Nutrition at Raining Rats Rattery

One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "What do you feed your rats?"

Nutrition has always been one of the foundations of my breeding program. Over the past 20+ years I've continued to refine my feeding program through research, experience, and by observing what produces healthy, active, long-lived rats.

There are many different ways to feed pet rats, and you'll find countless opinions online. This page simply explains what has worked exceptionally well for my colony over the years.

My Feeding Philosophy

I believe rats thrive on a diet that is:

• High in variety

• Low in processed sugars

• Low in excess salt

• Rich in whole grains and quality proteins

• Supplemented with fresh vegetables and healthy treats

• Designed to encourage natural foraging behaviors

Instead of feeding only a commercial laboratory block, I feed a balanced Shunamite-style mix alongside high-quality laboratory blocks to ensure complete nutrition while allowing the rats to enjoy a varied, enriching diet.

Daily Diet

Every day my rats receive:

• My homemade RRRA Dry Mix

• Kalmbach laboratory blocks available at all times

• Fresh vegetables

• Fresh sprouts and fodder when available

• Occasional fresh fruit in moderation

• Fresh filtered water

• Daily Essentials vitamin water

Food is scatter-fed throughout the cage whenever possible to encourage natural foraging, exploration, and mental enrichment.

Adult rats generally consume about ¼ cup of food per rat each day, although individual needs vary depending on age, activity level, pregnancy, nursing, or illness.

RRRA Dry Mix

My dry mix is based on the Shunamite diet and includes a wide variety of ingredients from several nutritional groups.

Base Grains

Barley, oats, wheat, popcorn, peas, lentils, split peas, safflower, sunflower, milo and other wholesome grains and seeds.

Processed Grains

Whole grain cereals, pasta, puffed rice, bran flakes and similar ingredients for texture and variety.

Protein Sources

Dried mealworms, sardines and other quality proteins.

Vegetables & Healthy Fats

Pumpkin seeds, flaxseed and dehydrated vegetables.

Flowers & Botanical Ingredients

A rotating selection of edible flowers and herbs for enrichment and variety.

Because every batch is made by hand, ingredients may vary slightly depending on seasonal availability and improvements to the recipe.

RRRA Mush

Several times each week I prepare my homemade RRRA Mush.

This warm grain mixture is one of my rats' favorite meals and is an easy way to provide additional hydration while incorporating wholesome grains, herbs, vegetables and beneficial ingredients.

Extra additions I commonly mix in include:

• Plain Greek yogurt

• Whole raw egg

• Cooked chicken

• Cottage cheese

• Coconut oil

Leftovers freeze beautifully in silicone ice cube trays for convenient individual servings.

Homemade Treats

Treats should be exactly that—treats.

My homemade treats are made with wholesome ingredients while avoiding unnecessary sugars whenever possible.

You'll also find recipes on this page for:

• Golden Milk

• Senior Supplement

• Senior Support Treats

• Homemade Birthday Cake

• Rat-safe Frosting

I enjoy making homemade foods for my own rats and love sharing those recipes with other owners.

Herbs & Supplements

Many of my homemade foods include herbs such as turmeric, ginger, oregano, rosemary and milk thistle.

These ingredients have been studied for potential health benefits and have been used traditionally for many years. While I enjoy incorporating them into my rats' diets, they are not medications and should never replace proper veterinary care.

A healthy diet supports good health—but it cannot cure illness.

Foods I Avoid

Although rats can safely eat an incredible variety of foods, there are certain foods I choose not to feed because they may be toxic, difficult to digest, or offer little nutritional value.

Examples include:

• Green potato skin and sprouts

• Raw dry beans

• Raw onions

• Rhubarb

• Bitter almonds

• Moldy foods

• Excessive processed sugar

• Excessively salty foods

You'll find a more detailed list below for those interested.

Every Rattery Is Different

Every breeder develops their own feeding program, and you'll discover many different philosophies throughout the rat community.

This feeding program is simply what has worked for me after more than two decades of raising companion rats.

My goal has always been simple:

To raise healthy, friendly rats that live long, happy lives while giving them the best nutrition I possibly can.