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You’ve run out of your rat’s typical food, and now you’re in a rush to find them something to eat. Luckily, you have that bag of cat food sitting in the pantry. Is that suitable for rats?
Cat food is surprisingly suitable for a variety of animals. Cat food isn’t toxic for rats; however, it’s likely not nutritionally appropriate for them as a long-term substitute for food made specifically for them. Though many cat foods are high in protein (to meet a cat’s needs), kibbles often contain varying amounts of carbohydrates, making them acceptable for rats in some circumstances.
We recommend feeding rats a commercial food specifically designed for them. If you run out, many foods you might have in your pantry might be acceptable for them as meal replacers. However, feeding them mostly a commercial diet designed for rats is still the preferred option.
What Kinds of Food Should a Rat Eat?
Cat food is often a “no” for rats on a long-term basis. However, it’s not toxic for them. Rats as a species are incredibly adaptable. In the wild, they eat just about anything. They also readily switch between scavenging for food and hunting smaller prey if the opportunity ever presents itself. This extreme dietary flexibility is in part the reason why rats have been so successful in many different environments and ecosystems.
However, as pets, the story is obviously different. A wild animal’s goal is often to live long enough to procreate, whereas the lives of pets often factor in ensuring that what they’re being fed is appropriate, beneficial, and will help them live as long as possible. Though a pet rat wouldn’t be at immediate risk if they ate cat food, doing so on a repeated and consistent basis would likely be detrimental to their long-term health.
For most pet rats, commercial foods are considered the easiest and safest dietary mainstay. Rat blocks or pellets are the preferred options, as rats may preferentially favor some items in food mixes containing individual ingredients.
On top of their regular food, pet rats also may benefit from additional fiber added to their diet, as this often helps them with long-term weight management. Food items such as hay are the best for achieving this. Pet rats may also benefit from the inclusion of lean meats in their diet, especially if they are growing or actively breeding, pregnant, or lactating.
Cat food can definitely work as a treat for your rat. However we must reiterate that on a long-term basis it probably isn’t the best option for them.
Can Rats Eat Wet Cat Food?
Yes. However, wet cat food is not preferred over dry cat food for pet rats (should you want to entertain that comparison).
For one, dry cat food is easier to feed rats and is more in line with the way they eat. Rats prefer to hold food in their paws, which can be done with kibble. Dry food also tends to be higher in carbohydrates, as the companies add in grains and other items to make the kibbles hold their form. Finally, dry cat food would help a rat wear down their teeth to some extent, which is a necessity for all rodents. However, it’s not an alternative to a chewing block, hay, or other appropriate food intended for rats.
What Kinds of Protein Can a Rat Eat?
Great protein options include lean meats, eggs, or low-fat cottage cheese. Fundamentally a rat can handle just about any protein, provided it is prepared properly for them (which means not seasoned with flavorings intended for human consumption).
What Happens If Rats Eat Cat Food?
If your rat found a piece of cat food on the floor while they were out playing, you probably don’t have anything to worry about. Cat food isn’t toxic to rats. It won’t immediately harm them. Short-term side effects usually don’t occur.
Instead, the problem arises when you feed them cat food for an extended amount of time.
Cat food may not contain all the nutrients that your rat needs. Therefore, they will develop nutritional problems over time. How fast these problems pop up depends on how much you’re feeding them.
Alternatives to Cat Food
- Apples (not the seeds)
- Bananas
- Pears (not the seeds)
- Cabbage
- Broccoli (lightly steamed or raw)
- Berries
- Peas
- Carrots
- Melons
- Leafy greens
There are many treats that you can occasionally provide as well, such as seeds and bread. However, veggies and fruits, alongside hay, are generally recommended as the majority of their snacking quota.
Conclusion
Cat food isn’t toxic for rats and likely wouldn’t cause any immediate harm to them. However, it isn’t recommended for rats on a long-term basis due to their different digestive physiology and their own unique needs.
The safest dietary option for pet rats is a pellet or commercial food made specifically for them. Many items in your fridge or pantry may also be acceptable for a rat as a snack.
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