Pet rats are interesting pets to keep. They are energetic and fun to raise. As a pet rat owner, it might interest you as to what foods rats can and cannot eat. This article addresses exactly that.
FOOD - A
Can Rats Eat Acai
Yes, rats can eat acai. Acai berries contain nutrients and vitamins which help the growth of a rat. According to a study acai helped to increase memory in rats that were aging. It is however important to feed your rats with acai in moderation and always ensure they are benefiting from a well balanced diet.
Can Rats Eat Acorns
Acorns are safe for rats to eat. Concerns are often raised about how well rats can digest acorns, but so long as you feed them to moderation, they are safe. Acorns contain lots of fats and proteins, which are beneficial to rats. It is a common sight to find eats feasting on fallen acorns in the wild.
Can Rats Eat Acorn Squash
Your rat can safely consume acorn squash. It is a rich meal for them, and they can eat any part of the fruit except the rind, which poses several health hazards. Also, it is best if you feed them acorn squash only twice or three times a week, because it is very rich in lipids and calories.
Can Rats Eat Agapanthus
There is no conclusive evidence on the effects of agapanthus on rats. While it is not clearly dangerous, it is advisable to give them once in a while, as it is discouraged while feeding small pets like guinea pigs and rabbits. Moreover, rats are not attracted to agapanthus lilies and would only eat them if there are no feeding options.
Can Rats Eat Agave Nectar
Yes, rats can eat agave nectar but in moderation. Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that is commonly used for people and animals with glucose metabolism disorders because it helps reduce calorie intake. Feed your rats agave nectar only sparingly, as it could reduce the rate of gastric emptying, thereby causing reduced feed intake.
Can Rats Eat Alfalfa
Rats can eat alfalfa plants. The plant is available for consumption in various forms: as hay, as sprouts and in pellets. Alfalfa is a good substitute for soybean meal as it contains a high percentage of protein, essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as vitamins A, C and K, which help your pet rat develop well.
Can Rats Eat Alfalfa Hay
Yes, your rat can safely consume alfalfa hay. Alfalfa hay is the dried, mature alfalfa plant. Rats often find it more useful as bedding material rather than as food, even though it contains most of the vitamins and minerals the fresh leaves provide. You can place them in the rats' housing units to encourage nesting and foraging behaviour in them.
Can Rats Eat Alfalfa Sprouts
Like the other alfalfa products, alfalfa sprouts are safe for feeding your rats. The sprouts here refer to the seeds, which are highly proteinous and are rich in essential nutrients absent in many other plant foods. Your rats will find it very nutritious, although you should wash the sprouts before feeding your rats.
Can Rats Eat Almonds
Almonds are safe for rats to eat. Rats love to eat most nuts anyways, and almonds are one of their favourite treats. Almonds supply adequate calories and protein for your rats, but could cause obesity due to the high fat content. Hence, you should monitor how much and how often you feed your rats almonds.
Can Rats Eat Almond Butter
Like almonds, almond butter is safe for rats. Almond butter is essentially almonds reduced to paste form. The nutrients the almond nut will provide were still intact in the butter. However, rats are avid gnawers and would appreciate an almond nut better than the butter. Also, you have to watch how much of it they take per time.
Can Rats Eat Aloe Vera
Yes, rats can safely consume Aloe Vera but you have to avoid allowing them to eat a lot of it. While there have been minimal adverse effects discovered as a result of Aloe Vera ingestion, some studies suggest that increased intake of Aloe Vera can cause intestinal neoplasms. Aloe Vera boasts a myriad of essential vitamins and minerals.
Can Rats Eat Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is not safe for rats, since it is a metal and their digestive system can't process it. However, rats won't even swallow it, but will love to shred it into pieces for their nests. Aluminium foil could also make for an excellent abrasive surface they will use to reduce their continuously growing teeth.
Can Rats Eat Amaranth
Yes, rats can eat amaranth leaves and seeds. Studies show that amaranth has no negative long-term effect on your rats' health. Instead, amaranth seeds give their immune systems a huge boost by improving the antioxidative capacities in organs like the heart and lungs and even blood plasma. Amaranth also contains minerals and vitamins typical of vegetables.
