The Rat; Omnivore or Herbivore

02december2005
Source: EZNC
The diet of rats consists of both vegetable food as well as animal food. Still, they are primarily considered herbivores. There is hardly any small mammal that is truly omnivorous like people are.
Vegetable feeding components can not completely cover the dietary requirements of the rat. Therefore, compound animal feed for rats differs from that of other rodents. Rat feed has a higher percentage of protein.

Almost all sorts of vegetables and fruit are suitable for rats, though too much fruit and vegetables in one can cause diarrhoea. Especially lettuce and citrus fruit are best in small quantities.
Rats need a lot of water. The feed and the surrounding temperature influences how much a rat will drink, but for hygienic reasons itÂ’s best to change the drinking bottle every day.