Rats have very high demands on their diet. As carnivores, they need both, plants and meat, in their food. Often it is not easy to find a good product that has good nutritional values and contains no ingredients that may harm your little friends.
As many sites just pick random healthy rat foods, we decided to do some really in-depth research to find the best rat food out there. Therefore we reviewed tons of products and spent hours on research to make the decision a bit easier for you. Here is what we found out!
In this article we are going to review the following 8 Rat Foods List:
1. Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food
Type: Pellet-based
Best For: Daily feeding, adult rats, safe rat foods.
✅ Pros:
- Uniform pellets prevent selective eating
- Contains stabilized Vitamin C
- No artificial colors or preservatives
❌ Cons:
- Not ideal for baby rats
Why We Recommend It: A vet-recommended staple with complete nutrition, made specifically for adult rats.
2. Mazuri Rat & Mouse Diet
Type: Lab block
Best For: Breeding rats, overall healthy rat foods, safe rat foods
✅ Pros:
- High protein content (23%)
- Trusted lab-grade formula
- Great for all life stages
- Favorite rat foods
❌ Cons:
- May be too rich for senior rats
Why We Recommend It: Lab-tested formula designed to meet all essential dietary needs.
3. Science Selective Rat Food
Type: Pellet
Best For: Sensitive stomachs, favorite rat foods.
✅ Pros:
- Rich in omega-3 and omega-6
- Low in added sugars
- Supports coat and skin health
❌ Cons:
- May be hard to find in local stores
Why We Recommend It: Excellent for rats with sensitivities or picky eaters.
4. Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend
Type: Seed mix
Best For: Treats or occasional feeding
✅ Pros:
- Fun variety of textures
- Contains dried fruits and veggies
- No artificial preservatives
❌ Cons:
- Rats may pick out favorites and ignore healthier bits
Why We Recommend It: A good occasional supplement for enrichment and variety.
5. Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Rat Food
Type: Mixed blend
Best For: Budget-conscious rat owners
✅ Pros:
- Fortified with probiotics
- Available in large quantities
- Affordable
❌ Cons:
- Contains some artificial dyes and corn fillers
Why We Recommend It: A decent, budget-friendly option with added health support.
6. Envigo Teklad Global Rat Diet (2025)
Type: Lab block
Best For: Long-term feeding and breeding programs
✅ Pros:
- Scientifically formulated for research
- Trusted by universities and breeders
- No animal by-products
❌ Cons:
- Bulk packaging only
Why We Recommend It: If you have multiple rats or breed, this is a gold standard.
7. Vitakraft VitaSmart Rat Food
Type: Mix
Best For: Enrichment-focused diets
✅ Pros:
- Contains DHA and probiotics
- Encourages natural foraging behavior
❌ Cons:
- Inconsistent ingredient sizing
Why We Recommend It: A fun and nutritious mix to stimulate your rat’s natural instincts.
8. Brown’s Tropical Carnival Rat & Mouse Food
Type: Foraging blend
Best For: Occasional use, picky eaters, healthy rat foods.
✅ Pros:
- Loaded with fruits, veggies, and grains
- Visually appealing for rats
❌ Cons:
- Not suitable as the sole diet
Why We Recommend It: Great for variety and for encouraging curious favorite rat foods to explore their food.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Rat Food
✔️ Balanced Nutrition
Look for safe rat foods with the right balance of:
- Protein (14–20%)
- Fat (4–7%)
- Fiber (6–10%)
✔️ Avoid Harmful Ingredients
Stay away from:
- Sugary treats
- Artificial dyes
- Corn-based fillers
- Junk food-style mixes
✔️ Pellet vs. Mix
- Pellets = Prevent picky eating, ensure balanced intake
- Mixes = Enrichment and variety, but can lead to selective feeding
Final Thoughts
Choosing the safe rat foods ensures your pet gets the nutrition it needs for energy, longevity, and mental stimulation. For most owners, Oxbow Essentials or Mazuri Lab Blocks are excellent starting points, while mixes like Higgins Sunburst add diversity and fun.
Pro Tip: Always pair dry food with fresh fruits, vegetables, and clean water for a complete diet.
