Can Rats Eat Mango?

Can rats eat mango? Is mango safe for rats? This is a common question asked since mango is often among the list of fruits that rats shouldn’t eat.

Rats can be picky eaters, which is often because they cannot vomit physically, unlike humans. This means that when rats eat a toxic substance, they are unable to get rid of it, unlike humans and other pets like dogs and cats.

Therefore, Rats tend to be picky while choosing what to eat, nibbling a little at a time before determining that the food is fine to eat. 

Mango is a tropical stone fruit from the “drupe” family and is a kind of plant of food that has a fleshy outer section that covers a pit or shell. There is a seed in this pit. The “drupe” family also consists of dates, coconuts and olives.

There are many kinds of mango. They differ in terms of seed, size, shape, color, and flavor. Even though the skin can be red, yellow, green or orange, a mango’s inner section is often golden yellow. 

Mangoes are creamy, sweet fruits with many health benefits. They may contribute to improving eye, hair and skin health, including cancer and prevention of heart disease because of the nutrients they contain.

Can Rats Eat Mango?

Yes, rats can eat mango. Even though it is not often recommended, rats can eat mango. However, like citrus fruits, mango contains d-limonene. 

And so far, d-limonene has been shown to be carcinogenic in Male Rats. D-limonene has also been linked to kidney tumors in Male Rats when fed in large amounts or for a long period. However, d-limonene has no negative effect on female rats. 

IS MANGO SAFE FOR RATS

Generally, Mango is regarded as a healthy fruit for a good reason. Mango contains many healthy vitamins and minerals. The fruit is a good source of vitamin C, which supports a good immune system and cell renewal. 

Additionally, Mango contains folate and copper, two nutrients that are Important during Pregnancy. Mangoes also contain Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Potassium, Riboflavin and Niacin, amongst other nutrients. 

Mangoes are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, kaempferol, mangiferin and catechins. These antioxidants aid in preventing the harm that the reactive oxygen species [ROS] do to the cells. 

Therefore, antioxidants have been associated with better brain and heart health, including reduction in Cancer and chronic diseases. 

WHY MALE RATS CANNOT EAT MANGO

The d-limonene in mango only affects male rats. It has no negative effect on the female rats. This is because male rats create a protein called alpha 2U – globulin.

And the rat’s kidney can become filled with this protein once it binds to the d-limonene present in mangoes or citrus fruits. 

Therefore, it can lead to the development of “hyaline droplets” in male mats, which is the beginning of a kind of kidney damage. But are Male rats prohibited from eating mangoes.?

All of the studies that examined this kind of kidney cancer used large quantities of concentrated d-limonene, for a long period. A pet Rat would have to eat a large Mango as a treat can cause any harm. 

However, there isn’t enough research to be certain that d-limonene in small amounts does not lead to kidney cancers. 

Therefore, it is generally a good idea to totally cut out mango from a Male Rat’s diet. After all, there are other healthy fruits that they can eat. 

Nevertheless, you shouldn’t worry if your Male Rat mistakenly eats some mango because he won’t have any problems. 

CAT RATS EAT MANGO PEEL?

Like citrus fruit, mangoes have more d-limonene in the peel than in the fruit itself. Therefore, it is best to refrain from giving your male rat any mango peel. 

Female rats can eat mango peel, but they are more unlikely to do so because of the rough texture of the peel.

ALTERNATIVE TREATS FOR PET RATS 

Rats have a bad reputation for consuming any food they can get their hands on, even garbage. Rats enjoy many foods and this can serve as healthy treats, so there is some merit to this reputation. 

Like mangoes, the foods on this list are for occasional treats and not the rats primary diet: 

• Potatoes 
• Melon
• Egg [hand-boiled]
• Chicken
• Cereals [low-sugar ones like cheerios and oats].
• Rice 
• Apples or applesauce
• Broccoli
• Bananas
• Cauliflower 
• Crackers
• Squash[cooked]
• Berries [blackberry, blue berry, strawberry,  raspberry are good examples].
• Pasta [cooked or dry ones].

HARMFUL FOODS FOR PET RATS .

Even though rats can eat moderate amounts of mango and other fruits, there are many foods that are harmful to pet rats. Some of these foods are;

• Chocolate 
• Green potato skins 
• Onions 
• Large amounts of citrus fruits or mango that contains d-limonene in male rats 
• Raw beans 
• Raw sweet potatoes 
• Avocado skins 
• Caffeine

Despite their reputation, rats cannot, or at least should not consume just any food.

There are many foods that are harmful and unhealthy to the pet rat. Therefore, before giving the rat a new food to eat, always do your research or consult a certified veterinarian. The happiness and health of a pet rat depends on how well it is fed and what it eats.

Pellet diets are often recommended for pet rats, but if you cannot locate a good store that sells foods that are specially made for ras, a rat or mouse meal that satisfies the same criteria (for example, low calories and low fat) is a good substitute. Nevertheless, avoid hamster, gerbil and other rodent diets because they are poor substitutes. These feeds have their assigned nutritional needs, and they often contain lucerne, which rats may find difficult to digest.

BOTTOM LINE 

Generally, mango is safe and even rich in nutrients for rats. The good treats if you have a male rat and are worried about the d-limonene in mango and other citrus fruits. 

Therefore, if you want to feed mangoes to the pet rat, make sure to serve them in moderation and prevent any digestive issues.