Site Navigation
The Phoenix Gate Diet
I often get asked what do I feed my rats and what foods would I suggest so here is a simple guide to a healthy diet for both pet and breeding rats. Please remember that certain brands or types of food can be easier or harder to find depending on your location. Some modifications to the diet may be needed. You may want to add or leave out select items but be sure that you still provide the best, most complete diet possible. The rat foods that are typically available in pet stores, such as the seed mixes, are usually NOT complete or appropriate diets for rats and should not be used. | ||||
The Basics: Rat Blocks
For many breeders and rat owners, the main staple in a rat's diet is reformulated rat blocks, often referred to as lab blocks. These blocks are used exclusively in labatory settings for complete nutrients and consistency. As pet owners, we can also use these blocks in our pet's diets but we must also provide them with fresh foods and variety as well. There are many mills that sell their brands at various stores. Some brands are easier to obtain than others and not all blocks are created equally. Purina and Harland are a few of the more known and distributed blocks available. Purina makes two types of blocks called Mazuri and LabDiet. Both of these blocks have varying percentages. The Mauzuri is often a favorite among pet owners and can now be bought at select PetSmart stores and possible other pet stores. Also, any Purina dealer would be able to order either of these blocks so check your local feed & seed stores for availability. Harland Teklad produces blocks mainly for research and lab use but they do sell to the public. They have various blocks that they offer for different growth cycles. You must have an order of $100 or more and be able to pick up the order at their shipping points. Often, groups of rat owners or clubs will combine orders for one large shipment. Harland also offers various bedding as well. Always be sure to check on the ingredients and percentages on the back label. You want a block that provides around 14-18 percent protein at max and around 4 percent fat at most. Be sure that the bags are keep in a cool, clean location during storage before they are sold so you do not get moldy, aged or bug infested blocks. Look at the first few ingredients listed as those constitute most of the block. Stay away from blocks that have corn as the first ingredient if possible and look for blocks that have soy listed first. Corn is a common pet food filler that is high in fat. I feed my rats on the LabDiet brand made from Purina as this was what was available in my area. I have recently had the opportunity to start buying from Harland so I will be switching over soon. Bags of block are generally sold in 33lb bags but Mauzuri can be purchased at Petsmart in 2 or 5 lb bags which is much more costly. I purchase the 33lb bags which last me about a month for 20 rats provided that the block is all I feed them. When I add the dry mix (below) and the other fresh foods, this size bag will last me about 2 months. Blocks are available 24/7 for the rats and they are put into hoppers in the cages for access and keeping. The hoppers are bird feeders attached to the sides of the cage. The hoppers prevent them from stashing and ruining the block while also allowing them to work their teeth and mind to get the blocks out. I replace the hoppers when the PVC coating starts to come off or is chewed off. Blocks need to be kept in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or bag. Blocks lose their nutrients about 6 months after manufacturing. The blocks can be placed in the freezer to keep them fresher. Blocks last for about 1 year in the freezer.Please be advised: The FortiDiet block that is available in pet stores is NOT a suitable block as it is VERY high in fat/oil/protein and is not fully formulated for the best diet for rats. | ||||
An old, no longer used hopper that is shown for display purposes only.
The Next Step: Adding the Mix
A diet of only rat blocks is not recommended as it does not provide variety or additional nutrients to the diet. Another common diet is a dry mix diet. Some owners even choose to feed just the dry diet and fresh food diet. However, you must be sure that you are providing a stable and complete diet as possible if you choose this diet plan.
I feed my rats a dry mix at least once a day, twice at most. The Phoenix Gate Mix is based on my past experiences and what works for me and my rats. I have noticed that offering them more of the dry mix and fresh foods, I have healthier and more fit rats. I only refill the bowls after they have eaten everything in the bowl to ensure that they are not picking and choosing and nothing is wasted. The dry mix cost me roughly $40-$50 a month and last for 1 month for about 20 adult rats. I will often add something extra that is different each month to add variety. There are many people who use this mix for their own rats and some who modify and make their own. | ||||
Ingredients of the Dry Mix:
Puffed rice
Puffed oats
Raisin Bran cereal
Bran flakes
Cheerios
Total cereal
Granola - small amount
Extra raisins (white and regular)
Dried Fruit: Coconut, papya, pineapple, mango, cranberries, cherries, apricots
Nuts: walnuts, almonds, pecans - sparingly
Uncooked pasta: Multi color, egg noodles
Soy nuts
Banana chips
Zupreme parrot
Unsalted sunflower seeds - sparingly
Unsalted pumpkin seeds - sparingly
Oatmeal
Flax seeds
The Final Step: Fresh Foods, Special Diets and No-No Foods
It is very important that rats are offered a variety of fresh healthy foods to supplement their diets and to keep them healthy. A variety of Fruits and Veggies and Meats, Seeds and Nuts given daily will keep your rat healthy, happy and longer lived. A word of caution about fresh foods: Feeding your rat people food in excess or as a sole diet is NOT a healthy of complete diet and can lead to heart problems, obesity and other health issues. Other foods to only feed in moderation or to not to feed your rats are listed HERE. Rats also do not typically need additional supplementing with vitamins and minerals.but there are a few that can be given for beneficial health reasons.Often times in a rat's life you will need to consider a special diet for them to maintain health and body. Special diets are for pregnant and nursing does, older rats and those with medical issues. There are also a few foods that offer health benefits. A discussion of some of these diets are talked about in the Special Diets for Special Ratties and The Medical and Holistic Foods. | ||||
