What Rats Can Eat
WouterIf you’re considering keeping a rat as a pet, you might be wondering what rats can eat. There are several different types of foods that rats can eat. Most of them are relatively safe for rats, although there are some things that you should never feed your pet. Raw potatoes contain a toxic compound called solanine. Broad beans and kidney beans are also toxic. However, green beans and carrots are safe for rats. They contain little or no lectin.
A good rule of thumb is to feed rats healthy and low-fat foods. Chicken is the healthiest meat for rats, but beef and fish are OK if the fat content is kept to a minimum. Likewise, make sure to keep the seasoning to a minimum and buy unseasoned meat. Similarly, nuts and seeds are fine, but make sure they are unsalted and unbuttered. Another healthy food for rats is chicken bones. Rats enjoy chewing on them, and they can make a great chew toy for them.
In addition to pellets, rats can also eat a variety of vegetables. Some vegetables are particularly nutritious for rats, and you can supplement pelleted foods with them. Some of the best vegetables for rats are asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, peas, squash, and zucchini. Leafy green vegetables are good for rats as they are rich in calcium and phosphorus. However, be careful when cooking, as certain vegetables may create gas in rats.
