We feed our rats a special diet, with a high quality dog kibble supplemented by lab blocks. We use Kaytee Forti-Diet as the lab block component of our diet. We feel that the combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates from these two foods is the best for our rats. This also ensures that they get more of the nutrients they need.

We have received an email that the Kay-Tee diet may not be as healthy for your rats as other varieties of lab block. We have actually decreased the amount of lab block we feed and increased the ratio of dog food. This gives us good results. We have never had any problems with the lab blocks we use, but I think it is only fair to pass along the information I receive. We are now passing along a recommendation for Mazuri products, available at Petsmart. We have not used these products, but they were recommended to us.

The remainder of our rats diet changes every day. We include different kinds of grain, pastas, and dried cereal most days. We occasionally purchase baby food, or mash up our own food to provide a nice smushy meal. We also use fresh fruit and vegetables in small amounts as treats. Avocado is a big hit, and is used as an occasional treat. We use hass avocados more often because they are easier for us to cut and peel, plus we like the way they taste better. Never give your rat the avocado peel or pit.

There are also certain foods that are not good for rats. Male rats should not have citrus, it greatly increases their rate of cancer. Citrus is ok for female rats, but I tend to avoid it altogether to make sure it doesn't end up being eaten by someone who shouldn't. Rats should not have anything with caffeine in it, they already have naturally fast metabolisms and this can put a strain on their systems. Chocolate contains caffeine, and is a no-no although rats love the way it tastes. I also avoid root vegetables except for carrots. Some root vegetables are alright once cooked, but to be on the safe side I just avoid all of them. If you are unsure if something is safe, try searching online or talking to your vet.

Also, although I don't approve of chocolate as a regular part of your rat's diet, it is occasionally suggested as a remedy for the congestion that accompanies myco. Small treats of chocolate occasionally are alright, but it still contains enough caffeine that I would leave it out of a regular diet.