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What to Feed Your Rat: 6 Steps to Homemade Pellets

Rats may eat many things, but not everything they eat is good for them. Grain or seed mixes aren’t ideal. Rats often pick out only their favorite parts—usually high-calorie ones like sunflower seeds. This often leads to an unbalanced diet. Over time, it can cause obesity and other health problems.

For many owners, pellet food turns out to be a healthier option.

Why Pellet Food Is a Better Staple for Pet Rats

Pellet food is made by grinding ingredients, mixing them in set ratios, and compressing the mixture into uniform shapes. Compared to loose seed or grain mixes, it offers several advantages:

The dense, uniform texture satisfies a rat’s natural urge to chew and gnaw.

Because the nutrients are evenly distributed, it helps prevent picky eating and supports healthy growth.

Clean and easy to store, pellet food also makes feeding simpler and more efficient.

However, a rat’s nutritional needs change with age. The best rat food pellets are those that adapt to your rat’s changing needs, not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. The table below shows the basic protein and fat requirements for rats at different life stages.

Why Make Your Own Rat Food Pellets?

While most commercial rat food meets basic nutritional needs, making your own pellets gives you more control—especially if you want to tailor the diet to your rat’s age, health, or preferences.

Homemade Rat Food Pellets: A Simple 6-Step Guide

Making healthy, personalized pellets for your pet rat is easier than you might think. Just follow these six easy steps:

1.   Gather your ingredients

A healthy diet starts with the right ingredients in the right balance. Use the table below as a reference when putting together your ingredient list.

2.   Grind the Ingredients

Process your ingredients based on your rat’s age and chewing ability. Young or old rats may need finer textures for easier digestion. Healthy adults can usually handle coarser pieces that help with chewing.

If you don’t have a grinder, here are three simple alternatives you can use:

3.   Mix the Ingredients

Combine the ground ingredients in your preferred ratios and mix thoroughly to distribute them evenly. This helps ensure your rat gets balanced nutrition in every bite.

Pour all the ingredients into a large bowl or container. Stir well with a scoop, spoon, or your hands (wearing gloves). Break up any clumps and make sure no fine powder settles at the bottom.

4.   Make Your Own Rat Food Pellets

Transfer the mixed ingredients into a pellet machine for pressing. Under heat and pressure, the material is extruded and formed into small pellets that are easy for rats to chew.

For home use, a small pellet machine is a practical choice. It's easy to operate and works well for household-scale production.

5.   Cool and Dry the Pellets

Freshly made pellets are warm and moist. Letting them cool and dry fully helps prevent mold and makes them easier to store.

Spread the pellets on a tray lined with baking paper or a mesh mat, and let them air dry. To speed things up, use a low-heat oven or a food dehydrator.

6.   Package and Store

Once the pellets are completely cool and dry, they’re ready to store. You can keep them in bulk or divide them into small portions, depending on your needs. Store in a cool, dry, and dark place. Since homemade rat food has no preservatives, it won’t last as long as store-bought options. Make smaller batches more often, based on how much your rat eats.

That’s it—you’ve just made a healthy, balanced staple for your rat.

But remember, pellets are only part of the diet. Fresh vegetables and the occasional fruit are important too.

Add Fresh Produce to Support a Complete Diet

Safe Veggies You Can Feed Every Day

Fresh vegetables should be part of your rat’s daily meals—not just an occasional snack. Along with pellets, you can offer small portions of leafy greens and non-starchy vegetables each day. They add vitamins, hydration, and balance to your rat’s diet.

Here are some safe veggies you can feed daily:

Fruits (as treats)

Fruits are rich in vitamins and natural sugars, and provide a quick energy boost. Due to their sugar content, they should be offered only occasionally and in small amounts. Think of them as treats, not part of the daily staple. In total, fruit should make up no more than 10% of your rat’s daily diet.

Here are some common fruits that are safe for pet rats, along with feeding guidelines:

What Not to Feed Your Rat

It’s essential to know which foods are safe for your rat, but it’s just as important to understand which ones can be harmful. Some foods may upset digestion, while others can be toxic or even life-threatening in small amounts.

Here are some foods you should never feed your rat:

Rats may not be picky eaters. But as responsible owners, we need to remember that just because they can eat something doesn’t mean it’s good for them.

By learning what they need and making rat food pellets at home, you can give your pet a healthier, more balanced diet. You’ll also build a stronger bond through daily care.

We hope this guide helps you begin a healthier, more rewarding journey with your rat!