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Pet Rat Feeding

Your rats will need a varied diet in order to stay healthy and happy.

The basics: Your local pet store should carry a variety of pellet or block style diets for rats. These are formulated to make sure the rat gets all the nutrients he needs. Check the ingredients list when you’re shopping. Look for a rat food that is low in fat and calories, and has soy meal high on the ingredients list (instead of corn).

Loose mixes are also available at pet stores, but your rats may pick out the things they like best and leave the rest — which could mean nutritional deficiencies in their diets… or unwanted weight gain!

The extras: Supplement the pellet or block diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain pasta and bread, and brown rice. Your rats may also enjoy a taste of plain or fruit flavored yogurt from time to time — just watch the fat and sugar content. Mealworms, seeds, nuts, low fat cooked meat, and cheese are good occasional treats for your rat. You can even give your rat dog biscuits as a treat to nibble.

Should rats get people food? An occasional treat is okay, but people food shouldn’t necessarily be the main part of your rat’s diet. Special treats given by hand can help strengthen the relationship between you and your pet rats. Variety is the most important thing — both so your rats stay healthy and so they don’t get bored.

Your rat’s teeth should be a consideration — without hard things to nibble, the teeth can become overgrown. Blocks of wood aren’t nutritionally sound, but are important for dental health. Hard treats like dog biscuits and crunchy fruits and vegetables are good for gnawing.

Contrary to what your rats may try to tell you, they aren’t starving. A friend of mine who breeds rats says that her rats will beg for her food WHILE they are eating their own. Just keep that in mind if your little fuzzy beggars won’t leave you alone.