Can Rats Eat Mint?

 

Can rats eat mint? is mint safe for rats? This is a common question because mint is often regarded as something that can ward off rats in the house.

Mint is a tasty and fragrant plants that is used as an ingredient in many dishes and drinks. Additionally it may help with gastro intestinal relief, improve brain function and cover-up foul breath. Mint consists of more than a dozen plant species, including peppermint and spearmint that are members of the family ‘Mentha’. These plants are known for their cooling effects and both the fresh and dried versions of mint can be used in cooking.

Mint is also used in in some dishes and drinks like salads, desserts, alcoholic beverages, sauces, and teas.

Even though the plant has many health benefits, research indicates that many of the benefits of mint come from applying it to the skin, inhaling it and chewing it.

Can Rats Eat Mint?

Yes, rats can eat mint. They can also eat the mint leaves. You can add mint to the vegetables you give the pet rat as a treat. Even though there is a controversial saying about the fragrance of mint, rats are not much affected by the fragrance. When you want to give mint to the pet rat, there is nothing to be concerned about. However, it is important to be careful not to overdo it while giving the pet rat mint.

Is Mint safe for rats?

It is important to address this question before anything else on the topic. The practice of giving mint to rats is controversial.

Some pets owners think it is dangerous to give mint to the rat, which is a notion that is based on the fact that peppermint is a component in many rodents repellents.

Therefore, they have already deduced from this that mint is not safe for rats and other rodents.

However, It is necessary to know that mint is safe for rats. Even though mint has a strong fragrance, it does not contain any toxic substances.

Health Benefits Of Mint To Rats

May Help In Relieving Indigestion

Mint can be helpful in treating digestive issues like indigestion and an upset stomach. Indigestion is as a result of food stain and the stomach for too long before moving on to the remainder of the digestive system.

According to numerous studies, using peppermint oil with meals can cause food to flow more quickly through the stomach, which may lower the symptoms of this kind of indigestion.

Enhances Brain Function

In addition to consuming mint, there are reports that inhaling the fragrance of mint essential oil may have some health benefits, such as enhanced brain function.

According to a study with 144 young adults it was shown that inhaling the fragrance of peppermint oil for five minutes before a test can enhance one's memory. 

However, more research is required to better understand how it might operate and determine whether peppermints can enhance brain function.

Can Rats Eat Mint Leaves?

Yes, rats can eat mint leaves. Mint leaves contain elements that supports the rat’s immune system. One of the benefits that chewing mint leaves will provide for pet rats is vitamin A. Vitamin A is responsible for improving vision. Therefore, giving mint leaves to your rats can help to enhance their vision.

Alternative Treats For Rats

Bananas

Bananas are healthy treats that you can give to the pet rat. Bananas are a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. However, you must remove the skin before giving it to the pet rats.

Cooked Beans

Rats can eat cooked beans as an alternative treats. However, they can only eat cooked beans because raw beans are harmful to rodents, including pet rats. Raw beans contain a toxic substance that is harmful to humans and animals.

Apples

Apples are one of the many treats you can give to pet rats. Apples are a good source of healthy vitamins minerals and anti-oxidants. So, if you purchase an apple from a store, ensure to properly rinse it before slicing it and serving it to the pet rats.

Carrots

Carrots are also one of the treats you can give your pet rats. You can include carrots in some of the fruits you give to the pet rat. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A and beta carotene.

Bread

Bread is another treats you can give to your pet rats. However, to avoid choking, you should always serve the fresh ones. Do not give the rat any bread that has been sitting around for a while.

Best Foods To Feed A Rat

It is important to know what your rat can and cannot consume. Rat food is available in pet shops and many large chain stores and it is safe to use it to feed your rats. 

However, there are instances when you might want to feed your rats a treat or dinner like you would your family. If so, it is important to conduct research to ensure the food is secure or safe for your rat.

As omnivores, rats benefits from diet that contains many fruits, vegetables and meats. Therefore, a meal rich in fruits and vegetables, along with a small amount of pellets or rat cube food each day, is the best diet for rats. For a balanced diet, make sure the rat pellets contain at least 16% protein and 4% to 5% fat. Examples of such fruits and vegetables that rats like include: 

• Apples
• Pears
• Cabbage
• Berries
• Peas
• Carrots
• Endives
• Stone fruits
• Melons
• Broccoli
• Parsley
• Bananas

There are also foods that you can give to your rats, But only after they have been cooked. They may be toxic or dangerous when they are uncooked. These foods are:

• Beans
• Meat
• Sweet potato
• Eggs
• Red cabbage
• Corn

Harmful Foods To A Pet Rat

Citrus Fruits

Orange, tangerine, nectarine karma and other citrus fruits are not healthy for rats. Male rats can develop kidney damage from eating citrus fruits.

Chocolates

Rats cannot eat chocolates or cookies as a treat. This is because of the presence of a poison called theobromine in chocolates which can cause stomach upset in rats. 

Avocados

There are poisonous compounds in avocados which makes them and unhealthy fruits for rats.

Bottom Line

Rats can eat mint and its leaves. However, despite having a strong fragrance, mint leaves does not contain any toxic substance. You can give mint leaves to your pet rats on their own or along with other vegetables. To reduce the fragrance, you can soak the leaves in water before serving them.