Can Rats Eat Peanut Butter?

Peanut Butter is a tasty treat for humans and animals alike, but does this mean peanut butter safe for your pet rats? In short yes, rats can eat peanut butter, however; it is important to feed them peanut butter correctly to avoid a potential choking hazard that can be dangerous for your rat.

Is peanut butter good for rats?

Peanut butter is high in protein which is great however it contains almost 50% fat which can cause long term negative health effects for your pet rat if eaten in excess, and when left to their own devices anyone would. Therefore peanut butter is a great treat for your pet rat every now and then in moderation, but is not to be substituted for a well rounded, balanced diet.

How to feed rats peanut butter

It is important to note that whilst feeding your rats peanut butter that you monitor them closely as sticky peanut butter can cause issues if excess amounts get stuck in your rats throat, causing them to choke. To avoid this the best way to give your rat peanut butter is to make it thinner and less sticky. This can be achieved by mixing peanut butter with a liquid before giving it to your rat, this could be water or even a jam. 

Other ways to feed your rat peanut butter including spreading it thin on other foods to avoid a sticky build up, or even adding it to baked goods for your rats similar to dog biscuits. Peanut butter is also a great way to disguise tastes your rats otherwise wouldn’t eat, mixing any medications you may give your rat with peanut butter can make it irresistible.  

Do all rats like peanut butter?

Yes! Rats will eat almost anything they can get their cute little hands on and peanut butter is no exception. Although, rats can be fussy eaters and have their personal preferences just like us humans. So some rats will love peanut butter others will find it okay and some can dislike it.

For more information on what you can and can not feed rats make sure to check out our other rat feeding articles.