Can Rats Eat American Cheese
Yes, rats can eat American cheese. American cheese falls into the class of cheese that is safe for rats. Although cheese is not so much a treat for rats as we think, you can feed your pet rat some every now and then without causing any harm. In excess, American cheese could result in gastrointestinal discomforts.
Can Rats Eat Anchovies
Anchovies are a safe option for feeding your pet rats. All edible fish species are excellent sources of food for rats, as they supply essential oils as well as protein for your pet friend. You can serve anchovies raw or boiled, but serving your rats boiled is best so it will eliminate all parasites and microbes.
Can Rats Eat Aniseed
Rats can safely consume anise seeds. They are especially attracted to the fragrance of the seeds and readily accept meals spiced up with anise seeds. Anise seeds, except for the Japanese star anise seeds, also have a lot of medicinal benefits, as studies have demonstrated that they protect the rats' stomach walls against ulcers.
Can Rats Eat Ants
Yes, rats could eat ants, but only if they are hard pressed to do so. The wild forest species often eat ants and other insects as part of their typical omnivorous diet. Urban rats, on the other hand, tend towards cooked and spoiled food for meals. While they can safely consume ants, your pet rats will probably not eat them except they are really hungry.
Can Rats Eat Anything
Rats are omnivorous animals and, as such, can survive on a lot of food types. However, this doesn't mean they eat anything edible; there are several food types that are harmful to them and there are others that must not be taken to excess. Some of the such food types include: blue cheese, green bananas, and citrus fruits.
Can Rats Eat Apples
Yes, rats can eat apples. Apples are a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C for rats. Your rat could also benefit from the high calorie content of apples. However, remember to feed them lightly so they don't accumulate too many sugar from their food. Also, ensure the rind is well rinsed to eliminate contaminants and germs.
Can Rats Eat Applesauce
Your pet rats can safely eat applesauce. It has a nutrient profile similar to apples. You can feed your pet rat applesauce as a treat, but only in little amounts so it doesn't cause obesity. Also, if the applesauce is sweetened artificially, you should only give a little per week, so the artificial sweeteners don't affect your pet buddy.
Can Rats Eat Apple Cores
Yes, rats can eat apple cores, but you must ensure you have removed the seeds from within the core. While the seeds could pose serious health problems, the core is pure roughage and provides fiber for your rat. Along with the rest of the fruit, apple cores also contain vitamins and minerals essential for your rats' growth.
Can Rats Eat Apple Jack Cereal
Yes, you can feed your pet rats Apple Jack Cereal intermittently. However, the Apple Jack Cereal contains added sugars; so you must regulate how much of it your rodent buddy takes. The high sugar content could predispose it to various metabolic disorders. On the other hand, rats generally enjoy cereal products best as treats.
Can Rats Eat Apple Leaves
Rats can eat apple leaves in the wild before pouncing on the fruits. The leaves are not as to your rats and they only eat them while climbing the apple tree or when they have no choice. The leaves are not as nutritious nor as delicious as the fruits. Hence, rats only eat a little of the leaves.
Can Rats Eat Apple Seed
No, rats shouldn't eat apple seeds to avoid poisoning. Apple seeds contain a high amount of cyanide which could lead to brain damage and death some hours after ingestion. You should ensure you remove the seeds from the fruit before feeding it to your rats; since they are avid gnawers, they could mistakenly eat the seeds and die.
Can Rats Eat Apple Skin
Yes, rats can safely eat apple skin. The skin is almost as succulent and is even more nutrient-filled than the pulp. The rind/skin contains lots of fiber and vitamin C and is highly palatable. However, you must ensure that the rind is properly rinsed off, especially if it is not organic. Inorganically grown apples could contain pesticide residues and germs that affect rats.
Can Rats Eat Apple Sticks
Yes, pet rats can eat apple sticks. In fact, they love them and the sticks tend not to last very long in their cages. Most rats find the apple scent very appealing and use the sticks to trim their evergrowing teeth. You can also incorporate the sticks in the cage as branches for climbing, but apple sticks don't last long around rats.
