Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / August 2004

I aim to feed about a third of a cup for each rat, and like them to have
something dry to nibble on at all times.  Generally I don't think it's their
dried mix that make rats overweight though - it's all the tidbits we give
them of our dinners and fattening treats like crisps, chips, nuts, high fat
seeds (e.g.sunflower seeds) and chocolate.

When I had an overweight male a few years ago, I realised the fresh food I
was giving him was causing the problem.  I didn't feed him any junk food,
but things like baked beans in tomato sauce, which, of course have added
sugars which you may not think about, the odd bit of cheese (very
fattening!), eggs and mashed potato (after I had added the marg and milk -
ack... more calories!!).  I realised I had to cut out all the 'naughty'
treats and only feed things such as carrots, peas, broccoli, cauliflower,
apple etc...in other words nutricious low-calorie foods.   Be aware of some
fruit and vegetables carrying more calories than most, eg avocado pears -
even though they are good for you and rattie, they are fattening.  I'd cut
out potato too, even if you haven't added tasty extras, perhaps feed a
little sweet potato now and again instead.

Apart from the carrots, which for some reason have been hated by almost all
the rats I've ever owned, my fattus rattus took to his new low-cal diet
well, growing to relish peas and broccoli in particular, and the weight
seemd to drop off him.  It was difficult learning to not share everything we
ate with him at first, especially when he'd look at us so longingly, begging
for a bit of our 'high calorie' nosh.  But you have to be firm for the good
of their health, since, as you will already know, being fat is not good for
them.

Another thing that will help him lose weight is by getting him to do more
exercise -  I know how lazy, big cuddly males can be!  Encourage him to run
about a bit more or do a bit of climbing.  My guys get loads of exercise by
cimbing up and down my clothes airer - I get it out every night for them to
play on.

Hoping you have a svelte rattie soon!!!

Tracey