Pet ratWhat can a rat eat?
20 foods checked against vets’ sources: what’s fine, what only now and then, and what never.
Every day
Rat nuggets weighed out every day, following the amount on the bag, split between morning and evening. Only a little fruit and vegetables, as part of the day's allowance, not on top of it. If food is left over or the rat is getting fat, give a bit less.
No food matches: if it isn’t on the list, ask your vet before giving it.
Never
AvocadoNo
Merck lists rats among the animals susceptible to avocado, which can damage the heart.
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual: Avocado toxicosis in animals
ChocolateNo
It's among the foods harmful to rats: never, not even as a treat.
Source: RSPCA: What To Feed Pet Rats
Grapes and raisinsNo
They're among the foods harmful to rats.
Source: RSPCA: What To Feed Pet Rats
OnionNo
It's among the foods harmful to rats.
Source: RSPCA: What To Feed Pet Rats
Oranges and other citrusNo
They're among the foods harmful to rats.
Source: RSPCA: What To Feed Pet Rats
RhubarbNo
It's among the foods harmful to rats.
Source: RSPCA: What To Feed Pet Rats
WalnutsNo
The RSPCA lists them among foods harmful to rats.
Source: RSPCA: What To Feed Pet Rats
Only now and then, a little
Apple, pear, peach and melonA little
Fine in small pieces as a treat, with the apple seeds removed: all fruit is sugary.
How much: A small piece, as a treat.
Source: PDSA: Rats as pets
BananaA little
Fine as a treat, but ripe: unripe bananas can cause bloating.
How much: A small piece, as a treat.
Source: PDSA: Rats as pets
Bell pepperA little
Safe but sugary: just a small piece now and then.
How much: A very small amount, as a treat.
Source: PDSA: Rats as pets
CarrotA little
Safe but sugary: just a small piece now and then.
How much: A very small amount, as a treat.
Source: PDSA: Rats as pets
Cheese and dairyA little
They're fatty: rats love them, but use them only as treats, for example during training.
How much: A small bit, as a treat; the RVC suggests a little cottage cheese twice a week.
Source: RSPCA: What To Feed Pet Rats
Cooked eggA little
Rats are omnivores: a little cooked egg is fine, as part of the daily ration.
How much: A little, within the daily ration; a cooled boiled egg in its shell is also a game.
Source: RSPCA: What To Feed Pet Rats
Lean meatA little
Now and then, a small piece of lean meat is fine as a treat.
How much: A small piece, now and then.
Source: PDSA: Rats as pets
Peanuts and sunflower seedsA little
Fine now and then: rats enjoy handling them with their paws. But they're fatty, so only a few.
How much: A few, now and then.
Source: RSPCA: What To Feed Pet Rats
PeasA little
Fine
Broccoli and cauliflowerYes
They're among the safe vegetables to give in small amounts.
How much: A little every day, as part of the daily ration, not on top of it (or the rat gains weight).
Source: PDSA: Rats as pets
Cabbage (not red cabbage)Yes
Green or white cabbage is fine in small amounts; the PDSA excludes red cabbage.
How much: A little every day, as part of the daily ration, not on top of it (or the rat gains weight).
Source: PDSA: Rats as pets
Cucumber and courgette (zucchini)Yes
Safe, low-sugar vegetables to give in small amounts.
How much: A little every day, as part of the daily ration, not on top of it (or the rat gains weight).
Source: PDSA: Rats as pets
Rat pelletsYes
They're the core of the diet: choose ones made for rats, not for rabbits, guinea pigs or hamsters, which lack what rats need.
How much: As the packet says, weighed out every day: rats gain weight easily.
Source: RSPCA: What To Feed Pet Rats
When to call the vet Emergency: who to call
What other pets can eat
Rabbit Guinea pig Hamster Ferret Canary Budgies Cockatiel Lovebirds Tortoise Red-eared slider Leopard gecko Bearded dragon Goldfish Betta fish Dogs and cats: can my pet eat it?
Sources
- RSPCA: What To Feed Pet Rats (checked on October 14, 2026)
- PDSA: Rats as pets (checked on October 14, 2026)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Avocado toxicosis in animals (checked on October 14, 2026)