what to feed pet rats for treats

1. Peas. Frozen peas make for an excellent treat to give your rat. This food is perfect for multiple reasons, including its small size.
2. Bones. It is a good idea to give your pet rat the occasional bone. ...
3. Eggs. You can also feed your pet rat eggs, either hard boiled with the shell still on, or microwaved in liquid form.
4. Seeds. There is no question that rats love seeds, but you have to be careful about which ones you give your pet.
5. Nuts. Some of the best nuts to give your rat as a treat include walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and macadamia nuts.
6. Beans. There are many different types of beans that you can give your rat as a treat. ...

Full Answer

What human food is okay to feed my pet rats?

• Fruit: apples, cherries, grapes, bananas, strawberries and other berries, melons, plums
• Vegetables: broccoli, potatoes, peas, carrot, cooked sweet potato, kale, parsley, bok choy, squash
• Cooked liver and other very lean cooked meats
• Whole wheat pasta and bread
• Cooked beans (including soy)
• Yogurt (especially with live cultures)
• Brown rice

More items...

What human food can I give a pet rat?

These foods are:

• Beans
• Corn
• Red Cabbage
• Sweet Potato
• Meat & Eggs

How much should I Feed my pet rat?

from your rat’s enclosure every day. Daily Feeding Schedule • 1/8 cup Oxbow adult rat pellets • 1/2 cup mixed greens and veggies (see below for list of safe and unsafe foods) • No more than 1 tablespoon of treats, such as nuts, fruit, or cereal (see below for list) Please consult your veterinarian for your pet’s long-term nutritional needs. Litter

Can pet rats eat meat what should they ideally eat?

You can also feed your rat a few cooked foods, such as:

• Beans
• Corn
• Lean meats
• Eggs
• Sweet potato

What do pet rats like for treats?

Fruit: apples, cherries, grapes, bananas, strawberries and other berries, melons, plums. Vegetables: broccoli, potatoes, peas, carrot, cooked sweet potato, kale, parsley, bok choy, squash. Cooked liver and other very lean cooked meats. Whole wheat pasta and bread.

What can I feed my rats instead of rat food?

What to feed ratsGive them some variety - rats are omnivores, so you can supplement their diet with small amounts of fruit, vegetables, cooked egg, grains and seeds. ... Avoid harmful foods such as onion, citrus fruits, walnuts, rhubarb, grapes, raisins and chocolate.Avoid sugars and high-fat foods such as dairy.

What is a rat's favorite thing to eat?

Be it almonds, walnuts, peanuts, or hazelnuts – rats and mice love them all! Such high-protein foods can provide necessary nourishment and are among the favorite foods of rats and mice. Rats and mice will generally prefer seeds, grains, fruits, plants, etc., but they will not hesitate to nibble on meat.

How often should I give my rats treats?

Alongside this, a tablespoon of high-quality rat pellets should be offered daily for a healthy diet. Treats such as cooked meat, egg, sugary vegetables, and fruit should only be given sparingly; a pinch of each 1-3 times per week is plenty for these little guys!

What food is toxic to rats?

Toxic foods are poisonous to rats and should be completely avoided.Avocado skin and pit.Chocolate.Citrus fruits (causes kidney damage)Mango (causes kidney damage)Green potato.Fluorinated and/or Chlorinated Water (use only filtered water, never tap water)Green bananas.Uncooked/dried beans (contains toxic hemaglutin)More items...

What is toxic to rats?

Ammonia. This is known as a cleaning agent, but it also acts as a poison to mice and rats. All you need to do is mix 2 – 2 and a half cups of ammonia, 100 – 200 mL of water and a 2-3 spoonful of detergent in a bowl.

What do rats like to play with?

Rats enjoy playing in cardboard boxes with holes cut in them, toilet paper tubes stuffed with shredded paper or hay, small pieces of apple branches cut from a pesticide-free tree in the yard, ping-pong balls and paper bags from the grocery store.

Do rats like bananas?

Offer your rat just a few slices of banana each week to allow them to get the benefits of the vitamins and minerals it offers without too much added sugar, which can lead to obesity. Bananas can be part of your rat's diet as a healthy and tasty treat that your rat will love.

