Fancy Rat Diets
Fancy rats are called "fancy" because they're part of the "rat fancy" or the world of pet rats. Despite their wider range of shapes, sizes, coat colors and hair types, these rats are genetically similar to lab or wild rats, and can still interbreed with them. They also have similar nutritional requirements. Not all food marketed for rats meets these requirements, however. Check your rat's food carefully, or make a homemade mix that offers them the nutrition they need to grow well and live long, healthy lives.
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Major Nutrients
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According to the Rat Fan Club and American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association, rats need a diet containing about 4 percent protein and 5 percent fat for daily maintenance. Growing babies, pregnant rats or lactating females need anywhere from 12 percent to 24 percent protein to provide extra energy, and 0.6 percent of the diet should be comprised of essential fatty acids. According to the Rat Fan Club, the average rat needs about 60 calories per day, but larger rats, growing babies and mothers may require more.
Vitamin Requirements
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On a daily basis, these animals need .6 mg/kg of diet in vitamin A, 1,000 IU/kg of vitamin D, 7 mg/kg of vitamin B6, 50 mcg/kg of vitamin B12 and 35 mg/kg of vitamin E in their diets, as well as 20 mg/kg of niacin. Excessive amounts of vitamin A can cause rough, dry skin and loss of fur. Rats require small amounts of several other vitamins, including about 8 mg/kg of pantothenic acid, .08 mg/1,000 kcal of riboflavin and 4 mg/kg of thiamin.
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Mineral Requirements
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Rats also need a number of trace minerals in their daily diet. They should receive 5 g/kg of diet in calcium, 4 g/kg of phosphorous and 1 mg/kg of fluoride. Provide 0.15 mg/kg of iodine, 5 mg/kg of chloride, 35 mg/kg of iron and 5 mg/kg of copper in the diet, as well as 800 mg/kg of magnesium, 35 mg/kg of potassium and 50 mg/kg of manganese. Sulfur should make up 3 mg/kg of the diet, selenium 0.1 mg/kg and zinc 12 mg/kg. Official recommendations state rats should have 0.3 mg/kg of chromium, but providing extra in the form of chromium picolinate may extend these animals' lifespan.
Considerations
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Rats enjoy varied diets made up of mixed grains and seeds, but these diets often become imbalanced. Rats on this type of diet may pick out their favorite foods, leaving other food untouched. For this reason, most labs and many pet owners use nutritionally balanced lab blocks as the main component of the diet, and supplement with fresh fruits, vegetables and some grains.
Foods to Avoid
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As with other animals, rats should not eat some foods. They may enjoy these foods, but consumption can cause serious health problems later on. For instance, D-limonene in orange peel and orange juice causes testicular cancer in male rats and mice. Carbonated foods, such as soda, can cause serious discomfort in rats, which are unable to burp. Unlike cats and dogs, rats can eat chocolate, but should not receive it in large amounts.
Warning
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Homemade mixes can be inexpensive and more appealing to rats than commercial food. However, it's easy for a homemade mix to become nutritionally imbalanced. If you choose to feed your rats a homemade food mix, follow the recipe exactly and consult a vet before substituting any foods.
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References
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