Pet rats are considered easy to care for pets because they are not picky about their food, and in the wild, they will eat almost anything that they can fit into their mouths! Of course, just because they will eat a variety of food, that doesn’t mean they should. Since you want your pet rat to get the best nutrition that they possibly can, it’s important to be aware of the foods that they should and shouldn’t eat.
But what about pumpkin? Can rats eat pumpkin? The answer is yes, pumpkin is perfectly safe to feed rats in moderation. The seeds are also a healthy snack for your rat, but again, moderation is key. In this article, we look at the do’s and don’ts of feeding pumpkin to your pet rat and the potential health benefits. Let’s dive in!
Is Pumpkin Good for Pet Rats?
Pumpkin has several potential health benefits for rats because it is low in cholesterol and saturated fats and loaded with beneficial vitamins and minerals. Let’s look at a few of the main nutrients in pumpkin and how they can benefit your rat.
While pumpkin is not high in calories and has potential benefits for rats, it’s still important to moderate their intake because they are small animals and overfeeding is easy. Also, pumpkin is fairly high in sugar, too much of which can cause weight gain and even possibly diabetes. Pumpkin seeds are also a great addition to your rat’s diet, but again, moderation is key because they are fairly high in fat, and too many can cause obesity. Raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds are best, but you can toast or roast them for added crispiness. One pumpkin seed per serving is plenty for a pet rat. Since pumpkin is fairly high in sugar and the seeds are high in fat, it’s best to feed pumpkin to your rat only in moderation. We recommended no more than two or three times per week. The ideal serving size depends on the age and size of your rat, but a 1-inch chunk per serving is a good rule of thumb, or one raw or roasted seed. Cooked pumpkin—steamed or boiled—is best, but raw pumpkin is fine too. You should only give pumpkin to your rat in moderation, and some rats may not even eat it! But don’t worry, there are various healthy alternatives to give your rat, and you can try a few to see which your rat prefers. Other healthy vegetables for rats include: Rats can also eat a variety of fruits as treats, in moderation, including apples, pears, bananas, grapes, and berries. While pumpkin and many other vegetables and fruits are non-toxic and even healthy for rats, there are a few foods to avoid feeding them, including: Pumpkin is a delicious, safe, and non-toxic food for rats, and when given in moderation, it can have positive health effects too. The seeds are also great snacks for them, although they do contain high amounts of fat and should be given sparingly. Giving your rat a small piece of pumpkin and a single pumpkin seed two or three times a week is a great, healthy method of treating that they’ll most likely love! Related Reads: 
What About Pumpkin Seeds?
How Often Can Rats Eat Pumpkin?
Pumpkin Alternatives
What Foods Should You Avoid Feeding Your Rat?
