Can Rats Eat Grapes?

Rats have an insatiable sweet tooth, but I’m sure you’ve already been made quite aware of that.

While they’re willing and ready to Hoover up a mountain of grapes, what we really want to know is: Can rats eat grapes? Are they safe? Is there anything to be concerned about?

The Sugar Content

Regardless of their safety, one of the most important things about grapes is their sugar content.

With such a high sugar content, a rat can experience gastrointestinal distress after eating way too many grapes. Yes- they may be safe to eat; but just like any other treat, moderation is key.

If your rat decides to gorge on your grapes while you’re not looking, you’re likely going to see some diarrhea. He or she should be just fine, but don’t be surprised if the rat seems a bit off, lethargic, or overly hyper for a while (whether it be a tummy ache or sugar induced frenzies).

If your rat is overweight (especially if it is older and overweight), you should probably avoid feeding the rat grapes. Sugar will be your worst enemy while trying to control your pet’s weight.

Toxicity of Grapes for Rats

Thankfully, grapes are not toxic for rats and they don’t fall into the list of foods rats should not eat.

As a matter of fact, purple grapes are higher in anthocyanins like other purple fruits and vegetables, which have a wide array of suspected benefits.

Thus, you can feed them as you would like to, but my recommendation is to treat them like any other treat.

For a fresh and varied diet, offer other lower sugar foods in higher amounts, such as vegetables, nuts, seeds, meat, and pelleted rat foods.

A rat cannot exist on grapes alone, nor should grapes make up a majority of a rat’s diet.

The Final Verdict: It’s a Go!

You can feel confident in handing over a juicy grape to your rats!

I would recommend offering one whole grape to your rats, and watch the fun unfurl.

They will wrestle with the grapes, trying to “bust” them open. It’s really cute!

If your rat needs some weight management, just offer 1/4 to 1/2 of a small grape.

Just remember: don’t allow the rats to have free choice over a pile of grapes.

It won’t end well for anyone (especially for you on cage cleaning day!)

How to Make Grapes More Fun for Rats

Are your rats feeling particularly bored? Here are some ways to offer your rats grapes, while entertaining them and engaging their little minds:

• Smear peanut butter across the grapes, and roll them in one of your rat’s other favorite treats (seeds, for example). Watch them navigate the deliciously messy treat over a plate, table cloth, or any other protective surface (or peanut butter and grape juice will be all over your home!)
• Freeze the grapes for a cool summer treat.
• Freeze the grapes in ice cubes for a cool treat that takes even longer to get through.
• If you have several tiny grapes and multiple rats, hide them throughout the cage.
• Build a small treat box for your rats, or place the grape in a little ratty gift bag. This way, they have to shred their way to the prize!