How long can rats go without food?

It's very likely that most would survive for a week but no more than two weeks, without having anything to eat. Rats are like squirrels and like to store their food. So even if you cut their food source they would still have some reserve to last them for a while.

Can rats have cheese?

Rats will eat almost everything you give them, and, although they will eat cheese if it's given to them, they don't quite see it as a treat. In fact, cheese is seen as just another food by most rats. Although rats can eat cheese in small amounts, it's not always the healthiest food to give to your rodent buddy.

Can rats eat chicken nuggets?

If you offer a mix of grains, nuts and fruits they'll choose what they like. They also hoard food – so you'll be none the wiser. To beat this problem, feed them the all-in-one Burgess Excel Rat Nuggets, rather than muesli. Our nuggets contain all of the nutrients they need with every mouthful.

How often should I clean my rats cage?

Droppings, uneaten food and soiled areas of bedding should be removed from your pets' cage every day. Clean the cage completely twice a week by replacing dirty bedding and scrubbing down the rest of the cage with warm, soapy water. High-quality rat blocks should be available to your pet at all times.

How do you make homemade rat food?

Your rat will appreciate the variety!Dry food mix: 1 part plain Total cereal. 1 part Cheerios (or off brand) 1 part Rice Krispies (or off brand) 1 part Oats. ... Rat Salad: 3 parts Kale. 1 part Spinach. 1 part Parsley. ... Rat Yogurt Treat: 2 parts Plain Yogurt. 1 part Blueberries and/or Other Fruit.

Can you feed rats Rice?

Rice. Brown rice is especially good for your rat.

Can rats have mouse food?

Can Rat Eat Mice Food? Out of all animal feeds listed in this article, mouse food is most often advertised for rats. Both rats and mice are omnivorous, so their diets are quite similar. Some reputable brands like Mazuri offer a Rat & Mouse formula that is perfectly adequate for both rats and mice.

What is a good source of protein for rats?

Protein – Meats can be offered in small amounts but particular attention needs to be paid to food hygiene, other protein sources include insects, unsalted, raw nuts, flax seeds, beans, lentils, chickpeas, butter beans and kidney beans. Treats – nuts, seeds, fruits and low-fat dairy products.

What is the best food for a rat?

While you are shopping for food for your pet rat, look for a diet that has been made specifically for rats. 1  This will usually be a pellet or block-type (essentially a large pellet) diet since they have historically been considered the best rat diets (although there are some concerns with pellets). Loose seed mixes can be very well-balanced diets but only if your rat eats everything in the mix (and many don't). Alternatively, if you feed a block or pelleted food, a rat won't be able to pick and choose which parts they do and not want to eat. These rat blocks can be left available to your rat at all times.

What do rats eat?

Rats benefit from eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, and other fresh foods. 2 This is great news because it's fun to share things you are eating with your rat. Keep in mind though that serving sizes are pretty small (as in a teaspoon or half-inch cube) for a rat so avoid giving large amounts of fruits or vegetables in each meal or diarrhea may result. The following is a list of treats you may wish to try, keeping in mind that feeding a wide variety of foods is the best way to ensure optimum nutrition and health: 1 Fruit: apples, cherries, grapes, bananas, strawberries and other berries, melons, plums 2 Vegetables: broccoli, potatoes, peas, carrot, cooked sweet potato, kale, parsley, bok choy, squash 3 Cooked liver and other very lean cooked meats 4 Whole wheat pasta and bread 5 Cooked beans (including soy) 6 Yogurt (especially with live cultures) 7 Brown rice 8 Unsweetened breakfast cereals 9 Mealworms 10 Small dog biscuits 11 Special treats (given only occasionally): whole nuts in the shell (almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts), sunflower seeds (high in fat), carob chips 12 Leftovers from your meals are OK in moderation

Can rats eat loose seed mix?

Loose seed mixes can be very well-balanced diets but only if your rat eats everything in the mix (and many don't). Alternatively, if you feed a block or pelleted food, a rat won't be able to pick and choose which parts they do and not want to eat. These rat blocks can be left available to your rat at all times.