Can Rats Eat Apricots
Apricots are safe for rats. They are excellent treats, great for chewing, and they contain lots of vitamins and are good sources of antioxidants for rats. But not all apricots are ideal for rats; dried apricots could be choking hazards for rats. Many stores use chemicals that could be harmful to your pet rat to extend the shelf life of the dried apricots.
Can Rats Eat Arthropods
Yes, rats can eat insects. They are omnivorous, so insects fit into their diet. They feed on a large range of insects; grasshoppers, cockroaches, and caterpillars are common favorites for most rats. Plus, insects provide a lot of protein for rats, making them a perfect fit for the average midday snack.
Can Rats Eat Artichoke
Artichokes are safe for rats to eat. Like other vegetables, they contain several vitamins and minerals that supplement growth in rats. However, you must ensure you boil them before feeding your pet rat because raw artichokes could inhibit protein digestion. They are also harsh on your pet's gut walls, causing discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.
Can Rats Eat Arugula
Yes, rats can eat arugula. The leafy vegetable is not ideal for them in excess, because they can't digest cellulose, but it supplies lots of essential nutrients all at once. Some of such nutrients include vitamins A, C, and K, together with several antioxidants and phytochemicals that are useful for your pets growth.
Can Rats Eat Asparagus
Yes, asparagus is safe for rats to eat. If you are looking for a vegetable you can feed your pet rats from time to time, it is perfect for them. It is non-toxic and rich in essential nutrients. It also contains little calories and a lot of fiber, so there are no fears of your pet getting overweight.
Can Rats Eat Asparagus Raw
Yes, rats can consume asparagus raw. Unlike some other vegetables that require boiling before you serve your pet, you can feed asparagus to your pet rats raw. Boiling asparagus is like a trade off, as it could lead to a reduction in its vitamin C content, while increasing its antioxidant properties.
Can Rats Eat Aubergine
You can safely feed your rats aubergines. They contain lots of antioxidants and are help balance your pet's cholesterol levels. You can also feed them aubergines raw or cooked. However, the raw ones tend to be quite bitter, hence it is often better to boil it before feeding them to your rats.
Can Rats Eat Avocado
Yes, your rats can eat avocados. Although they are not a favorite of rats, they find them very palatable. Avocados are rich in fat and are a safe way of gaining weight for underweight rats. However, not all parts of the avocado are safe for rats, as the rind and seeds are toxic to them.
Can Rats Eat Avocado Skin
Avocado skins are very toxic to your pet rats and you should ensure they don't eat it at all. It is also poisonous to wild rats and they always avoid it when they feed on avocados in forests. It is a necessary precaution before serving your rats avocados to avoid health complications.
Can Rats Eat Azalea
No, azalea is very harmful to your pet rats. It contains andromedotoxin, a toxin found in all parts of the plant, from the leaves and stem to the flower. Andromedotoxin causes overstimulation of the rats' brains and severe cardiovascular symptoms like reduced and irregular heart rates. It could also affect their gut activities, causing nausea and vomiting.
FOOD - B
Can Rats Eat Baby Carrots
Yes, baby carrots are safe for rats to eat. Carrots are rich in vitamins, mainly B, C, and E. They also contain lots of antioxidants and phytochemicals that help boost your pet rats' immunity. While they are rich in such nutrients and low in calories, you have to feed your pet rats in moderation. It is better advised to give your carrots as a treat, probably two or three times a week.
Can Rats Eat Baby Corn
You can serve your rats baby corn intermittently. Corn contains an ideal mix of fiber and carbohydrates, with some protein. It also contains some B vitamins and minerals like magnesium and potassium, but too much of it could impair zinc and iron absorption. It contains too much sugar, so it is not advisable to give your rats corn regularly.
Can Rats Eat Baby Food
Yes, rats can eat baby food. However not all baby food is ideal for your pet rat. Some of them could contain high amounts of sugar or salt, and both could result in complications in rats. You should also ensure it doesn't contain any artificial substances. You can give your pet rats baby food as a treat or part of their meal.
