Can rats eat eggs?

Yes. Hard-boiled egg is an excellent protein source for rats. Offer about a quarter of an egg, or a piece with clean shell on.

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Serving

¼ egg or a piece with clean shell

How to prepare

Boil fully. Shell can be left on for chewing enrichment.

Benefits

Great protein source, especially for pregnant/nursing mothers or young growing rats.

The details

Boil it fully. Leaving the shell on gives rats something to work at — the RSPCA suggests whole foods such as an unpeeled boiled egg for rats to handle. Egg is especially useful for pregnant or nursing mothers and young growing rats. It is rich in protein and fat, so keep it an occasional treat, particularly for older rats; the PDSA also lists egg as an occasional treat.

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.