persin, which can cause seizures, gastrointestinal upset, kidney damage, or fatal toxicity.
What should not be given to rats and why? - in detail
Rats are omnivorous but their physiology limits what they can safely ingest. Certain foods and substances cause acute poisoning, chronic health problems, or digestive distress.
- Chocolate, caffeine, and nicotine contain methylxanthines and alkaloids that interfere with cardiac rhythm and can be fatal even in small amounts.
- Citrus fruits and tomato stems contain high levels of citric acid and solanine respectively; both irritate the gastrointestinal lining and may lead to ulceration.
- Raw beans, especially kidney beans, hold phytohemagglutinin, a protein that damages intestinal cells and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.
- Dairy products often cause lactose intolerance; undigested lactose ferments in the gut, producing gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
- High‑fat or heavily processed snacks (chips, fried foods, sugary treats) promote obesity, hepatic lipidosis, and cardiovascular strain.
Non‑food items also pose risks:
- Plastic beads, rubber bands, and small metallic objects can become lodged in the esophagus or intestines, leading to obstruction or perforation.
- Household cleaners, pesticides, and rodent‑specific poisons contain corrosive chemicals or anticoagulants that cause organ failure or uncontrolled bleeding.
- Essential oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint are toxic when inhaled or ingested; they can depress the central nervous system and damage liver tissue.
Symptoms of ingestion of harmful substances include sudden lethargy, tremors, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, and abnormal stool. Immediate veterinary assessment is required if any of these signs appear after exposure. Providing a balanced diet of commercial rodent pellets, fresh vegetables, and limited protein sources eliminates the need for risky items and supports optimal health.