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Rat food selection guide – basic food, pellets, mixes & snacks responsibly
The question "What do rats eat?" is the most important decision-making tool. A stable diet promotes a calm group, good condition, and less hassle. On this page, we explain it simply and practically: basic food, the difference between pellets and mixes, how to use herbs and seeds wisely, and which snacks are suitable as rewards (with care). We also provide direct links to the relevant categories so you can quickly make the right choices.
Start with good rat food and then add extras.
Pellets are organized and promote selective eating. View rat pellets .
Make eating fun: let them search and work. Go to play & forage .
1) Basic food: the foundation of a healthy group
A good basic diet provides a stable daily diet. Our category broadly falls into two categories: complete pellets/chunks (organized) and natural mixes (varied and fun for foraging).
Start here: Rat food .
2) Pellets vs. mixes: which is right for your rats?
The choice is often practical:
- Pellets/chunks : useful if you want structure and want to limit selective eating.
- Mixing : more variety and “searching behaviour” – nice if you like to use foraging.
- You can also combine : pellet as a base + small portion of mix/extras as enrichment.
View now: Rat pellets .
3) Herbs & seeds: variety and foraging fun
Herbs and seeds are ideal for scattering, hiding, or using in food puzzles. Think of it as "food enrichment": less boring, more natural behavior.
Shop: Rat herbs & seeds .
4) Snacks: reward with care
Treats are perfect for training, building trust, and adding variety. Choose treats that suit your goal: a small reward, a nibble, or a foraging treat.
- Reward snacks : small, handy and not too fatty.
- Foraging snacks : hideable or suitable for puzzles.
- Dried vegetables/fruit : nice for variety, but always in moderation.
View: Rat snacks · Dried fruit & vegetables
5) Water & food bowls: simple, stable and clean
Always fresh water is essential. Many keepers choose a water bottle, others a water bowl (or both). You can use a bowl for food, but scattering/foraging is often more fun and active.
Shop: Drinking bottles & water bowls · Food bowls
6) Foraging: Make food enrichment right away
Rats are smart. If you make food "too easy," you'll get bored faster. Foraging toys and brain games provide mental stimulation—and they're also fun to do together.
Watch: Rats playing & foraging .
Checklist: Rat menu that works
Use this as a quick check:
✔ Basic food selected (pellet/chunk or mix)
✔ Possibly pellets as structure (especially with selective eating)
✔ Herbs/seeds as enrichment in appropriate quantities
✔ Snacks as a reward (not as a basis)
✔ Always fresh water (preferably an extra water point for groups)
✔ Foraging/thinking at least a few times a week
Safety warnings
- Implement changes gradually (not all at once), so that the intestines can adjust.
- Snacks: better small and smart than lots and "just like that".
- In case of clear symptoms (not eating/drinking, lethargic, diarrhea, shortness of breath): contact a veterinarian.
- For health purposes, use rat-specific products; see rat health .
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Rat Food
What's better: pellets or a mix?
Pellets are organized and encourage selective feeding. Mixes provide variety and are fun for foraging. Many keepers combine pellets as a base and mixes/extras as enrichment.
How often do I give snacks?
Treats work best as a reward or training. Keep them small and prioritize quality over quantity.
Where can I find additional information about “what do rats eat”?
Also read: What do rats eat? (blog) .
Where can I shop for everything at once?
Start with Rat food and add pellets, herbs/seeds and snacks.
Why buy rat food from DRD Rodent Shop®?
✔ Specialist since 2011
✔ Ordered before 5 PM = shipped the same day
✔ Delivered from our own stock
✔ Smartly selected range for well-being & safety
