food

None of the pet shops I have been to stock an ideal rat food mixture. I make my own basic dry mix from the following:

BASIC DRY MIX
Hagen Nutri-Blocks for small rhodents (available at Jansens and other pet shops)
Plain parrot mix (containing millet, oats and sunflower seeds only)
Pumpkin seeds
Dried banana chips (and other dried fruit)
Raw peanuts (just a few of these as they are very fatty)
Shredded coconut (all from the supermarket bulk bins)
Dry pasta spirals (use them uncooked)
Cornflakes
Rice bubbles
Dog biscuits (get a good quality brand with low protien - about 15% or less if possible)
Rolled oats
Barley
Brown or multigrain rice (use uncooked)
Anything else that looks tasty and healthy

TREATS
For treats I give dried fruit (apple, mango, pear etc), youghurt covered muesli bars (cut into little bite-sized morsels), little bits of plain biscuit, etc. Please do not give your rats chocolate, caffeine, alcohol or fizzy drinks, at any time; fatty or high protien foods only occasionally. A tiny little bit of cheese on the odd occasion won't hurt, but be sparing!!!

FRUIT AND VEGGIES
Your rats should get a daily dose of fresh food, such as fruit and vegetables. Steer clear of large amounts of leafy green veggies, which can cause stomach upsets. If introducing your rats to fresh food for the first time, do it gradually, then build up to a full daily serving. This will avoid any gastric disturbances!!

For a good fresh rat diet, try The Dapper Rat's recipie.

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