What Do You Give Your Rats As Treats?
WouterWhen it comes to feeding your rat, you’ll need to make sure that you choose nutritious foods that are safe for your rat. Aside from the common grains and other treats you find at the store, a variety of vegetables and fruits are also appropriate. However, you’ll need to make sure that you clear the bowl before you top it with these items. Likewise, be sure to avoid giving your rat treats that are high in sugar, as this can cause dental disease and digestive upset. Instead, try introducing different kinds of treats to your rat slowly, in small amounts, and in locations that are common to your rat’s feeding routine. You can also make sure that the new foods you offer your rat are blended in with their regular food.
You should try to limit the number of treats your rat receives to a few small pieces per day. In addition, try to stick to treats that are lower in calories. Sadly, most commercial treats for rats contain a lot of sugar, preservatives, and food coloring. Furthermore, most of the treats sold in pet stores are not organic. For example, they can contain palm kernel and palm oil, which are not good for your rat’s digestive system. A better option is dried yogurt, which contains cultured whey protein, milk, soy lecithin, and artificial fruit flavor.
Apart from the above-mentioned foods, you can also provide your rat with toys. These can be store-bought or homemade. If you’re not comfortable with making your own, you can also make use of discarded toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes. Loose hay is also an excellent enrichment option. Not only does it encourage foraging, but it also provides nutritional enrichment.