Can Rats Eat Baby Spinach
Baby spinach is not safe for rats. Spinach contains oxalates and oxalic acids which interfere with digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. In small quantities, they have minimal effects; however, oxalates could build up over time, causing kidney stones and calcium deficiency. Hence, it is often a better choice to leave it out of your rats' diet altogether.
Can Rats Eat Bacon
Yes, pet rats can eat bacon. Because of their omnivorous nature, most rats will readily consume cooked bacon. It's commonly used as bait on rat traps. Bacon contains some salt and fat, which could help increase your rats' water intake and protect them from colorectal carcinogenesis. However, only a little bacon is advised per day because of its fat content.
Can Rats Eat Basil
Basil is safe for rats to consume. In fact, it is a great nutrient source for your pet rats. Basil supplies vitamins A and C, while also providing essential minerals like magnesium and iron. Like other vegetables, you should feed your rats with only a few leaves per week or an eighth of a teaspoon of dried basil per day.
Can Rats Eat Banana
Yes, rats can eat bananas. However, you must ensure you are only giving them ripe or overripe bananas. The unripe bananas cause gastrointestinal disturbances, which could negatively impact your rats' health. Bananas are full of nutrients, which make it a great addition to meals or a good treat choice.
Can Rats Eat Banana Chips
Yes, rats can eat banana chips, although the chips must be from organically grown fruits because of pesticide and herbicide residues. The chips retain a high level of vitamin C, however, they can be choking hazards for your pet rats. You should also buy ensure the chips don't contain any additives that could harm your buddy.
Can Rats Eat Banana Skin
Banana skins are safe for pet rats. Many other fruits also have beneficial peels, and the banana is no exception. The banana skin consists of many essential nutrients for the rats' growth. You should also wash the peels and ensure they are free from pesticides and insecticide.
Can Rats Eat Baking Soda
No, you must never allow your pet rats to eat baking soda. Because baking soda is highly alkaline, it causes violent reactions in the stomach. This process results in production of a lot of gas, which causes bloat. Since rats can't pass wind or release the gas through their mouth, most of them die from the internal swelling.
Can Rats Eat BBQ Sauce
No, rats must not eat BBQ sauce. Because they are explorative and eat almost anything, rats are often subjected to diets containing various foods. Rats are often intrigued when they smell BBQ sauce and try to eat it. However, some of the BBQ sauce flavorings are toxic to rats and can kill them if they eat more than is necessary per time.
Can Rats Eat Beans?
Yes, rats can eat beans. The emphasis is on ensuring the beans are well cooked before you serve them. The raw beans contain hemagglutinin, which is a toxin that hampers starch and protein breakdown. Cooked beans supply adequate proteins and carbohydrates, ensuring your pet has a balanced meal. Like other high-quality protein sources, it should be fed minimally.
Can Rats Eat Bean Sprouts
Yes, rats can eat bean sprouts. Bean sprouts are the green parts of the cowpea plant and most rats will eat them. However, you have to boil the sprouts before serving your pet rats, like the bean seeds. If your rat doesn't like the sprouts on its own, mix the sprouts with other vegetable types before serving it to increase the chances of it being eaten
Can Rats Eat Beets
Although rats can eat beets, the negative effects greatly outweigh the good news. Beet contains oxalic acid, which could result in kidney stones. If you feed your rats too much of beets, you might be increasing their chances of developing cancers in the future. The safest option is to leave beets and the roots out of your rats' diet.
Can Rats Eat Beet Greens
Beet greens are not entirely safe for your pet rats. The greens supply vitamins and essential minerals, but also contain oxalates and oxalic acid. There are plant acids that interfere with zinc and iron absorption in the body, making them unavailable for metabolism. In excess, oxalates could form crystals that are harmful to your rats' kidneys.
Can Rat Eat Bee Pollen
Yes, you can feed your pet rats bee pollen. Fresh new pollen is especially great for older rats, as it helps with maintaining healthy metabolic conditions. Old female rats also experience increased fertility when you supplement their diets with bee pollen. Bee pollen is quite potent in regulating the females' ovarian functions, as well maintaining HDL in the blood.
