Welcome to rat ownership! You’ve just brought home your new pet, and you’re excited to get to know your new friend. You’re ready to teach your rat new tricks to perform to your family’s delight. You also know that if you socialize it properly, you’ll have a bright, curious, and social family pet. You have its new home all set up with several landings, ramps, and maybe a hammock for lounging.
Now it’s time to feed your new pet, and you’re curious about which human foods rats can eat. You see the almonds sitting on our kitchen counter and wonder if rats can eat almonds. The short answer is yes, rats can eat almonds.
Can Rats Eat Almonds?
Yes, rats can eat almonds, but they should be given to them in moderation or as a special treat. Almonds are a good source of protein and energy, but they are also high in fat and can make your furry friend obese if you give them too much. If you choose to give your rat almonds, ensure they are unseasoned. They can be raw or roasted.
Almond can also be chopped up into smaller pieces if that is easier for your rat to eat and digest.
What Other Nuts Can Rats Eat?
Nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, B vitamins, vitamin E, fiber, and other minerals. They contain what’s known as “good fat” because it is polyunsaturated and monounsaturated and contains omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats comprise 50%–80% of the fat, depending on the nut. Rats can suffer from vascular and liver issues, as well as be at higher risk of diabetes when they consume a high-fat diet. A high-calorie diet can lead to obesity, which shortens your pet’s life.
Does this mean that you should never feed your rat nuts? Not at all. Moderation is the key to feeding your rat nuts. Limit them to one or two nuts a week, and the nut’s nutritional and fat content will benefit your pet.
Here is a list of nuts that will provide beneficial nutrients to your rat:
- Pistachios
- Pecans
- Brazil nuts
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Chestnuts
- Peanuts
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Pine nuts
Can I Feed My Rat Nuts in the Shell?
Yes, you can, but there are a few things to consider before you give your rat a nut in its shell. The hard shell of many nuts is inedible, but if your rat were in the wild, it would break into the shell to get to the nut. Rats are expert gnawers, and chewing away at the shells engages them in an activity they enjoy.
A whole nut every day is too much for any rat diet because nuts are high in fat, and you don’t want your pet to become obese. You can give them a shell-on nut once or twice a week or only as a special treat. Many nuts are encased in hard outer shells, and you can often find unshelled nuts at your local grocery store.
Start your rat off with easier-to-shell nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and hazelnuts. When your rat is ready for a challenge, you can move on to harder varieties like walnuts or Brazil nuts. If you’re unsure about feeding your rat nuts in the shell, check with your vet about which nuts they recommend for your furry friend.
Which Other Healthy Foods Can I Feed My Rat?
Rats are omnivores, which means they eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and meat. They may want to eat just about anything, but that doesn’t mean they should because a balanced nutritional diet is important. In addition to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, you can feed your rat meat, including mealworms, cooked chicken, and cooked beef.
A well-balanced diet of rat pellets containing around 16% protein and fresh fruit and vegetables will keep your pet healthy.
Here is a list of some of the healthiest fruits and vegetables for your rat:
Conclusion
Rats are omnivores and enjoy having an almond as a special treat. You can also feed your rat other nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and Brazil nuts. If your rat likes to gnaw, you can serve nuts in the shell to provide a tasty treat and a fun activity. It’s important to feed your rat a well-balanced diet, so feed it a high-quality rat pellet and include fresh fruits and vegetables. Your new pet is well on its way to a happy and healthy lifestyle now that you know the best foods and treats for your rat.
- See Also: 10 Best Rat Foods: Reviews & Top Picks
