What Kind of Fruits & Vegetables Can Rats Eat?

Rats are highly intelligent and friendly creatures. Easily trainable, rats enjoy treats in return for tricks. As with the human diet, moderation is key. Caution should be used when giving fruits and vegetables that are naturally high in sugar. Introducing new fruits and vegetables one at a time is best to determine which your rat prefers. Small, bite-sized pieces work best. Cleaning the cage often is necessary to prevent the accumulation of fruit flies from uneaten fruits or vegetables.

  1. Leafy Greens

    • Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, bok choy, turnip greens and kelp offer a powerhouse of nutrients for your rat. Packing vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium and high folic acid, leafy greens are an excellent treat for your rat. Lutein in these leafy greens works to protect your rat's eyesight. Lettuce is another available snack, though giving it in moderation is suggested. Being high in water content, lettuce can cause loose bowels if given in excess.

    Beans

    • Beans are excellent sources of fiber. Rats enjoy an assortment of beans including green, lima, black and kidney. Potassium, iron and folate found in beans are a healthy for rat, and the beans are easy to hand feed. Using beans for training or tricks is simple and mess free. Beans should be salt-free and raw. Remaining fresh longer than fruit, beans are also cost effective and require less frequent clean up.

    Veggies From the Ground and Vine

    • Fresh vegetables grown in the ground or found on the vine offer a wide variety of health and nutritious snacks for your rat. Peas, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, turnips and squash are favorites of the rat. Benefits of these vegetables are two-fold. In addition to being low in fat these vegetables are crisp when raw so they naturally aide in shaving down the rat's front teeth. Ground and vine veggies are high in magnesium and vitamin A.

    Tree and Vine Fruits

    • Using caution with fruits is key. Most fruits are high in sugar which is not healthy for your rat. Fruits can spoil quickly, so prompt removal of uneaten fruit is necessary. Offering small bites of tree and vine fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, grapes and apples is suggested. Packing whopping amounts of antioxidants, tree and vine fruits are healthful for your rat.

    Citrus Fruits

    • Supplementing regular snacks with small samples of citrus fruits is the best way to keep your furry pal happy. Citrus fruits may irritate a rat's tiny tummy. However, kiwi, mango, papaya, oranges on occasion are safe. Avoid giving oranges to male rats as it is shown to be carcinogenic. Remove all peels on citrus fruits before giving them to your rat. High in carbohydrates and dietary fiber, nibbles of citrus fruits are healthful.