which is better? Food Q:

[Ratlovingkippy06]

I have gone through different foods since i have got my rats a year ago and it keeps changing first i was told dog food mix with pellets was the best now im not sure. I have thought about making a home made food which is less costly? Im running low on money because of a lot of vet bills and im just trying to save some because i normally use dog food and order pellets on KIm's ark.com. I have a range of ages now to so i need something that is good for all ages and both male and female.

Any ideas?

[QueenRat2007]

I make my own mix. I can email that to you if you want?
It's healthy, and fine for all ages, males and females

[chiropteragirl]

I use a mix of:

Natural Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds (Black oil ones are best)
Oats
Dry, vegetable Kashi pasta
Roasted soybeans
Vector cereal
Organic spelt, oat, and barley kernels
Nature's Path Mesa Sunrise Flakes
Nature's Path Heritage Flakes
Weetabix
TVP (textured vegetable protein)
Dried vegetable flakes (Like what you get in soup mixes)

This I mix (half and half) with Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul Lite dog kibble.

Plus lots of veggies and fruit, yoghurt, and other healthy snacks.

[Squeeky]

A good lab block is best such as Harlan.  14% or 16% protien is good for both sexes.  Then 20% vegs and fruit.
Otherwise it is very doubtful your rats will be getting what they need.
Although Debbie D.'s homemade diet is suposed to be as good ... but it is time consuming and more expensive.

[JR1030]

I order 2014 from Kim's Ark.

[undergunfire]

I use a homemade mix with Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul's Senior dog food, Avoderm (brown rice, oatmeal, and chicken), AND Solid Gold's Holistique Blendz's Adult Maintenance / Senior dog food.

My rats are doing great with it. I just added in more high quality dog foods and organic cereals for more variety. It may be costly at first ($40 for all of my mix), but it lasts me roughly 4-5 months. I just keep it in a fresh sealed container.

[chiropteragirl]

The problem with Harlan blocks is that they are basically just two grains, a little soybean, and vitamin supplements, whereas with a homemade mix and a high quality dog food (one with meat, grains, fruit, and vegetables in it) you get a much better diet, in my opinion. (Even with treats like fruit and veggies)