Formulation of species appropriate, healthy and natural Dry Mix Diets for pet rats and hamsters. 🌿
31/03/2025
With the recent influx of diabetic rats, we thought it crucial to share some knowledge on how to manage type 2 diabetes with diet. 🌿
Below are reccomended foods and ingredients that have been thoroughly researched:
Kidney-Friendly Fresh Food Mix for Rats :
Base Grains (Soaked & Cooked)
• Pearled Barley
• White Rice
• Millet
• Buckwheat (half portion)
• White Sorghum (half portion)
• Rolled Oats (small amounts in moderation)
Vegetables (Cooked or Fresh) :
• Pumpkin
• Zucchini/Baby Marrows
• Cucumber
• Carrots (small amounts)
• Sweet Potatoes (steamed or boiled)
• Green Beans
• Lettuce (not iceberg)
• Bell Peppers
• Rocket
• Cauliflower (moderation)
Proteins (Cooked & Plain) :
• Egg Whites
• Tofu (well rinsed)
• Chicken Breast (boiled)
• Bone Broth (homemade, no additives)
Healthy Seeds & Fats :
• Flaxseed
• H**p Seed
• Pumpkin Seed
• Sesame Seed
• Olive Oil (weekly)
• Flaxseed Oil (weekly)
Low-Sugar Fruits (Small Amounts) :
• Blueberries
• Green apples
• Pears
• Strawberries
• Watermelon (moderation)
Foods to Avoid
❌ High Oxalate Veg (Broccoli, Spinach, Kale)
❌ Red Meats, Organ Meats
❌ Nuts, Dairy, Wheat, Brown Rice
❌ Spelt, Rye, Quinoa, Sunflower Seeds
❌ Coconut, Legumes, Avocado, Chia Seeds
High-Starch & Refined Carbs (Wheat, Brown Rice, Spelt, Rye, Quinoa, Pasta, Bread) convert quickly to glucose, leading to unstable blood sugar levels.
Even whole grains like quinoa and brown rice are too high in phosphorus, which can strain the kidneys.
High-Fat Diets (Nuts, Coconut, Avocado, Fatty Meats, Excessive Seeds)
too much fat can lead to insulin resistance, liver stress, and obesity.
Nuts (like almonds) as well as coconut are especially high in saturated fats, which aren’t ideal for diabetic rats.
High-Oxalate & Goitrogenic Foods (Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Soybeans)
oxalates can interfere with calcium absorption and contribute to kidney stress.
Goitrogenic foods can affect thyroid function, which plays a role in metabolism.
Salt & Processed Foods (Cheese, Cured Meats, Commercial Treats)
Increases dehydration in diabetic rats, worsening symptoms.
Processed foods often contain hidden sugars and unhealthy fats.
Feeding Guide
3-4 small meals per day to reduce kidney strain
Freeze in portions for easy feeding
Replace treats with seeds
No added salt or seasonings
Thoroughly research before feeding items not listed!
- Kaelin Skye Lees
