Rats are omnivores and opportunistic feeders, so their diet covers a wide range of foods. In homes and urban areas they typically eat human food scraps, pet food, garbage, and any readily accessible edibles, while in the wild they consume seeds, nuts, fruits, grains, insects, and occasional carrion. Below is a concise guide to common rat foods and related considerations. Core foods rats commonly eat
- Grains and seeds: cereals, pasta, rice, oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds. These are energy-dense and easy for them to store.
- Fruits and vegetables: apples, berries, bananas, citrus (in moderation due to acidity and sugar), carrots, leafy greens, cucumber. Fresh produce provides moisture and vitamins but should be offered in moderation to avoid sugar loads and spoilage.
- Nuts: peanuts, almonds, walnuts (high in fat; portions should be controlled to prevent obesity and digestive upset).
- Meat and protein sources: small amounts of cooked meat, eggs, or other protein-rich foods can be fed occasionally.
- Pet and human foods: unsealed pet foods left in bowls, pantry staples like crackers or bread, and other stored foods can attract rats.
- Non-food items (avoid): rats may gnaw on non-food items, but these do not constitute a safe or beneficial diet and can cause health or safety issues. Do not rely on non-food items as a food source.
Common household attractants to mitigate
- Unsealed foods: store all edibles in rodent-proof containers with secure lids.
- Pet food: feed pets on a schedule and store excess food in airtight containers.
- Garbage and compost: use tightly sealed bins and minimize accessible waste.
- Bird seed and garden foods: secure feeding areas and clean spills promptly.
Health and safety notes
- Overfeeding or relying on scraps can lead to obesity, diabetes, or malnutrition if the diet is imbalanced.
- Rats can carry diseases and contaminate food sources, so prevent access and maintain cleanliness.
- If an infestation is suspected, a professional pest control assessment is often advisable to tailor a safe and effective plan.
If you’d like, provide a specific context (indoor vs. outdoor, wild rats vs. urban rats, or a particular species), and the advice can be tailored with more precise dietary tendencies and prevention tips.
