Rats are omnivores, which means these medium-sized rodents can eat a wide variety of food. When kept as pets, they benefit from a well-rounded diet designed to meet their specific dietary and nutritional requirements, and this can be supplemented with items like vegetables and occasional servings of fruits.
That means rats can eat apples in moderation. However, fruits (and other sugary foods) are generally not advised for pet rats on a long-term basis and should be used in the context of treats.
Let’s explore apples in more detail in the context of how they may be offered to your pet rat.
Are Apples Good for Rats?
An apple contains around 116 kcal (kilocalories). It also contains over 5 grams of fiber.1 While this might not seem like a lot, it’s important to note that a healthy adult rat that weighs around 500 grams would require around 180 kcal for maintenance 2. This means that an apple is definitely too much for a rat, as it simply wouldn’t leave room for the other nutrients a rat would have to consume to be healthy. For instance, the apple wouldn’t offer the rat protein, fats, and other micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) needed for tissue growth, repair, and maintenance.
Apples, like all fruits, derive their sweetness from the naturally occurring sugars found in them. Rats do not have an established requirement for such sugars in their diet. However, studies involving rats have shown that they do not fare well with high levels of fructose in their diet 3. Unfortunately, fructose is the most abundant sugar found in apples. This largely diminishes the appeal of an apple in a rat’s diet as a mainstay.
Present day husbandry guidelines for pet owners also caution against adding too many fruits to a rat’s diet 4. Conclusively, while the flesh of an apple is not toxic for a pet rat, it’s safe to say that it’s best if it’s only offered to them in moderation, as an occasional treat.
How Much to Feed
The high sugar count quantity means that you should not offer too much of this fruit. The apple does not need preparation other than to remove the seeds and wash the skin, and you should cut the apple up to make it easier for your pet rodent to get into the fleshy and healthy part of the food.
You can feed them a small portion (around half) of a slice every couple of days. Though a good source of fiber, rats would fare better from low-sugar fiber options (such as hay, and other vegetables) over fruits such as apples to meet this requirement.
What About the Skin and Seeds?
The skin is considered to be the healthiest part of the apple because it is more nutritionally dense than the fruit itself (in terms of fiber). However, you will need to wash the skin thoroughly before serving. This will remove any chemical and potentially toxic residue on the outside and make it safe for consumption. You can then leave the skin on the apple when slicing it, providing your pet with a good combination of textures and making it possibly more enticing for them.
The seeds of the apple should never be fed to your rat. These contain an organic compound known as amygdalin, and apple seeds will release a small amount of organic cyanide when crushed. Though reports of cyanide poisoning by this means are not reported in rats, it’s nonetheless best to play it safe and not risk your pet’s welfare by offering them apple seeds.
Other Foods to Feed Your Rat
A varied diet is good for your rat. It ensures that they get a wider variety of the vitamins and minerals that they need, and it also prevents them from getting bored with their daily food.
- Plain Bread — While this food makes a tasty treat, you should treat it as just that – a treat. You should also refrain from offering your rat flavored bread (such as chocolate or raisin bread).
- Chicken — Protein is an important addition to your rat’s diet, and most rats love it. Cooked, unseasoned, deboned chicken is considered a safe source of meat for your rat.
- Cereals — Check the ingredient list, and avoid those that are high in sugar. If you can find a natural cereal that is free from additives, you can safely feed it to your rat.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs — Rich in protein, a hard-boiled egg can be offered in moderation and is often well received by pet rats. An egg is a great treat for pregnant rats because they need the extra fat and protein.
Rats as Pets
Rats are popular pets. They are friendly and enjoy being handled, while also being rugged and sturdy enough that they are not easily injured when being picked up. Not only will a rat come to the cage to greet their owner, but some people have also had success training rats to respond to their names.
Like with all pets, however, we must meet all their daily requirements. Besides providing them with a good cage that has adequate room and enough space, you’ll need to ensure that your rat is fed a suitable and healthy diet that will help them develop while staying healthy.
Conclusion
Rats are omnivores and scavengers. They have a wide diet and are versatile eaters, but this does not mean that they can eat anything and stay healthy and safe. Apples are considered safe to feed in moderation.
However, as with all fruits, apples should only be considered a treat for pet rats. Their high fructose content and nutritional profile aren’t optimal for a pet rat’s long-term health. Nonetheless, should you wish to offer your pet rat a small morsel of an apple, it is definitely safe to do so.
See also:
