Rats are great pets for people who want a furry friend but don’t have room for a dog or cat. Domestic rats in particular can be friendly, calm, and can bond emotionally with their owners. Domesticated rats come in several varieties, including Dumbo Rats, Manx Rats, and Dwarf Rats. They also have different coat types and different tail styles. Â.
However, while there are many types of domesticated rat, they tend to all have one thing in common. Thats what they like to eat and whats safe for them to eat.
Can Rats Eat Raw Potatoes? Vet’s Insight on Safety
Rats are omnivorous animals that can eat a wide variety of foods. As pet owners it’s important we provide them with a balanced diet to keep them healthy. One common question is whether rats can eat raw potatoes. The short answer is no, rats should not eat raw potatoes.
Potatoes contain compounds like solanine and chaconine which are toxic to rats. Solanine is found in all parts of the potato plant, including the tubers, vines, and leaves, while chaconine is found mostly in the tubers. These compounds help defend the potato plant from pests and disease.
When potatoes are cooked, much of the solanine and chaconine is broken down and rendered harmless. However eating raw potatoes introduces high levels of these toxic compounds into a rat’s system and can cause Digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting) neurological problems (dizziness, confusion, weakness), and even death in severe cases.
Some key points on feeding potatoes to rats:
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Only feed cooked, peeled potatoes to rats. Raw potatoes should always be avoided.
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Even cooked potatoes should be fed in moderation, no more than 1-2 times per week. They are high in starch and sugars.
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Prepare potatoes by steaming, boiling, baking, or microwaving. Don’t add any seasonings, spices, oil, or salt. Stick to plain cooked potatoes.
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Be sure to peel potatoes before cooking. The skin contains most of the toxic compounds. Discard any potatoes that are spoiled, damaged, or turned green.
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Dice cooked potatoes into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Mash them for younger rats or rats with dental issues.
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Introduce potatoes slowly and watch for any adverse reactions when first adding to your rat’s diet.
It’s understandable to want to share tasty foods with our pet rats. But some human foods can be dangerous for rats, especially when raw. Potatoes are unfortunately one such food that must always be cooked before being offered safely. Follow vet recommendations to protect your rats’ health. With proper preparation, potatoes can be a healthy occasional treat in moderation.
Potatoes – 15
Rats – 14
Raw – 7
Cooked – 5
Toxic – 4
Solanine – 3
Safe – 2
Chaconine – 2
Peel – 2
Treat – 2
Moderation – 2
What Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet Rat
There are some foods that are bad for rats and you shouldn’t give them to your rat. Some foods to avoid feeding include (please note, this is not an exhaustive list):
- Chocolate has no nutritional value and is high in sugars and fats, which can lead to tooth problems and weight gain. Dark chocolate, which has more caffeine, should be eaten with extra care.
- Caffeine (can lead to heart problems like arrhythmia, fast heartbeat, and even cardiac arrest)
- Any food that has d-limonene in it, like mango and lemon peels (may cause cancer, especially in male rats).
- Both raw beans and sweet potatoes have a lot of oxalic acid, which can cause kidney stones if eaten in large amounts. Sweet potatoes also have very small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides (CGs). CGs turn into cyanide when eaten, but it would take a lot of them to be harmful. Raw beans, especially kidney beans, can kill you if you eat them because they contain lectin-phytohemagglutinin, which makes red blood cells stick together.
- Potatoes with green skin (contain a toxic alkaloid called solanine)Â
- Foods that are thick or sticky, like peanut butter or mashed potatoes, could be dangerous for choking.
- Wild insects (due to parasites and pesticides they may contain)
What to Give Your Rat as a Treat
Like all pets, rats love treats. Rats are smart and can be very food motivated so you may even be able to train your pet rat to do tricks or tasks by motivating them with a treat. Some of a rats favorite treats include:
- Seeds
- Sweets
- Bread
- Cooked pasta
- Cooked rice
- Cereal
- GrainsÂ
- Mealworms
Rats should only get these foods as treats because some of them are very high in carbs and sugar.
What pet rats should NOT eat
FAQ
What animals can eat raw potatoes?
Do rodents eat potatoes?
What is most toxic to rats?
Do rats eat potato peelings?
Can rats eat potatoes?
Potatoes are perfectly fine for rats to eat but should only be offered cooked. Cooked potato skins are also okay, but refrain from feeding raw peelings. If your rats are already overweight, limit the amount of potato offered and make sure to supplement with plenty of low-carb vegetables.
Are sprouted potatoes safe to eat?
Yes, sprouted potatoes are technically safe to eat, but you are going to want to remove those unsightly sprouts first. The sprouts contain concentrations of glycoalkaloids, compounds that when you eat a lot of them can cause some toxic effects. You also want to check out the potato’s general condition, if you cut into a potato and it looks green, you should toss it.
Can rats eat certain foods?
Rats can eat lots of things that humans can too; however, not all food is safe for them. The following should be avoided: (Check out these rat Mythbusters for a full list of safe and dangerous foods for rats).
What do rats and potatoes have in common?
If there’s one thing rats and potatoes have in common is that they’re both extremely common. Rats are the most common rodents and potatoes are among the most common vegetables. Potatoes are root vegetables that are grown all over the world.
Can rats eat sweet potatoes?
Only give your rat the meat of the potato. Never give your rat the potato eyes, which are the sprouts from which new potato plants can grow. Like russet potatoes, cooked sweet potatoes are a fabulous source of vitamins and minerals. Avoid giving your rat uncooked sweet potatoes, however, as they can prove toxic.
Can a diabetic rat eat potatoes?
For diabetic and overweight rats, you should limit the amount of potato that you offer due to this reason. Research shows that cooling potatoes after cooking them can lower the glycemic index by as much as 25% 6. Potatoes also boast a decent amount of fiber, which promotes gut health 7.