Can you leave a rat block?

These rat blocks can be left available to your rat at all times. Pellet diets are commonly recommended for pet rats, but a rat and mouse diet that meets the same general requirements (e.g. low calorie, low fat) is a good compromise if you cannot find a good rat-specific diet.

Can rats eat alfalfa?

The nutritional requirements in these foods are different, and they usually contain alfalfa which is not very digestible in rats.

Can you feed a pet rat?

Feeding pet rats is not difficult, but there are some important items to include when doing so. Specially-formulated rat diets should always make up the bulk of your pet rat's meals, but you should also offer different fresh foods. There are some homemade diets you can make that are recommended by rat experts as an alternative to prepackaged foods, ...

What to feed a rat?

Below are 30 great foods to use as treats, or to add variety to your rats’ diet. When feeding fruits, remember that they are higher in sugar, and so should be fed more sparingly. Also remember to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before giving them to your pet rats!

How do rats get their heart?

Like many living beings, one of the ways to a rat’s heart is through its stomach! Rats love treats, and when used in moderation, they can be a great way to boost your bond with your pet rats.

Do rats eat things?

Just because a rat WILL eat something doesn’t necessarily mean they should or that it’s safe for them . While rats do tend to be cautious eaters, they don’t understand certain choking hazards or certain foods’ long-term degrading effects. It’s our job as their owners to provide them with the best care possible and ensure they aren’t eating things that could potentially hurt them.

Can rats eat mini meals?

Besides the basic foods and ingredients rats can have as treats, it is also fun to make them their own “mini-meals” as treats sometimes! Below are some cute ideas to try out with your rats. As always, check all ingredients to be sure your rats can eat them:

What to feed rats to get rid of a rat?

Alphabet or soup pasta is good for this and works well for hand treats too. Cooked whole grain pasta and other cooked whole grains are great foods to give before your rats have any physically demanding, potentially stressful experience, such as, traveling or going to a show.

What fish can you feed a rat?

Small silver fish who feed on plankton so have no mercury accumulation issues. Sardines are 25% protein plus great amounts of omega 3 and 6, vitamin B12 and D, calcium, iron, and selenium. They are a very healthy protein source for rats and canned sardines are cheap to buy. May also be fed fresh (baked, steamed or grilled).

What are the nutrients in a rat's diet?

Yet they contain omega 3 and 6 fats plus loads of vitamin C and good amounts of B group vitamins (not B12), manganese, iron, and copper.

What nuts are good for rats?

Cashew nuts. The cashew is the king of nuts for mineral content, with good amounts of iron, copper, zinc, and selenium – some of the harder nutrients to find in a natural rat diet. 1g of cashew has 22 micrograms of copper, which is around a tenth of the daily requirement.

What vegetables are good for rats?

With good amounts of calcium and a great calcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P), kale is one of the best green leafy vegetables for your rats. It also contains good amounts of vitamin A, C and K, iron, and copper. Kale is a rat staple that can be fed freely, up to every day. (1 tbsp per rat)

What do rats eat?

Carbohydrate packed grains are the backbone of any healthy rat diet and for a large part of a rat’s adult life, these will mostly be unprocessed (or minimally processed) grains in their daily dry food.

How often should I feed my rat?

Feed – particularly to older rats – up to 4 times a week.

What do rats eat?

Rats are omnivores, meaning they are healthiest when they eat a combination of fruits, veggies, and meats. So, the best rat diet consists of mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, plus a small portion of rat pellets or rat cube food daily.

How to get rid of rats chewing on things?

Hide treats or pellets in paper cups or toilet paper tubes. Scatter treats around the cage instead of putting them in your rat's food bowl. Purchase an interactive toy that requires the rat to solve a simple puzzle to get their treat. Keep in mind rats also love to chew on things for the health of their teeth.

How do rats make their food experience more fun?

Rats are smart creatures and they need stimulation to remain happy. In their natural environment, they use their intelligence to scavenge for food. Trying a few of these tricks to make their food experience more fun can make them happier and more active: Hide treats or pellets in paper cups or toilet paper tubes.

