Have you decided to adopt a new pet and are considering about a rat? They are easy to take care of and do not require your full attention 24 hours. Moreover, they are rather small and can be easily kept in cages, without having to wander for them around the house.
In addition, they do not require taking out, which means less stress and more sleep in the morning for you. Rats can be docile and loveable pets should you take care of them accordingly. They are also extremely smart and can be taught a variety of small tricks.
And, since they are omnivorous animals, they can pretty much eat everything without a fuss. Sure, there are pre-sold mixes for rats at any local pet shop, but taking care of your pet means also looking after its diet. Here a list of things you can and you should not feed your rat:
What can I feed my rat with?
Fresh fruits are most preferred. Your rat can eat a variety of fruits, including bananas, papaya, plums, grapes, berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries), apples, pears, kiwi, apricots, melon, mango, etc. they are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants so don’t forget indulging your rat to these treats at least 3 times a week! Seedless grapes make for one of the healthiest snacks and reduce the prevalence of cancer in rats.
Your rat can also eat bread but in moderation.
Can rats eat strawberries?
In fact, strawberries represent one of the best foods you can supply your rat with! Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, they are extremely delicious and your rat will appreciate you forever. You can feed it strawberries as often as you want.
What are the benefits of strawberries?
- Low in calories, rich in fibers – The first thing you want to know about feeding strawberries to your rat is that these fruits are extremely beneficial. They are rich in fibers and help keeping your rat healthy. Fibers protect and smoothen the urinary tract, and the digestive system. The fact that they are low in calories represent a plus, meaning no matter how many strawberries your rat eats, he will never become overweight or obese.
- Eye care – Rats are usually sensitive to daylight and deal better in obscure, dark places. Thus, improving their night vision and the entire seeing system is a plus. Due to their high intakes of natural antioxidants, strawberries help protect the eye and prevent some infections like dry eyes, macular degeneration, and even cataract.
- Prevent cancer – Similar to humans, rats can develop cancer. Unfortunately, one of the only ways through which you can prevent your pet rat develop cancer is by offering a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, folate, quercetin and kaempferol, all nutritious elements with anticarcinogenic properties.
How often should I feed my pet rat strawberries?
Although extremely beneficial, strawberries still contain high amounts of sugar, which should be avoided for pet rats. Excessive sugar can produce health problems, including heart diseases and increase the risk of cancer, not to mention offering excessive energy and even some brain problems. Thus, if your rat pet likes the taste of strawberries, make sure you feed him small portions, two – three times a week. An intake of 2 strawberries per snack should suffice and will also serve as delicious deserts for your rat.
Begin with feeding your rat a small strawberry to see how he reacts and monitor his behavior for the rest of the day. This way you will make sure you will never feed your rat too many strawberries. If your pet likes them, you can start feeding him a few times a week.
