What should you feed domestic rats at home? - briefly
Provide a high‑quality rodent pellet as the main staple, supplemented daily with fresh, low‑sugar vegetables (e.g., kale, carrots, broccoli) and occasional protein treats such as boiled egg or mealworms. Avoid sugary snacks, processed foods, and toxic items like chocolate or raw beans.
What should you feed domestic rats at home? - in detail
A balanced diet for pet rats should consist of three core components: a high‑quality commercial rodent block, fresh produce, and occasional protein or treat items.
The commercial block supplies the majority of calories, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals required for growth and maintenance. Choose a product formulated for rats, not mice, with at least 18 % protein and 4–5 % fat. Provide a piece sized to the animal’s body weight—approximately 1 g per 100 g of rat weight—replacing any uneaten portion each day to prevent spoilage.
Fresh vegetables and fruits add essential micronutrients and moisture. Offer a rotating selection of safe items, limiting the total fresh portion to 10–15 % of the daily diet by weight. Suitable vegetables include:
- Carrots (shredded)
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Broccoli florets
- Spinach (in small amounts)
- Zucchini
Acceptable fruits are:
- Apple (seedless, skin removed)
- Blueberries
- Pear (cored)
- Banana (thin slice)
Introduce new produce gradually to monitor tolerance. Remove uneaten fresh food after a few hours to avoid bacterial growth.
Protein sources supplement the block’s content and support reproductive or growth phases. Provide small portions (no more than 5 % of daily intake) of:
- Cooked chicken breast, unseasoned
- Hard‑boiled egg, chopped
- Mealworms, live or dried
Treats should be used sparingly. Commercial rat treats, small pieces of whole‑grain crackers, or a few nuts (almond, walnut) can serve as enrichment, but their high fat content demands limited frequency.
Water must be continuously available in a clean bottle with a stainless‑steel or plastic sipper. Change the supply daily and disinfect the bottle weekly.
Foods to exclude entirely because of toxicity or digestive risk:
- Citrus fruits (high acidity)
- Raw onions, garlic, and chives (hemolytic agents)
- Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol (toxic)
- Avocado (persin)
- High‑salt or sugary processed snacks
Feeding schedule: place the block and fresh items in the cage each morning, remove leftovers by evening, and refill water. Observe the rats’ consumption patterns; healthy adults typically eat 10–15 g of block, 2–3 g of fresh vegetables, and a few grams of protein per day.
Regularly inspect teeth for overgrowth, a sign of insufficient fiber, and adjust the diet accordingly. Clean the cage and feeding dishes weekly to prevent mold and bacterial contamination.