Unsure of what to feed pet rats, many people resort to generic ‘rodent mixes’ that can be bought in bulk from pet stores. However, these mixes of grains and seeds barely meet the nutritional requirements that rats need. They may also cause health problems that range from malnutrition to obesity.
While commercially prepared feeds that are fortified with vitamins and nutrients are preferable, nothing beats feeding your pet rat a healthy diet of homemade rat food.
Do not be put off by the term ‘homemade.’ Preparing your pet rat’s food from scratch barely takes any time and can provide your pet with the full range of nutrition required.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and cooked meats will also provide your pet rat with a range of tastes and textures in his food that he is sure to enjoy. Rats who are fed a balanced diet live longer and stay slim and healthy.
When planning a homemade pet rat food diet make sure you stay away from the following foods:
• Raw beans or peanuts
• Raw sweet or green potatoes
• Green bananas
• Wild insects
• Orange juice
• Carbonated sodas and soft drinks
• Caffeinated drinks
• Alcohol
• Dried corn
• Spoiled or moldy foods
• Tap water that is fluorinated or contains chlorine
• Chocolate
You should also limit his consumption of foods such as beets, cucumber, spinach, lettuce and radish. These are all high in nitrates and studies show that over consumption can lead to cancer in rats.
On the other hand, the following foods provide excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, whilst possessing anti-viral and anti-biotic properties:
• Prunes
• Parsley
• Bananas
• Plums
• Garlic
• Berries
• Onions
• Dates
• Ginger
• Clove
The ideal serving size for a pet rat weighing a pound is approximately a teaspoon at a time. Check with your vet before increasing the amount or changing his diet.
Apart from his daily meals, you could also make some homemade rat food treats to indulge him/her with. These little treats can also improve the bond between you and your pet. Keep an eye on how much you offer though, as treats such as whole nuts and seeds are high in fat and can lead to obesity and health issues if over eaten.
There are a number of websites or blogs dedicated to looking after and feeding pet rats. You could check these out for homemade pet rat food recipes. Here are some meal ideas that you could try out yourself:
Homemade Rat Food Menu
Mon - Berries, Kale, Sprouts, Beans
Tues - Banana, Broccoli, Tomato, Sweet Potato
Wed - Grape/Raisin, Bok Choy, Parsley, Beans
Thurs - Melon, Broccoli, Corn, Liver/Oysters
Fri - Prune/Plum, Kale, Squash, Beans
Sat - Banana, Broccoli, Peas, Sweet Potato
Sun - Apple, Bok Choy, Carrot, Liver
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