Can Rats Eat Oranges?

 

Citrus fruits are often listed as part of the fruits that rats should not eat because of the presence of a substance that is harmful to male rats. So, can rats eat oranges? Are oranges safe for rats? If so, what are the benefits and risks involved in feeding oranges to rats?

Oranges are well known because of their natural sweetness. The many types available and the different uses. They can be eaten whole, added to juices and marmalades or the peel zests can be used to give desserts and pastries a sour flavor. 

Oranges are popular for their high vitamin C content. However, oranges provide other plant substances and antioxidants that can lower inflammation and fight against disease. 

Oranges are a kind of citrus fruit that is healthy, low in calories and rich in nutrients. Oranges support strong, clear skin and can help reduce a person’s risk of many diseases when included in a healthy and varying diet.

Can Rats Eat Oranges?

Yes, rats can eat oranges. However, they should only do so in moderation. Oranges contain d-limonene, a substance that can lead to kidney damage in male rats when consumed in excess. Therefore, it is better to keep your male rats away from citrus fruits. On the other hand, female rats can consume oranges because they do not have the kind of protein that male rats have. Oranges can be a good occasional treat for female rats. 

 

Nutritional Value of Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are known to be a healthy fruits for a good cause. They are a good source of vitamin C, which is important for the function of the immune system, including the skin health and connective tissues.

They also contain a good amount of magnesium, copper, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin B. 

Citrus fruits also contain many antioxidants, which have been associated to lowered risk of inflammation and cancer.

Citrus fruits, including oranges are known to be beneficial to the microbes in the gut. Citrus fruits have a higher volume of soluble and insoluble fibre than other types of fruits. Soluble fibers have a good effect on the blood cholesterol levels.

Oranges are a healthy treats for overweight s rats because they are low in calories. Citrus fruits are often associated to lower blood pressure, lower risk of cancer and a better brain function.

Why Male Rats Cannot Eat Oranges

Many specialists agree that feeding oranges to male rats is not a good idea: they advice against giving oranges to male rats because they may be the cause of kidney damage and kidney cancer.

It is important to be aware of how oranges are filled with citrus. The citrus fruits contain d-limonene, which directs the development of a protein in the kidney of a male rat, which can lead to the development of it tumor. 

The majority of rat owners do not feed oranges to their male rats because of the kind of damage d-limonene can cause to a rat's body.

Can Rats Eat Orange Peel?

Rats Cannot eat orange peel because the orange peel has the highest d-limonene content. Therefore, oranges should only be fed to your rats if the peel has been removed. 

Can Female Rats Eat Oranges?

Unlike male rats, female rats are safe to eat oranges because they lack of the proteins that male rats have, which can cause kidney damage. 

Therefore, oranges should only be fed to rats in small amounts as an occasional treat after cutting them into tiny pieces. Giving oranges to female rats once or twice a week is enough for them. 

Nevertheless, you should continue to keep an eye on the rat's digestion. You should stop feeding oranges to pet rats immediately if they experience negative side effects like diarrhea.

What Fruits Can Rats Eat?

Pet rats can eat many fruits. Berries, like raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are healthy since the taste sweet even though they have a low sugar content and provide a lot of antioxidants.

Rats can also eat other healthy fruits like pineapple, watermelons, kiwis, apricots, pears, melon and apples in moderation.

However, fruit stones and pits are poisonous and should not be given to pet rats. The same is true for avocado pits and skin.

Oranges are a tasty and healthy fruit, but if your rat is a male, it is best to look for other healthy fruits to feed the rat. 

Pet rats do not have a long lifespan and feeding rats inadequate diets or foods can lead to many issues.

Feeding your rats the healthiest diet possible will give your rats the best chance of a long and happy life by avoiding dangerous or toxic foods. 

Best Foods to Feed a Pet Rat

Rats are omnivorous animals and they need nutrient from both plant and animal sources. Rats tend to overeat and enjoy sweet and unhealthy dishes that are packed with salt and sugar, just like humans. 

The quality of a rat's diet has an impact on their health and how long they live.

Rats need to consume the majority of their daily calories from high-quality, commercial rat pellets or blocks. Commercial rat diets often consist of fruits, seeds and a mixture of nuts that is often rich in fat and lacking nutrients.

Rats should be provided with a choice of nutritious foods and treats in addition to rat blocks. Fruits are one of the categories of these foods.

Alternative Treats to Feed Rats

Even though rats cannot eat oranges, there are other foods that to they can eat as an alternative treat. Some of these treats are:

• Pasta
• Nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, etc)
• Seeds (sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds)
• Eggs (hard-boiled)

Bottom Line

Even though oranges are healthy, they have d-limonene, which has been associated to kidney damage in male rats.

Although the amount of d-limonene in an occasional orange slice is small, it is best to keep rats away from citrus fruits in general to be safe.

Oranges are a good treat if you only have female rats as pets because female rats can consume citrus fruits like oranges.