Can rats eat blueberries and strawberries?

Yes. Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are safe, antioxidant-rich treats for rats. Offer one or two berries, washed well.

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Serving

1–2 berries

How to prepare

Wash well

Benefits

Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are antioxidant-rich treats. Sugary, so keep portions small.

The details

Berries are sugary, so keep portions small and count them as part of the day's fresh food. Grapes are the exception among small round fruits: the RSPCA lists grapes and raisins as harmful to rats, so don't swap one for the other.

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.