Diet + Feeding

If you want your rat to live a long, healthy life, a nutritious diet is of the utmost importance.  Sadly, most of the foods available in pet stores and sold specifically for rats are not very healthy or appropriate for rats at all!  Cheap and convenient as it might be to pick up a seed mix from the local discount store, taking the extra initiative to seek out the best diet for your rats will be worth it in the long run!  Healthy diets keep rats fit and prevent obesity, lessen the chance of certain cancers, and help to increase your rats lifespan.

Rats are omnivores with a fast metabolism and taste for variety.  Rats should always have fresh food available to them, which can be accomplished by feeding several small meals a day, or keeping food in a "hopper" that allows the animal to extract food as it is needed, while keeping the remaining food fresh and clean.  Avoid feeding large quantities at once as your rats will likely "stash" the food they can't finish.  It is very common for rat owners to discover these stores of uneaten food when cage cleaning day comes.  This can be unhealthy for your rats because stashed food can become spoiled, stale or molded.  Try and feed your rats just enough that they will finish their food just in time for the next meal, and check "stash spots" before filling up the bowl.  Wash out your rats food dish with a mild soap or dish detergent at least once a week.

Fresh water is another very important component of your rats health.  Rats must have water available at all times in a properly functioning water bottle.  Once daily, rinse and refill the bottle, weekly, wash out the bottle with mild soap and rinse it very well before refilling it with cold water.  Always be sure the gravity function is working and that rats can easily get water when they need it.  I don't suggest the use of water bowls, as rats routinely tip and spill them, creating a messy and unhealthy environment for the rats.  If your tap water is safe for you to drink, it is likely also safe for your rats.  Otherwise, use bottled spring water for your rats to drink.  Do not use purified, distilled, or R.O. water as a routine water source.

"Variety is the spice of life."  This idiom may well have been written for rats.  Most rat owners will agree that food is one of a rat's top pleasures in life.  Rats may be able to get all the proper nutrition from eating a high quality lab block, but they will not get the mental stimulation and enjoyment that comes from eating a varied diet.  Rats need to eat a balanced diet from the different food groups just like humans do.  They also enjoy occasional treats in the form of home cooked human meals, commercial rat, dog or cat treats and dandelion flowers and greens gathered from a safe location (be sure to avoid areas treated with pesticides and always freeze greens for 4 hours prior to feeding.)  I use organic foods as much as possible, especially when it come to the fruits and vegetables.  A diverse diet seems to help  keep my rats both healthy and satisfied, and they never seem to get bored of mealtimes!

Healthy and Complete Staple Rat Diets

Here are 3 brands of high quality lab blocks that are known to be healthy, safe, and wholesome for your ratties: Harlan Teklad/Native Earth, Oxbox Regal Rat, and Mazuri Rat and Mouse Diet.  There are other healthy foods out there, but these are 3 I have personal experience using.  Click on the food names to see company provided nutritional information.  

Oxbow Regal Rat - Not suitable for young rats due to the low level of protein (14%.)  May be good for adult rats who are overweight.

Mazuri Rat and Mouse Diet - With a high level of protein (23%) this block is good only for young rats (<8 months.)

Harlan Teklad 2018/Native Earth - This is the staple diet of all FHR rats.  Harlan makes many different formulas of rat food, so it is easy to find exactly what you need for your rat.  The #2018 diet is the most multi purpose diet, with a protein level of 18%, and can be fed to rats of all ages.  Native Earth is another name for the #2018 Harlan lab block, and is available in a consumer friendly size bag.  Harlan is rarely available in stores (though some pet stores do carry it in the loose/bulk food section.)  I order my Native Earth blocks from petfooddirect.com.  Smaller sizes of Harlan are available through theratshop.com, forotherlivingthings.com, and thecraftyrat.com.  Also, try contacting your local rat rescue about purchasing your rat food.  Many carry Harlan and when you buy it from them you also support their rescue effort!

Foods that are Dangerous for Rats

Rats have dietary needs and desires that are quite similar to humans.  As a general rule, if foods are healthy and safe for you to eat, then they are also good for your rats.  There are, however, a few foods which should always be avoided in the rat diet.  

Links to More Information on Rat Diet

"Rat Health Food" - Comprehensive information as well as a recipe for a healthy homemade rat diet.

"Pet Rat Nutrition and Diet Guide" - Well written article on nutrition by Pheonix Gate Rattery.

"Suebee's Rat Diet" - The Suebee's Homemade Rat Diet

A Picture of the Dry Mix I Make for My Rats