Like all rodents and other exotic pets, the rat is an animal that needs a balanced and quality diet to lead a good life. Indeed, by providing your small companion with a healthy food that meets its particular nutritional needs, you will help it lead a healthier life and you will simply contribute to its daily well-being. Let’s take a look at the ideal diet for your rat.
What are the rat’s nutritional needs?
The rat is an omnivorous rodent, which means it must eat everything. Of course, all animals have their preferences, and your rat will not hesitate to express them, but make sure you give your little companion a varied and quality diet for its well-being.
The ideal rat diet should consist of about 15% protein and 4% fat. Make sure to provide a good quantity of quality granules or seed mixes and add fresh meat or fish, fruits and vegetables. Be sure to keep fat and sugar intake to a minimum, as rats can become obese very quickly.
Rats need a strict amount of food. Give it the equivalent of 5 grams of food for every 100 grams of its weight.
What food should you feed your rat?
To feed your rat, several foods are recommended.
Kibbles or pellets
These kibbles, more often sold under the name of caps, are extruded products that include the food necessary for the proper nutritional balance of the rat. Like cat or dog kibbles, these products contain the essential for your rat’s well-being in a ready-to-eat formula. Your pet won’t be able to sort out which ingredients it prefers and which it doesn’t like so much. With this practical and complete solution, you avoid the risk of deficiency.
Fruits and vegetables
To meet your rat’s needs, especially for vitamin C, you can give it small amounts of fruits and vegetables. Don’t be too generous with the quantities, as the rat can quickly suffer from diarrhea.
Carrots, spinach, zucchini, endives, broccoli and cucumber are vegetables that can be given from time to time. When it comes to fruit, it will appreciate bananas, tomatoes, apricots, grapes and watermelon.
Be sure to wash and peel these fruits and vegetables well before giving them to him, if possible. Serve them with a little yogurt, cheese or a small piece of cookie not too sweet and without chocolate.
Proteins
Your rat will need protein supplements. Give him a reasonable portion of cooked meat or fish, but also egg yolk. Egg yolk is especially ideal for pregnant females.
Treats
Rats can grow very quickly. Consequently, it is necessary not to abuse certain foods considered as treats. This is the case with cereal bars, candies, pasta and ravioli. Give it only occasionally and in great moderation.
What foods are forbidden to rats?
While some foods are important and others should be given in moderation, there are some foods that are absolutely forbidden to rats. Indeed, they are toxic for its organism.
Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits are fruits to be avoided because they are the cause of kidney problems in rats.
Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic for the rat because it contains a molecule, theobromine, which makes this ingredient so appreciated by humans really dangerous for our animal friends. In small doses, the rat can become highly addicted, but chocolate is known to kill.
Spreads should be avoided for the same reasons. Do not give him peanut butter either, it is too rich in fat and bad for his organism.
Alcohol: of course, do not give your rat alcohol. If it ingests any, it can go into a coma and lose its life very quickly.