Can Rats Eat Beef
Yes, rats can eat beef. Whether cooked or raw, you can give beef to your pet rats. The protein in beef is essential for your rats' growth, as well as the minerals in it. Plus, rats are omnivorous, so you should include beef or other meat forms in the animals' diet. The ideal meal for rats often contains equal parts of beef and vegetables.
Can Rats Eat Beef Bones
Yes, your rat can eat beef bones. Beef bones provide some protein, especially when there is some meat on them. Other nutrients your pet rat can gain from beef bones are calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. You don't need to worry about chewing; rats can chew most substances. With their sharp teeth, you will see them gnaw through the bone completely.
Can Rats Eat Beef Broth
Beef broth is safe for rats to consume. The broth is very rich in proteins, as well as vitamins and minerals. It could be a little too spicy for your rat, so the homemade variety must contain minimal spices. Also, you should give your rats too much at once because the vinegar could cause health challenges, particularly to the liver.
Can Rats Eat Beef Mince
You can feed your rat most modifications of beef. Meat will provide a lot of protein and is an integral part of their diet. However, feeding rats every day is very risky, as the rat becomes overloaded with meat in its gut. You can treat your pet rat to meat once or twice in a week.
Can Rats Eat Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a safe treat for your pet rats. It is nutritious for them, as beef is rich in proteins, which are essential for rats' growth. On the other hand, it could contribute to increased weight gain due to the high fat content. Beef jerky is also processed, which means you should only feed it to your rats sparingly.
Can Rats Eat Bell Peppers
Yes, you can feed your pet rats bell peppers. Bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which contribute to helping your rat develop a strong immune system. Usually, rats even find bell peppers very enticing, although this could vary from one rat to the other. Like other vegetables, it is essential you feed them bell peppers only as a treat.
Can Rats Eat Bell Pepper Seeds
Yes, rats can safely consume bell pepper seeds. Unlike seeds of other fruits and vegetables, bell pepper seeds don't contain any toxins, like cyanide or chemical residues. Therefore, you don't need to remove the seeds from the bell peppers when you're feeding your rats, although not all rats will eat the seeds; some will still avoid the seeds while eating the fruit.
Can Rats Eat Beetles
Rats can eat beetles from time to time. It is not uncommon to find rats eating beetles, although it is not one of their favourites. Beetles, like other bugs, are good sources of protein for rats and your critters could turn to them for food when there is no other option. Otherwise, rats would naturally pick sweeter, plant based food items over beetles.
Can Rats Eat Biscuits
Yes, rats can eat biscuits. Rats always enjoy biscuits because they are hard enough for them to chew on. Biscuits are also a great mix of essential vitamins and minerals that might be absent from the rat's regular meals. Plus, most biscuits are produced with enticing flavours and aromas, which appeal to your pet critters.
Can Rats Eat Bird Food
Bird food is an appetizer for rats. Most bird owners complain about the mess they have to deal with when rats invade their bird feed supply. The various seeds in the bird feed mix more than attract rats. What's more, the seeds provide various nutrients, ranging from proteins, to vitamins and minerals.
Can Rats Eat Bird Seeds
Like bird feed, bird seeds are extremely attractive to rats. Your pets don't need any more motivation to eat once they have bird seeds. Most of the bird seed compilations are rich seed mixes, often sunflower seeds, millets, a
Can Rats Eat Biltong
Yes, biltong is safe for rats' consumption. Biltong is a form of meat that undergoes curing and drying before eating. It is identical to beef jerky in that they are both spicy, processed meat forms, but it often tastes differently from jerky. You can give your rats biltong intermittently, as continuous intake could increase their weight.
Can Rats Eat Birch
No, rats can't eat birch. Birch wood and twigs exude noxious toxins which are poisonous to rats. When you are choosing to get wood for your rats to chew on, you should consider hardwood, as they rarely have any harmful toxins. The softwood often contain chemicals that can cause adverse conditions in rats.
