Chocolate is not poisonous to rats, as they are able to digest the chemical theobromine, which can be harmful to other animals. However, only use chocolate as an occasional treats, as although they do enjoy it, it can lead to weight gain and conditions such as diabetes.
The answer in yes, but in small amounts. Chocolate isn't toxic to rats like it is to cats and dogs, but it still isn't a very good treat to feed them regularly.
Avoid treats high in fat and sugar such as fast foods, ice cream and lollies. TOXIC foods to always avoid: Chocolate.
Items to Avoid Feeding Your Rat Include:
Examples: cookies, cake, donuts, candy, chocolate, fruit juice, etc.
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to mice and can cause them to become sick. If a mouse eats too much chocolate, it could die.
The truth is, mice and rats love a variety of human favorites. Some of the most popular snacks that rodents enjoy include beef jerky, candy, and even chocolate. Mice in particular love anything that's high in sugar, protein, or salt.
Mice are primarily nut and seed eaters, so the best bait will contain these foods. Peanut butter and other nut butters, such as almond butter, work especially well. Even spreads such as Nutella are very effective at catching mice.
If you think your rat has eaten a large amount of chocolate in a short time, contact your vet. Even if your rat has eaten a fairly small dose, if they are exhibiting any of the theobromine poisoning symptoms above, a vet should certainly be contacted.
Avoid harmful foods such as onion, citrus fruits, walnuts, rhubarb, grapes, raisins and chocolate. Avoid sugars and high-fat foods such as dairy. Rats like sweet and fatty food, but it can cause health problems if they eat too much of it, so only use these as treats and rewards during training.
Rats will eat almost everything you give them, and, although they will eat cheese if it's given to them, they don't quite see it as a treat. In fact, cheese is seen as just another food by most rats. Although rats can eat cheese in small amounts, it's not always the healthiest food to give to your rodent buddy.
In a small study in 2013, researchers fed rats Oreo cookies. The rats loved them. In fact, they reacted to Oreos the same way they reacted to cocaine.
Dark chocolate is especially dangerous for rats because it contains higher levels of cocoa and sugar. Cocoa contains a compound called theobromine, which is toxic to rats in large quantities. Sugar can also cause health problems for rats, including obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.
Rats are clean animals, preferring to keep toilet areas separate from sleeping, resting and feeding areas. Read our advice on cage cleaning. Out of direct sunlight - keep their cage in an area of your home that's not too bright during the day, out of direct sunlight, and dark at night.
Basic Rat feeding guide
Some examples of suitable fruit and vegetables are: apples, pears, banana, melons, stone fruits, citrus fruits, broccoli, cabbage (not red cabbage), endive, carrots, Bok choy/other Asian greens, celery, parsley, berries, fresh corn (small amount only) and peas.
Nuts — All rodents love nuts, from peanuts/peanut butter and walnuts to almonds and hazelnuts. In fact, just about any nut can serve as ample nourishment for rats and mice. As such, these high-protein energy sources are always a favorite.
Suitable cereals – must be low sugar and salt:
Cornflakes. Weetabix.
It is recommended that rats get small por- tions of fruit and veggies every day: peas, broccoli, carrots, apples and bananas are good to start with. Rats love people food such as cooked pasta, small pieces of egg or chicken, or pizza crust.
What is bromadiolone? Bromadiolone is a rodenticide meant to kill rats and mice. Anticoagulants like bromadiolone work by preventing the blood from clotting. Unlike some other rat poisons, which require multiple days of feeding by an animal, bromadiolone can be lethal from one day's feeding.
Food products that have been exposed to filth, like rats, mice and other rodents, can make you or your family members sick. This includes food and drinks for people as well as food for animals, like pet food, bird seed or fish flakes. Throw away food products in plastic and paper containers.
Scientists believe that people may be able to get the virus if they touch something that has been contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, and then touch their nose or mouth. Scientists also suspect people can become sick if they eat food contaminated by urine, droppings, or saliva from an infected rodent.
Smells and Odors that attract rats
Odors and smells that come from pet waste, pet food, garbage containers, barbecue grills, birdfeeders, and even from unharvested fruit and nuts from plants can attract rats and mice.
Mice are natural seed eaters, but inside homes they're very attracted to high-calorie sweets and fatty foods. Tiny bits of peanut butter or soft cheese have always worked well. Stick a pinch or two of marshmallows, gum drops or beef jerky to the trigger and the trap will spring when mice take a bite.
In case you were wondering, a mouse could eat a Snickers bar. This might seem like a crazy thought. But mice can actually take an opened Snickers bar from say a counter and drag it all the way to their nesting spot. And, if they can't move something — let's say it's a cake — they'll eat it right there.