What are the different types of domesticated rats?

Domesticated rats come in several varieties, including Dumbo Rats, Manx Rats, and Dwarf Rats. They also have different coat types and different tail styles. However, while there are many types of domesticated rat, they tend to all have one thing in common. That's what they like to eat and what's safe for them to eat.

Why are rats considered obese?

Rats that live in cages are particularly prone to getting overweight. Obesity in rats can lead to similar health problems as in other animals and humans.

Can rats chew on wood?

Keep in mind rats also love to chew on things for the health of their teeth. In addition to treats, make sure to provide them with cardboard, coconut shells, or even soft wood. Make sure to bake the wood on low heat for an hour and wash it before giving to your rat. Obesity in Rats.

Can rats be trained to do tricks?

Rats are smart and can be very food motivated so you may even be able to train your pet rat to do tricks or tasks by motivating them with a treat. Some of a rat's favorite treats include: These foods have lots of carbs and some have lots of sugar, so they should only be given to rats as a treat.

Can rats eat sunflower seeds?

If you are going to train your rat to do something, you might want to use pumpkin seeds. This type of food is nutritious, but you don’t want to give it to them on a daily basis.

Can rats eat frozen peas?

Frozen peas make for an excellent treat to give your rat. This food is perfect for multiple reasons, including its small size. Your rat should have no problems eating or digesting pe as.

Can you feed a rat eggs?

You can also feed your pet rat eggs, either hard boiled with the shell still on, or microwaved in liquid form. If you want to make this treat extra special for them, you can throw in pieces of frozen vegetables.

What to feed a rat?

Since rats gain weight easily—AND we want to feed them the healthiest foods possible—it’s important to choose pet rat treats that are: Low-Fat. Low-Calorie. Sugar Free. Low Salt. Organic. Whole Foods. It’s also important to not feed your rats too many treats. This can’t be emphasized enough.

What are some good treats for rats?

Whole Food Pet Rat Treats. Instead of Yogies, here are some organic, healthy, whole food treats your rats will love: Frozen Peas (thawed out) Grapes (absolutely must be organic as non-organic grapes are some of the most pesticide-laden produce)

Can rats chew walnuts?

In my opinion, walnut shells are too hard for pet rats to chew on. I heard my rats chewing on a whole walnut once and it sounded like they were going to break their teeth! There are so many possibilities when it comes to pet rat treats. Keep in mind, however, that food is not the same as love.

Can rats eat sunflower seeds?

Raw, unsalted sunflower seeds (give your rats a couple of them in the shell so it takes more time to eat them). On the other hand, if you’re unable to find them in the shell, snap unshelled sunflower seeds in half and feed them to your rats 1/2 at a time. (Also can work well as a training reward.)

Can rats eat almonds?

Small bits of walnut or cashew nuts. (Remember that almonds are not a good nut to feed rats. For more information on this, see Dangerous Foods for Pet Rats .) Just about any healthy, whole food can be used as a treat as long as you keep the quantity super small.

Can rats eat brown rice?

Cooked brown rice – When used as a reward for training you can feed just one grain at a time. Since a single grain is consumed quickly, your rat can continue training without too much of a break. Feeding one grain at a time also helps keep your rat wanting more (rather than becoming too full) while your training session is in progress.

Do rats need dairy products?

Notice that the first ingredient in all three of these is sugar! Besides all of the artificial ingredients, rats do not need dairy products.

What to do with a rat's favorite fruit?

Plums. Simply choose a few of these, pay special attention to your pet rat’s favorites, mix them together and serve them to your rodent friends! You can chop the fruit into smaller pieces like we usually do in fruit salads and remember to take any seed or pits out.

Why do rats like grain mixes?

Grain mixes are always amazing because they’re high in vitamins and minerals, necessary to grow healthy and strong. Remember that pet rats are very sensitive and their systems can become weak very fast. This is why it’s very important to give your pet rats special treats along with their usual meals once in a while.

Can you use grain mix for rats?

