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What Can Pet Rats Eat?

What Can Pet Rats Eat?

Updated on July 18, 2024
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Reviewed by Dawn Burch
Director of Animal Care, Education & Compliance (ACE) at Petco

What Do Rats Like To Eat The Most?| How Do I Find The Right Food For My Rat?| What Nutrients Do Rats Need?| What Foods Do Rats Eat In Nature?| What Foods Can Rats Not Eat?| How Much Should I Feed My Pet Rat?| What Vegetables Can Rats Eat?| What Fruits Can Rats Eat?| What Feeding Supplies Will I Need For A Pet Rat?| What Are Some Signs Of Malnutrition In Rats?

Most rats are intelligent, affectionate and can make great family pets. They’re naturally social and enjoy being wherever their pet parents are. They’re typically friendly, playful and usually enjoy mouse and rat toys. Best of all, they’re relatively low-maintenance—though you’ll still need to consult our Rat Care Sheet for tips on how to find the best rat habitats, how to keep their environment clean and what aresafe foods for rats.

Rats have a reputation for being dirty street animals that will eat anything and everything—but the truth is that, like any other pet, domestic rats need a wholesome, nutritionally balanced and complete diet to maintain optimum health. What can rats eat? What can rats not eat? We’ll answer all your questions about pet rat food and diet right here.

What should I feed my rat daily?

The basis of a rat’s diet should be commercially available pellets or lab blocks made specifically for rats. Like other rodents, rats should be offered pellets or lab blocks daily to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. Unlike herbivorous (plant-eating)rodents, such as guinea pigs and chinchillas, rats are omnivores—meaning they eat meat as well as fruits, vegetables and even eggs. While pelleted food or lab blocks should make up the mainstay of a rat’s daily diet, they can also be offered a variety of fruits, vegetables, small amounts of cooked egg or lean meat andoccasional whole grains such as bread, cereal and cooked pasta and rice. You can also give your pet occasional commercially available treats, but make sure you keep their diet low-fat and low-calorie overall, as rats commonly overeat when they are bored and can become obese.

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What do rats like to eat the most?

What do pet rats eat when left to their own devices? Just like most people, rats love high-fat, high-calorie foods. But when it comes to what to feed rats every day, these foods should be avoided. Beyond your rat’s daily intake of pellets or lab blocks, you can keep their diet interesting and exciting by feeding them their favorite foods in limited quantities. Mix up the menu each day byproviding a couple of teaspoons of vegetables and one teaspoon of grains. Safe veggies for rats include deep green lettuces, squash, peppers, cucumber and other greens. Smaller amounts of fruit appropriate for rats include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, pears, melons, kiwi and bananas. Appropriate grains for rats include cooked brown rice or whole-wheat pasta, whole-grain cereal or crackers or cooked barley and oats. Add small amounts of extra proteins, such as cooked egg, cottage cheese, or lean, cooked meat, two to three times a week. Cooked beans or even insects such as mealworms and crickets sold at pet stores are safe foods for rats as well. You can also give them half a teaspoon of fruits and tasty fats—like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, unsalted pistachios, almonds, walnuts or pecans—two to three times a week as a treat, as long as they are not overweight. Check with your veterinarian to make sure these types of treats are right for your rat.

How do I find the right food for my rat?

When considering “What can rats eat?” be sure you’re feeding a nutritionally complete diet by reading the ingredients list of commercially available pet rat food. Look for nutrient-rich ingredients like brown rice, soybeans, oats and wheat. Many rat pellets also contain fish for protein as well as supplementary vitamins. Look at the guaranteed analysis to ensure the pellets contain at least 15% protein, 18% or more fiber, and only 4% or less fat, as rats are prone to obesity.

What nutrients do rats need?

In addition to the right balance of fiber, protein and fat, rats need the appropriate balance of vitamins and minerals. All of these nutrients are present in proper quantities and balance in the pellets or lab blocks specifically made for rats available in pet stores. One of the most essential minerals rats need in their diet is calcium because it helps keep their bones and teeth strong. Vitamin D is also crucial, as it allows rats to process dietary calcium. B vitamins help with neurological functions, and vitamin C helps keep their immune system strong. Feeding a base diet of pellets or lab blocks supplemented with smaller amounts of a variety of fruits and vegetables helps provide rats with all the key nutrients they need without having to add additional supplements. Supplements can throw off the balance of nutrients in their diet if a rat is eating commercial pellets or lab blocks..

What foods do rats eat in nature?

In nature, rats are foragers and opportunists. They tend to eat anything they come across, which means what they eat depends on where they live. Given their broad taste in food, rats are quite adaptable and can live in forests, fields and cities—even on tropical islands. Rats eat grains, fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and bugs in nature. In cities, they tend to eat whatever they find in the garbage, including human and pet food. Rats will even sample new foods to ensure they won’t make them sick. While it’s great that rats have such an adaptable palate, pet parents cannot provide a balanced diet by simply offering their rats a combination of various fruits, vegetables and other table foods.

What foods can rats not eat?

