Rats will eat just about anything because they’re omnivores. Moreover, if rats can’t find food, they will even eat carcasses.
The location also affects the diet of these rodents. Wild rats eat seeds, plants, and fruit. On the other hand, city rats typically eat meat, trash, pet food, any human food they can find, etc.
Moreover, rats have sharp, ever-growing teeth. So, they should chew on rough objects to keep their teeth in good shape. Below, you will find more information about the diet of rats, so take a look.
What Are Rats Favorite Food?
Rats live in different habitats and eat both plant and animal matter. Therefore, they can have a varied diet. For instance, a wild rat in North America will eat differently than one in Australia.
However, if you look at the common behavior of rats, you can determine what they eat, in general. For instance, these rodents typically cover wide areas and look for different foods.
Moreover, they nibble on unknown foods they don’t recognize.
This behavior isn’t a sign of pickiness. Instead, consuming new food in smaller amounts helps rats tell what isn’t suitable for their belly. If these rodents nibble on something new and then get sick, they will avoid those foods.
Rats aren’t stupid. On the contrary, they’re smart, which can make the job of rat control experts harder; rats will eventually associate the rat lure and the disappearance of their family members.
Now, let’s look at the foods rats like to eat in the wild to maintain their healthy weight.
Plants
Most rats eat different plants, including vegetables and fruits. However, like people, rats prefer fruits and berries over carrots and kale.
Furthermore, wild and edible vegetables aren’t as common as fruits and berries in most areas. Lastly, rats like fruits and berries because they don’t run away; they don’t have to spend many calories to find these plants.
Meat
Most rats like to eat meat. However, they have difficulty acquiring meat in nature, so they eat insects.
Sometimes, these wild rats will eat carrions if they haven’t been exposed to the elements for too long. On the other hand, city rats can access hotdogs, hamburgers, and other animal-based foods.
Nuts and Seeds
Most rats love nuts and seeds because they’re rich in protein. Typically, most rats prefer foraging for food instead of hunting for animals.
These rodents get enough calories when they consume fruits and berries. They also eat greenery for various vitamins and nuts and seeds for plant-based protein.
Lastly, most rats prefer seeds over larger nuts because they have a smaller grip.
Eggs
Sometimes, rats consume eggs because they’re rich in animal protein. These rodents aren’t as large as eggs. Still, they’re capable of eating even the largest ones.
Farmers can confirm this information because they usually see rats rolling chicken eggs into their homes. In the wild, most rats consume smaller eggs of wild birds.
Eggs also contain calories, vitamins, and minerals. So, they have everything rats need. Lastly, rats like eggs because they’re easier to acquire than small animals.
What Foods Are Toxic to Rats?
Some of our favorite foods aren’t good for animals, including rats.
Rats shouldn’t consume the same foods that canines can’t because of their irritability and toxicity. For instance, both dogs and rats can’t eat chocolate.
Here’s a list of other harmful foods for rats:
- Grapes
- Walnuts
- Raisins
- Raw beans
- Citrus fruits
- Avocado
- Raw potatoes
- Potatoes with green skin
- Licorice
- Rhubarb
- Caffeine
- Dairy products (particularly milk, soft cheeses, or products with mold)
- Wild insects, because of the bacteria they can carry
- Sticky or thick food, such as peanut butter or mashed potatoes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Foods containing d-limonene, such as mango and lemon peel, can cause cancer, particularly in male rats.
Rats aren’t as big as people, dogs, cats, and other pets. Therefore, even a small portion of the foods above can kill a rat or cause GI upset.
What Fruits Can Rats Eat?
Rats enjoy different fruits and vegetables because they’re omnivores. Examples of fruits and vegetables you can give rats include:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Melons
- Pears
- Citrus fruits
- Stone fruits
- Cabbage (not red cabbage)
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Fresh corn
- Bok choy and other Asian greens
- Endive
- Berries
- Parsley
- Celery
- Peas
What Do Rats Eat in the Garden?
In people’s gardens, rats can consume plenty of vegetables, such as pumpkins, sweet corn cobs, and squash.
These rodents can also eat root vegetables, including beetroot, parsnip, carrots, potato tubers, etc. They will consume the crops while they’re growing. However, they can also get their paws at your vegetables in storage.
Most rats prefer fruits over vegetables, so they can also steal your fruits in and out of storage.
Do Rats Eat Cheese?
Rats can consume human foods, including cheese. Therefore, you can lure a rat with a small piece of cheese.
Do Rats Eat Grass?
Most rats consume grass and weeds and maintain their teeth by chewing on small twigs and bark.
Do Rats Eat Bugs?
Rats eat bugs, insects, and their larvae because they’re small and easy to find and catch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, most rats have a varied diet. The average rat consumes a combination of fruits, vegetables, and meats.
However, if they lack food sources, rats eat whatever they can find in their surroundings, including food waste. Moreover, rats find food, water, and shelter in people’s properties.
If you have a rat infestation, call rodent control experts. They can help you with your rat problem.
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