In Tasmania, our pet stores are quite limited when it comes to selection for rats. Below I will talk about what I feed my rats and where to get the food.
First of all, what are we looking for in rat food?
A base food made up of a mix of grains and meat, at least 17% protein, with a good amount of fibre, vitamins and minerals, that can be made available to the rats at all time.
Hard foods that can help wear down the rats growing teeth
Fresh produce as treats
Rats are omnivores and can eat a lot of different things, but its always good to look up if you can feed your rat something before doing so.
Laucke Mills Rat and Mouse Food - available from Animal Tucker-box
This is the main food block that I use in my rats diet.
It is a full diet that a rat can live alone on if needed. It has 20% protein, which is good.
The large blocks promote chewing and wearing down the teeth.
You get this 20kg bag for like, $40 or something.
They don't always have it in stock though, they may have to order it in for you.
For 2 rats, this amount could last 6 months.
Designed by vets. Rats love this stuff.
If you only feed them this they will go through it pretty quick, and at $18 a bag that could get pretty expensive, plus its quite fattening.
I usually sprinkle some on top of their bowl of blocks, as like a garnish/treat.
However, if money is no issue for you, this is also a complete diet.
This is more of a treat really, wouldn't recommend as a complete diet. Not enough protein.
Rats just love the seeds, this stuff will disappear quickly with them too.
$9 for only a single kg, once again I use as a garnish/treat on top of their main food.
Fattening as well, especially the sunflower seeds.
Veggies and Fruits
Here are some examples of the fresh produce I feed my ratties as a treat
Fattening Foods
Need to put some weight on a young, sick or pregnant rat? Try fresh avocado and eggs.
Treats
These dental chews are great, rats love them and it takes them a while to get through them.
Rats love hanging treats like this, even if they are just birdseed ones from the supermarket.
Comentários