There are a few different ways to feed your rats. (Everything on this page applies to mice as well.)

1. Unlimited

When the food starts getting low, refill it.
I do not recommend this method, but it is what most people do. The problem with doing this is that your rats will only eat the yummy stuff and not the more nutritious, less delicious parts of the mix.

So let's move on to what you should do:

 

2. Refill when empty

When your rats' dish is empty, fill it back up. Try to do this on a regular basis by figuring out typically when your rats finish eating. Also, check around the cage to make sure that they haven't stashed all the boring parts of the food in parts of the cage. They can be so sneaky! If you do find hordes, do not give them more food until they have eaten everything.

 

3. Two (or three or four) food bowls

This is what I do, combined with number 2, refilling when empty. One bowl for the dog food (or lab block if that's what you use), one bowl for the mix (Rattatats), one bowl for the veggies/fruit (wash after each serving), and one bowl for other treats. I like to fill this last bowl with various treats (like Grreat Choice Healthy Treats dog biscuits) every now and then.

 

4. On a diet

If you have particularly fatty ratties, try giving them specific portions of food at regular times. Many people do this even if they don't have chunky rats just to make sure that they're not being overfed.

Typically, though, rats are not overfed. Rats aren't like dogs (or humans!); they stop eating when they're full. If you have an overweight rat, try giving him or her more exercise by letting him or her run around your room. Or maybe try putting a wheel in the cage (I recommend Wodent Wheels); avoid wheels with bars or mesh since rat feet and tails can get caught. You can also try removing all treats and fattier parts of their diet. If you buy Rattatats, we can do that for you.