Can Rats Eat Birch Leaves
You can feed your pet rats with birch leaves, instead of birchwood. The leaves are excellent forage material for many rodents and small animal pets, as they supply lots of fibre, along with minerals and vitamins. What's more, the leaves have pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. You can give your pet critters birch leaves as a treat between meal times.
Can Rats Eat Bitter Almonds
No, bitter almonds are bad for rats. Unlike the regular sweet almonds, the bitter variety contain glycoside amygdalin which makes them bitter. This chemical releases hydrogen cyanide when the rat metabolizes it, which is a toxin associated with liver failure. The bitter almonds are not often available commercially, but you must ensure your rats don't pick them accidentally.
Can Rats Eat Bok Choy
Like many other leafy greens, Bok choy, or pok choi, is safe for your rats. Bok choi is a Chinese vegetable and it typically contains lots of vitamin and mineral nutrition your pet critter would need for its development. Its unusual combination of beta carotene, vitamin C and selenium make it a great addition to your rats' meals.
Can Rats Eat Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are a complete nutrient pack, and are safe for rats. They contain vitamins A, B, and D and essential trace minerals like sulfur, zinc, iron, and potassium, as well as a large amount of protein in the hard whites. Boiled eggs are easily digestible, and you can introduce them to your pet's diet gradually.
Can Rats Eat Boiled Peanuts
Boiled peanuts are safe for your rats. While you should totally avoid feeding them the raw ones, you can feed them boiled peanuts a little at a time. Peanuts contain some anti-nutritive factors in their raw forms and could upset rats. However, the boiled peanuts could still be harmful in excess so you should feed them in small quantities.
Can Rats Eat Boiled Potatoes
Yes, boiled potatoes are safe for rats. Rats can eat raw, uncooked potatoes, except for the sweet potatoes which could be toxic. Also, you should only steam them without seasonings or oil, since those ingredients make the potatoes unsafe for rats. Potatoes contain a fair amount of carbohydrates and fibre that are vital for rats' consumption.
Can Rats Eat Bologna
Meat in all forms is safe for rats, and Bologna is no exception. You can serve your pet rats raw Bologna as a treat up to three times a week, as they often find it very palatable and enticing. Meat generally has high protein content, which makes Bologna a great treat or addition to your pet rats' diet.
Can Rats Eat Bones
Your pet rat will benefit loads from bones. Whether cooked or uncooked, bones provide fats and some fibre for your rats. The big bonus is that they have something to gnaw on throughout the day. Rats have evergrowing teeth, which need regular wearing off, and bones are the perfect abrasive material for your rat's teeth.
Can Rats Eat Bone Marrows
Bone marrow is safe for your rats to eat. Bone marrow provides fats and fibre for your rat, alongside essential mineral supplements. However, you should be careful about how much bone marrow you feed your pet rat, as they could get obese very quickly.. You can mix a little of it with their diet, or give it as treats weekly.
Can Rats Eat Bran Flakes
Yes, pet rats can eat bran flakes. Most cereal products are great for rats, as they often contain a balance of fibre and calorie content that is ideal for the average rat. However, like other processed food materials, you should only bran flakes as a treat. Plus, the high fibre content could have negative effects on your rat's gut.
Can Rats Eat Bread
Bread is a safe and common staple for rats among most pet owners. It is rich in carbohydrates and supplies a good amount of fibre. However, too much bread could do more harm than good because of the excess calories it will provide. Hence, feeding your rats bread intermittently is more advisable.
Can Rats Eat Bread Crust
You can feed your pet rats bread crusts, as they often prefer dry bread to fresh bread. Fresh bread could be a choking hazard for rats and it is safer to leave fresh bread loaves overnight to dry before feeding them to your rats. The dried bread loaves are also crispier, making the meal more palatable for your pet critter.
Can Rats Eat Breadsticks
Yes, you can feed your pet rats breadsticks. Like bread, breadsticks are rich in carbohydrates and fibre, and make for excellent treat options for your pet critter. They are harder and crispier than regular bread loaves, which makes them interesting meal choices for rats. However, you shouldn't give them too often, as they could cause intestinal discomforts.
Can Rats Eat Broccoli
Yes, rats can eat broccoli.
