When I first got my rats, I looked everywhere for a good food recipe that fulfilled their nutrition requirements but was inexpensive and easy to store and make. After tons of experimentation I found the perfect recipe and now I will share it with you! It costs about 15 to 20 dollars and lasts me a couple of months.
1/2 pound to a pound of dry rolled oats no more than that or it could cause constipation
5.3 oz. box of puffed wheat cereal malt o meal, Quaker or Kashi. Cheerios also work but their may be added sugar.
12 oz. box of of Total cereal. Highly recommended by vets due to its nutritional content of added vitamins and minerals. Its only available in the United States. If you can not get Total, you can add a childrens vitamin/Mineral Tablet.
1/4 to 1/2 pound of roasted unsalted soy-nuts (also known as soybeans) Not all rats like them but they have nutrients that help prevent cancer.
1/2 pound of dried cranberries and bananas. The bananas offer potassium and the cranberries help the urinary track. You do not have to add these if you prefer to give your rats fresh fruits.
1/2 pound of dry pasta. you can use whole grain of the tri color ones that taste like tomato and spinach (Just for fun) The pasta helps balance the protein levels and gives them a good chewing.
2/3 cup sunflower seeds. The the black and white striped ones that you feed birds. Just do not over feed them or you could add to much fat to their diet.
Mix it all together and store in an air tight container in a cool, dry place. Should last 2 months for four rats, 4 months for 2 rats and so on.
This is just the dry mix. also make sure you provide your rats with plenty of fresh fruit and veggies.
Happy Munching
