Restricted Diet

Rats over around 2 months seem to grow well and stay reasonably trim when given a quantity adjusted to last them for approximately 22 hours out of 24 rather than being free fed. If the rats are still managing to pile on the weight, the dietary alternative is to regularly weigh the rats and provide a weighed mix adjusted to keep them looking trim, plus of course their regular fruit and veg. Regular free range exercise is also extremely beneficial.

Severely restricted quantity diets have been shown to extend lifespan in laboratory rats, but this is not felt appropriate for pet rats with their obvious love of food.

Other restrictions can be due to special dietary needs, such as rats with dental problems on a soft diet, or older males being put on a kidney friendly diet.

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