Every day
Your rat diet should consist of 80% and 20% lab blocks fruits and vegetables.
I personally like with Harlan Teklad 2014 lab blocks, because they are not that much more expensive than the common brand, but a little higher in quality. This is only available online or through the purchase of rescues rat. Petfooddirect also offers Harlad Teklad under the brand name "Native Earth", and they also have an auto-ship program, so that you can get through it regularly at your front door.
Your rat diet should consist of 80% and 20% lab blocks fruits and vegetables.
I personally like with Harlan Teklad 2014 lab blocks, because they are not that much more expensive than the common brand, but a little higher in quality. This is only available online or through the purchase of rescues rat. Petfooddirect also offers Harlad Teklad under the brand name "Native Earth", and they also have an auto-ship program, so that you can get through it regularly at your front door.
You can also supplement your diet with a grain mix. It is a popular blend called "Sue Bee" mix but there is not much nutritional value in this mixture. Puffed cereal contains very little nutritional value for rats. Dog food should not be fed in the amounts listed on the Suez Bees. Here is a basic recipe that you feed your rats:
5 cups of oats (any variety, flaked, rolled, whole grain bread, etc.) 2.5 cups of seven-grain 2 cups crumbled post op Shreddies (no added sugar or icing)
1/2 cup bran flakes
1/2 cup barley
1/2 tablespoon of flaxseed
2 tbsp sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
3 tablespoons cheerios
1 cup wheat
1 cup rye
4 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup dried banana
1 cup other dried fruit
1/2 cup roasted soybeans
2 tablespoons soy beans
1.5 cups dried vegetables
1/2 cup dried tomatoes or vegetarian pasta
Economical
I like to separate treats for when I train my rat to use certain tricks. I used to break Milk-Bone (yes, for dogs) and give them bits and pieces of it. However, I found that they gained a lot of weight. Here are some things you can try healthier:
Unsweetened cheerios
Shredded carrots
Milk Bone
Sweet potato
Romaine lettuce
Strawberries
Water
Water should be made all the time available. You can use a bowl (which frequently changing). The primary problem with shells is that a) your rat can, b) fall bedding, poop, food and all kinds can end it and c) it may shed a huge mess.
There are also plastic bottles of water available to secure the cage, but as some rats to chew through it. I personally prefer buying the glass ones. It is stable and does not move around as easily.
The 8 ounces of water bottles is likely to work for a rat, but you'd be better off just getting the bigger one. I have a 32oz bottle of water as it is hot where I live and rats drink more during the warmer days....
