Newborns (0 - 3 weeks)
Obviously, the main source of nutrition for newborns is their mother's milk. If you have a pregnant doe, you need to make sure that she is receiving the very best in nutrition so that she can pass it on to her babies. For information on this, see Pregnant/Nursing Does below.

 

Weaning babies (2.5 - 4 weeks)
The babies will gradually make their way over to their mother's food after about 3 weeks or so, which should already be high in protein. If you wish, when their eyes first open around 2 weeks of age, offer some high protein/soft foods to the babies, such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread, soft fruits, cooked rice, etc.

Make sure that when the babies start roaming the cage that the water bottle is low enough for them to reach it. Don't ever put a bowl of water in the cage!! They can easily drown.

 

Adolescents (4 weeks - 3 months)
Babies should be separated (male and female) at 5 weeks. For this adolescent stage, still feed foods higher in protein and fat. The dry mix (Rattatats) and dog food/block is a good staple food to give them. Fruits and veggies should be given regularly as well.

 

Adults (3 months - 1.5 years)
The "adult period" depends on your rat, really. Some rats prone to a shorter lifespan (i.e. they came from a pet store) may start to seem "old" around 1.5 years. Other rats don't show their old age until they near 3 years. Basically, the adult stage means that they still have energy, are in optimal health, etc.

For this stage, offer a mix of Rattatats (or another dry mix) and dog food/blocks (see Our Food for details). Always regularly offer fruits and veggies.

Males and females, if you want to be picky about their diets, can receive slightly different amounts of protein and fat. Males, typically, are less energetic than females and thus tend to gain more weight. Also, they are quite prone to skin issues associated with high protein in the diet. Therefore, try to give your males less protein and fat than you would give your females.

 

Elderly (1.5 years and on)
A diet low in protein and fat is optimal since older rats are more prone to health problems. Just make sure that they are receiving a balanced diet. So, for example, if you see your rat gaining weight, eliminate all parts of their diet high in fat. If they get too thin, boost the fat intake. To cut down on the protein, don't offer as much dog food/block as you did when they were younger.

 

Pregnant/Nursing Does (hopefully, the age of the doe is 4 - 8 months for her first litter)
A diet high in protein and fat is essential so that her babies receive great nutrition when they are born. Bulk her up with lots of dog food, oatmeal, cooked rice, veggies and fruits, etc. Spoil her (within reason and common sense, of course). She'll be working hard once those babies are born (litters are typically 10-12 babies and can be up to 22!). Don't cut back on the goodies once she starts nursing; her body will constantly be producing milk, so keep the diet high in protein and fat. Also, once the babies start seeking out this dry diet, they'll be needing that extra protein as well.