Never feed your rat fruits or vegetables that may be harmful to them, including those on the list below. Also, avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods like blue cheese, sweets and candy.

  • Raw sweet potato
  • Raw cabbage, Brussels sprouts and artichoke
  • Dry beans or peanuts
  • Unripe/green bananas
  • Dried corn or peas
  • Green potato skin
  • Blue cheese
  • Skin of citrus fruits
  • Chocolate
  • Poppy seeds
  • Sweets and candy
  • Spices like black pepper and nutmeg

In addition to certain human foods, diets meant for rabbits and some rodents should not be fed to rats. Rats are omnivores, not herbivores like rabbits, chinchillas and guinea pigs, and they cannot easily digest large amounts of high-fiber hay—a common ingredient in the diet of these other animals. Also avoid feeding large amounts of grain and seed—as you might feed a bird—because these foods are high in fat and sugar and not nutritious for rats.

How much should I feed my pet rat?

Even pelleted pet rat food won’t keep rats in good shape if you don’t feed them properly. Like people, rats love to eat and will commonly overeat if given the chance. Obesity is a serious health problem among pet rats. The number of daily calories a rat needs depends on their age, activity level and presence of underlying health issues. The daily amount of a high-quality, fortified pelleted diet for rats depends on the brand; follow manufacturer’s guidelines on the bag to determine how much to offer your pet rat daily. As a general rule of thumb for a healthy, active rat, supplement your rat’s daily base diet of pellets or lab blocks with 1-2 teaspoons of veggies and ½-1 teaspoon of grains, and ½-1 teaspoon of protein can be offered 2-3 times per week. If your rat is very old, obese or has underlying health conditions, speak to your vet about the specific daily diet needs your pet may have.

How often should I feed my pet rat?

When to feed is just as important as what to feed rats. Feed your pet rat twice a day. Remove any uneaten food each time you feed, and make sure your rat has plenty of fresh water. Because rats enjoy scavenging, try placing food in different parts of their habitat so they can search for it. This can make mealtime more fun while also encouraging them to get some exercise. What if you want to go away for a few days? Rats can live for a day or two on pelleted and other dry foods. Leave out enough food for them if you’re going to be away for a night. If you’re leaving for more than 48 hours, however, have a friend or neighbor provide daily food and water to your rats.

What vegetables can rats eat?

Most vegetables are considered a safe food for rats, and they can also be a great supplement to their pelleted diet. Feed them a variety of vegetables, including asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumber, mushrooms, peas, squash and zucchini. Leafy greens like arugula, dandelion, kale and spinach can also be good options for rats, as they provide calcium and phosphorus. However, be careful with certain cooked veggies that can be particularly gas-producing if fed in large amounts, including cabbage, Brussels sprouts and artichokes. Also avoid iceberg lettuce and celery, as these foods are mainly made of water and simply don’t provide your rat any nutritional value.

What fruits can rats eat?

While fruits can make a good supplement to pet rat food, many are high in sugar and should be fed in more limited quantities than vegetables. Berries suitable for rats include blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and even cranberries. Rats can also eat small amounts of apples, avocado, grapes, kiwi, melons and peaches. Additionally, plums and cherries contain antioxidants that help fight aging and body tissue breakdown in rats. Avoid overfeeding mangoes and the skin of citrus fruits because these foods contain a component that can be kidney toxic if eaten in large quantities. What can rats not eat when it comes to fruits? Make sure you don’t feed them any pits, seeds, leaves or stems of fruits and vegetables, including apples and stone fruits (peaches, plums, avocadoes and cherries), as these are toxic. Also avoid feeding unripe/green bananas as well as dried fruits because they are sugary and typically contain preservatives.

What feeding supplies will I need for a pet rat?

All you need is two dishes (one for their dry commercial diet and one for any foods that contain moisture, such as fruits and vegetables), a water bottle and commercially available pet rat food for basic feeding. Plus, since all pets love treats, keep some rat-appropriate treats on hand to help reinforce the bond between you and your rat. You’ll also need a few other supplies to support your rat’s dental health. Rats need to chew to wear down their continuously growing front teeth. Provide your rat with chew sticks, mineral cakes or balls to gnaw on. Visit our mouse and rat shop for many supplies to make mealtime simpler and more enjoyable.

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What are some signs of malnutrition in rats?

Rats are usually good eaters and often hoard food, and malnutrition is rare. However, if you’re not feeding your rats a base diet of pellets or lab blocks containing the optimal balance of protein, fiber and fat—or they aren’t getting enough vitamin D, calcium and B vitamins—you may over time notice signs of malnutrition, such as a lack of interest in food, lethargy, weakness orhair loss. If you suspect malnutrition, consult your veterinarian for advice.

Rats are generally low-maintenance pets, but they have specific dietary needs that differ from those of some other rodents. As rats are opportunistic eaters, there’s a difference between “What can rats eat?” and “What should rats eat?” With proper research and a little experimentation with your rat’s favorite foods, you’ll have them eating a satisfying and wholesome diet in no time.

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