Can Rats Taste Spice?
WouterRats can tolerate a small amount of spice, but you have to be careful with the amount you give them. Some spices can be toxic for rats. If you think your rat is consuming too much spice, see a veterinarian immediately. Spicy food may cause digestive upset and health problems. If you’re unsure, consider dipping fruit and vegetables into a mildly spicy sauce for your rats.
While rats are not traditionally eaten in many parts of the world, some communities have a long tradition of eating them. For example, in Africa, the African giant rat is a favorite among all ethnic groups in Nigeria. This meat can be roasted, dried, and boiled. This is a popular delicacy for locals and has become more expensive than chicken and fish.
A recent study showed that rats are able to taste spice. The study used five wild tree shrews and six mice, as well as a capsaicinoid-rich Chinese plant. The animals were humanely euthanised and decapitated, and their brains were examined through microscopes. The researchers reported their findings in the PLOS Biology journal. Interestingly, only one amino acid allowed tree shrews to eat spicy food without pain. Researchers believe this mutation is responsible for the animal’s ability to taste chili peppers.
Peppers are another vegetable that rats can eat. However, it’s important to remember that peppers are a part of the nightshade family, which contain a number of toxins. If you’re unsure about whether or not peppers are safe for rats, you should consult a veterinarian.
