https://www.chewy.com/education/small-pet/rat-and-mouse/what-do-rats-eat
*Smart, social, and surprisingly affectionate - rats and mice make wonderful pets. The Pet Rat & Mouse Education Hub explores habitat ideas, feeding, enrichment, and bonding tips to help you create the best home for your tiny companions.
Rats are omnivores and will eat almost anything, but that does not mean they should. In the wild, their diet includes seeds, grains, plants, insects, and other small animals.
Pet rats do not need to scavenge, but they do need a varied, nutrient-rich diet to stay healthy.
While rats may prefer high fat, sugary snacks, these can lead to obesity and heart disease. Like humans, rats often overindulge in junk food if given the chance.
To keep them healthy, it is important to limit treats and ensure they get the right portions of nutritious food.
A balanced rat diet should be based on rodent specific pellets or blocks, which provide the essential nutrients without the risk of selective eating common with seed mixes.
Occasional fruits, vegetables, and treats can be added for variety, but most of their calories should come from these formulated foods.
Rodent blocks are also helpful for portion control since they are measured by calorie content. This makes it easier to track intake and prevent overfeeding. Additionally, rats have high metabolisms and need constant access to fresh water.
Chewy editorial team recommends a healthy pet rat diet centered on rat specific pellets, supplemented with limited treats and constant access to fresh water, to support a long, active life.
