Feeding Rats

[zebette]

I just wondered is there anything that I should NOT feed my rats ever as it is dangerous to them and also, what types of things can I feed them other than the commercial rat/mouse type mixes? Are bird seed mixes okay?
They are currently still on the same diet that they had when we bought them instore..a parrot mix with some rat/mouse pellets mixed in. I have also been letting them have stuff like small bits of bread,carrot, watermelon, some cooked pasta (plain) etc

[Kim]

Basically rats can eat anything you do..

Mixes that have a lot of Bird seed in isnt that great for rats.

Be a little careful with bread as it can become sticky and a rat can chock on it.. you can put olive oil on bread (its good for rats coats) or you can use milk, or you can toast the bread.

I never give my rats anything with pepper, nutmeg or citrus in.

You can check out this link it has a little info about food.. cupids-heart.webs.com/info.htm

This is some info taken from our Food section in the main area of the forum, in refards to what you should avoid giving to your rats..

Chocolate – human chocolate contains stimulants that can cause heart failure or neurological poisoning.

Licorice – neurological poisoning

Raw Beans – anti-nutrients that destroy vitamin A and enzymes rats need to digest proteins and starches. Also may cause red blood cells to clump.

Raw Sweet Potato – compounds form cyanide in the stomach.

Bleu Cheese – the mold is toxic to rats.

Raw Red Cabbage – anti nutrient that destroys thiamine.

Raw Brussel Sprouts – anti nutrient that destroys thiamine.

Raw Artichokes – inhibits protein digestion

Oranges and Orange juice – can cause kidney cancer in males only. - personally I wouldn't give males any type of citrus fruit -

Green Bananas – makes it difficult to digest starches.

Green Potato skin and eyes – contains a toxin called solanine.

Rhubarb – contains high levels of oxalate's.

Pepper – can cause kidney cancer in males only.

Nutmeg – can cause kidney cancer in males only.

Dairy Products – can cause stomach cramps and pains as rats tend to be lactose intolerant and can not digest dairy products very well, a little is ok.

Soft Drinks and Alcohol - fizzy drinks can cause bad tummy cramps in rats and alcohol can damage the stomach, kidney, liver and brain of rats.

Almonds – although rats can eat a small amount of almonds its probably better not to give them any as they have oxalates, which bind up calcium.

[zebette]

Thanks for that info, it's exactly what I needed (sorry I had to ask here when it's already in the Main forum but I don't have access quite yet!)

Daughter has asked about giving certain things a few times, cheese and chocoalte for example and i have held off so far as I wondered if it would be alright.
Thanks for the list I will print it out for her.

[chocrats]

I have given my rats small amounts of cheese on some crackers, but I don't give them cheese all the time.. they do love it though!
My rats really like strawberries, watermelon and grapes..