Rat nutrition

Who can eat more food than your family at Thanksgiving? That's right, your rat! In the wild, rats consume:

• Nuts
• Seeds
• Vegetables
• Insects
• Eggs
• Even reptiles, fish, small birds and mammals

Their domestic cousins are serious chowhounds, and take great delight in what's for dinner. As a responsible caretaker, it's your job to meet your pet's nutritional requirements while resisting the urge to overdo it with the treats.

Proper rat nutrition starts with rat food and ends with fresh fruits and vegetables

Commercial rat blocks (also called lab blocks) should make up about 80% of your pet's diet. Nutritionally complete, they are available at pet supply stores and feed stores; try to find a formula with soymeal as its first ingredient. Your pet should be able feed freely on this food, so be sure it's available at all times. A sturdy ceramic food dish will work well, but many rat caretakers sing the praises of specially designed wire dispensers that attach to the side of the cage. These dispensers allow the rat to eat as she pleases, cut down on waste and minimize the chances of the food becoming contaminated by feces.

Offer your pet some fresh fruits and vegetables every day. You may have to experiment a little to find your rat's favorites, but the following are good foods to start with:

• Carrots
• Shelled peas
• Broccoli
• Grapes
• Strawberries
• Bananas

Take note that if you want to give your pet sweet potatoes, cabbage or Brussels sprouts, you must cook these foods first. Whatever you select, be sure to wash everything well. And remember, the idea is moderation! Too many fruits and vegetables can cause your pet to have diarrhea.

People food is okay in small quantities

Rats also love people food, and on occasion it's fun for them to have a nibble of what you're eating. Good choices include a spaghetti noodle with sauce, pizza crust, small bits of cooked chicken and wheat bread. If it's not healthy for you, it's probably not good for your pet. Avoid junk food and anything high in fat, salt or sugar. Topping the absolute no-no list are:

• Alcohol
• Caffeinated beverages
• Candy
• Cookies
• Chips
• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Sticky foods, such as taffy and peanut butter, that could cause your pet to choke

Don't forget that fresh, cold water should be available at all times. Did you know that the average rat can drink about two ounces of water per day? Get your pet set with a water bottle that attaches to the cage, and rinse and refill it every day. Regularly check that the sipper tube isn't clogged – and that your pet can easily reach the bottle.