Can rats eat apples?

Yes, without the seeds. Apple is a safe sweet treat for rats. Wash it thoroughly, remove the core and every seed, and offer a small slice.

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Serving

Small slice

How to prepare

Wash thoroughly. REMOVE SEEDS completely.

Benefits

Good source of vitamins, sweet treat.

The details

Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide, so the seeds and core must always go. The flesh is a good source of vitamins, but it is sugary, so keep it to a small slice as part of the day's fresh food.

How treats fit into a rat's diet

Most of what a rat eats each day should be a complete rat pellet or nugget, weighed out from the pack guidelines. Fresh fruit, vegetables and treats come out of that daily allowance, not on top of it: the RSPCA warns that extra sugar and fat lead to obesity and health problems, and rats gain weight easily. Remove any fresh food that hasn't been eaten within a few hours.