Forbidden Foods
The following should never be given to rats:
Never give:
Blue Cheese Licorice Raw dry beans or peanuts Raw sweet potato Raw red cabbage and brussel sprouts Raw artichokes Green bananas Green potato skin and eyes Wild insects Rhubarb Raw bulk tofu Orange juice Raw onion |
Why not?
contains toxic mold contains a suspected neurotoxin contain antinutrients, cause red blood cell clumping (note: the peanuts that you buy in stores are almost always roasted so are okay.... frozen beans from veggie mixes are okay because they've been pre-cooked) contains cyanide-forming compounds contain an antinutrient that destroys thiamin inhibit protein digestion inhibit starch digestion contain solanine (toxin) could carry parasites high levels of oxalates which bind up calcium can contain bacteria (packaged tofu is safe) contains d-limonene which can cause kidney cancer in male rats can lead to anemia and an upset stomach |
Foods that should be fed with caution:
If you want to let your rat try
these, be careful:
Carbonated Drinks Chocolate Peanut Butter Avocados Dried Corn |
Why?
Rats can't burp! [and why do it anyway?] It contains stimulants that can lead to heart failure or neurological poisoning in high quantities. A bit of chocolate is okay and can actually temporarily alleviate respiratory distress This can cause choking in rats. If you want to give your rats some, mix it with some water to make it less sticky. These are high in fat and are a good treat to feed rats that are in need of "beefing up" (make sure the fruit is ripe). However, the pit, rind, skin and leaves of avocados are toxic. The part of the fruit in contact with the pit has a higher concentration of toxins. It can have high levels of fungal contaminates which can lead to liver cancer. A little fresh corn is fine, though it has no nutritional value at all. |
Adapted from: Rat Health Care, 7th ed. by Debbie Ducommun. 2001.
Fancy Pet Rats Philadelphia, PA suburbs