There’s a lot you can use for a grain mix for your pet rats and some of them you might even have at home already! Even if you don’t, it’s very easy to find at the supermarket. These mixes are not intended to replace your pet rats usual diet. It’s more of a supplement, that is very healthy and fun for them to eat.

Can rats eat pumpkin seeds?

Pumpkin seeds can be too fat for pet rats, but as long as they’re not getting it every day it is a good seed to give to them and they’ll love it! Dried Bananas: again, these are very tasty but tend to have too much sugar, so it should be given in moderation. Raisins: raisins are very good for pet rats.

Can you buy yogurt with citrus?

You can either buy natural or flavored yogurts. Be careful to not buy any yogurt with citrus fruits since these are bad for our rodent friends or flavors that have too much sugar or fat. For example yogurts with cookies, chocolate and others tend to have too much sugar added so it’s best to avoid them.

Can you make cake for a pet rat?

From grain mixes to baked goodies and even birthday cakes for your pet rats! Yes, you’ve heard that right! It’s really very easy to make these pet rat recipes and I assure you they will love it, so keep on reading!

Can rats eat raisins?

Raisins: raisins are very good for pet rats. The only problem you might have with them is that raisins can be a bit sticky sometimes. This means that they can get stuck on your pet rat’s teeth for example or it’s possible for them to choke with it.

What to feed a rat?

Here are some of the treats that you can give your pet rat: 1 Vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, kale, broccoli, peas, bok choy, and more 2 Fruits—cherries, strawberries, apples, grapes, bananas, grapes, especially the purple ones as they are thought to help prevent cancer in rats. 3 Very lean meats and cooked liver 4 Cooked beans, which include soy 5 Brown rice 6 Whole wheat bread and pasta that is cooked or dry. They like the tri-colored spirals with tomato or spinach flavor. 7 Yogurt, especially if it has live cultures 8 Breakfast cereals that are unsweetened like puffed rice or Cheerios.

What happens if you feed a rat a new food?

If you are feeding your pet rat a new food, they will generally take a small bite and then walk away. When they do this, they are testing the food. They do not have a gag reflex so if they eat too much of this new food, they could become sick or even kill them.

Can rats eat vegetables?

A rat will benefit from eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other fresh foods. You can even share with your rat the different things you are eating. You just have to remember that the serving sizes need to be small; about a half-inch cube or a teaspoon full. They could get diarrhea if they are given a large amount of vegetables or fruits in each meal.

What is the best food for a rat?

Thoroughly cooked meats such as liver, beef, chicken, turkey, and ham are excellent sources of protein. Chicken and liver are the healthiest options for your rat. Small amounts of turkey, ham, and beef are fine too.

What do rats like to eat?

Rats love juicy fruits like melons. Give them a small slice a few times a week to reward them for good behavior, or simply to show them you care. Some of a rat’s favorite melons include honeydew, cantaloupe, and seedless watermelon.

How to keep a rat happy?

The best way to keep your pet rat happy and healthy is to provide him with the healthy diet he needs to thrive. Pet rats do best with commercial rat foods specifically designed for them. That means foods made for guinea pigs and rabbits simply won’t do.

What do rats need to survive?

Whether they are in the wild or in an enclosure, all rats need a balanced diet of vitamins and minerals, proteins, and healthy carbohydrates.

Can rats eat popsicles?

Rats too enjoy these icy delights, especially when it’s warm outside. Remember, popsicles are typically a high source of sugar and artificial flavoring, so give only give bits of popsicle to your rat in small doses. You can also seek out the lower fat, sugar-free variety.

Can rats eat cottage cheese?

Everyone knows that rats love cheese! This includes cottage cheese. However, we suggest cheese in smaller quantities and on only on occasion. The healthiest options for your rat are cheeses that are soy-based. Avoid blue cheese, as the mold can be toxic to your rat.

Can rats eat human food?

While we recommend implementing a high-quality commercial rat food into your rat’s daily diet, there are also some human foods your pet rat will not only enjoy but can help to add a healthy variation to their everyday meals! Many human foods are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and protein.