A Pregnant Rat's Diet

Supplement a pregnant rat's diet with protein-rich treats.

Many pet owners aren't sure what to feed a pregnant rat. Since pregnancy puts significant demands on a female rat's body, she'll need a high-quality diet. Poor nutrition could put both the mother and the babies at risk for serious health problems later in life. A balanced basic diet, supplemented with fat and protein treats, can do a lot to help a pregnant rat have healthy babies.

Base Diet

The correct diet for a pregnant female rat, or doe, is very similar to the diet for a normal rat. Lab blocks and pellets, such as those produced by Harlan and Mazuri, are a good choice. They contain the correct nutrition for rats, and unlike with mixed foods, the rat can't pick and choose her favorites. Owners who prefer a homemade diet may use vet approved diets such as Suebee's Mix. Avoid commercial rat and small animal seed mixes, which are often too high in fat and poorly balanced.

Supplementation

Pregnant rats have an increased need for protein and fat after about the 14th day of pregnancy. Some breeders also choose to supplement throughout the pregnancy to prevent deficiencies. High protein snacks such as boiled egg, canned fish and shellfish, cooked chicken, yogurt or cooked tofu can help the doe stay in good condition. The extra protein also helps the babies develop correctly. According to the National Institutes of Health, pregnant rats that don't get enough protein may have babies with low body weight, high levels of abdominal fat, and elevated blood glucose.

Calcium

Pregnant does also need more calcium, especially as they come closer to birth and nursing. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale can provide some of this calcium, as can yogurt and other milk products. Infant formula may also be used as a supplement. Owners should avoid offering too much dairy, though. Excess milk, cheese, or yogurt may cause digestive trouble.

Misconceptions

It's easy to make the mistake of feeding a pregnant doe too much. There's a good chance that she'll accept whatever food she's offered, especially if it's high in fat or protein. However, overfeeding can result in obesity and related health problems. Owners should offer the same quantity of base diet that they'd provide for a doe before pregnancy, then supplement lightly.

Sugar

Too many sweets and refined carbohydrates could cause problems in birth. Hyperglycaemia in early pregnancy--a condition where the blood sugar is too high--can cause the babies to grow bigger than they should. Overly large babies may complicate the birthing process, and can require a vet visit for emergency surgery.

References

• PetLvr: Feeding a Pregnant Rat
• Rat Sauce: Information on breeding rats
• National Institutes of Health: Brief hyperglycaemia in the early pregnant rat increases fetal weight at term by stimulating placental growth and affecting placental nutrient transport
• National Institutes of Health: Exposure of the pregnant rat to low protein diet...

Resources

• Rats Rule: Suebee's rat diet