While the idea of sharing natural treats with your pet rats is certainly tempting, not all fruits are safe for these pets.
Some seemingly innocent fruits can actually be dangerous and cause digestive problems for these adorable creatures, ADVICE.NEWS reports.
As a responsible rat owner, you should be aware of the potential dangers lurking in certain fruits.
Citrus: An Acute Problem
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit may be refreshing to humans, but can be problematic for rats.
The acidic nature of these fruits can cause stomach upset and irritate their sensitive digestive system.
Grapes and Raisins: A Toxic Pair
As much as you enjoy snacking on grapes or raisins, don't share them with your fellow rats.
Grapes and raisins can be toxic to rats and can even cause kidney failure, which poses a serious health risk.
Rhubarb: A Deceptive Delicacy
While rhubarb may seem harmless, it contains oxalates, which can be toxic to rats if consumed in large quantities.
It is better to exclude rhubarb from their menu completely.
Avocado: A Pleasant Danger
Avocado may be a favorite for many, but it contains a substance called persin, which can be toxic to rats.
Stay away from offering them this treat.
Stone fruits: be careful
Be careful with stone fruits such as cherries, peaches, plums and apricots.
The seeds can be a choking hazard for rats and may contain harmful compounds that may be unsafe to consume.
Unripe or spoiled fruit: no-go zone
Resist the urge to feed your pet rats unripe fruits, as they can be difficult to digest and cause discomfort.
