Diet
What you choose to feed your rats will influence their life and overall well being. I'm a firm believer in holistic health, and I try to be mindful of every aspects of my rats health - mentally, physically, and emotionally. Diet plays a huge part in all of this! Please do as much research as possible before adopting. Here's a few tips and personal recommendations from my very own program!
Main Diet
Your rats main diet, which should be about 80% of what they eat, should be a high quality block feed. Pay attention to the ingredients and be sure to choose a protein level of 14-16% and 4-6% fat. If it's any less, they may be malnurished, and any more could cause health issues, obesity, and protein itch with males.
What we feed at our rattery:
Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food
I've been using this food for 4 years. I'm very happy with it, my mischief likes it, and I never have any known issues.
Below are the list of ingredients and guaranteed analysis in this formula:
Whole Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Wheat Bran, Wheat, Soybean Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavor, Soybean Hulls, Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Flax Seed Meal, Monocalcium Phosphate, DL-Methionine, Canola Oil, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Wheat Germ Meal, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salt, Inulin, Magnesium Oxide, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Choline Chloride, Sodium Bentonite, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, L-Ascorbyl-2-Monophosphate (Vitamin C), Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Biotin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate, Rosemary Extract
Crude Protein (min) 15.00% Crude Fat (min) 4.00% Crude Fiber (min) 2.00% Crude Fiber (max) 5.00% Moisture (max) 10.00% Calcium (min) 1.00% Calcium(max) 1.50% Phosphorous (min) 0.80% Vitamin A (minn) 8,000 IU/kg Vitamin D3 (min) 1,000 IU/kg Vitamin E (min) 125 IU/kg
THE EXTRAS!
Most of our rats diet is the base pellet mentioned above. But their diet consists of various other foods that can help boost overall health. I especially focus on feeding these extras to nursing mothers and growing babies (they can benefit from a little extra protein, calcium, some fat, Cooper, and other nutrients) I am not a diet specialist but this list is based off of my own research and recommendations from my favorite fellow breeders.
Recommended Favorites in my homemade mix:
Egg Noodles
Wacky Mac (Vegetable Noodles: Zucchini, Tomato, and spinach is my favorite. Try avoiding Beets)
Barilla Protein Elbow Noodles (Pea protein, Chickpea Protein, Barley Flour, Spelt Flour, Wheat durum)
Orzo Pasta
Long Grain Brown Rice
Rolled Oats
Millet
White Quinoa
Split Green Peas or Green Pea Flakes
Sunflower Seeds
Barley (Flaked is best)
Flaxseed
Sliced Almonds
Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
Oat Cereal (LOW SUGAR!)
Crispy Rice Cereal (LOW SUGAR!)
Dehydrated Seaweed Meal (calcium supplement)
Dried Mealwomorms
"Crave" Salmon Dog food
Herbs:
Cinnamon - Helps blood circulation and libido, inhibits growth of bacteria and fungi, helps brain function.
Peppermint - Vitamin A and C! Aids and digestion
Dandelion - Vitamins A, C, K, D, and B
Dill - Inhibit growth of bacteria
Plantain - Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, helps with digestion and respiratory system
Hibiscus - antioxidant
Calendula - antioxidant, aids in digestion
Rosemary
Nutmeg
Oregano - Inhibit growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi
Parsley - Great source of Vitamin C, iron, manganese, calcium, and potassium, along with supporting many other factors!
Thyme
Turmeric - known to help reduce chances of cancer, immunity booster, and anti inflammatory
Cardamon - Oral and respiratory health, immunity booster
Garlic Powder - Anti parasitic and detoxifying! Can also help support immune systems.
Basil - Anti Inflammatory, anti fungal, contains Vitamin C and K, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium