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Celiac-Safe Homemade Rat Diet

Fun fact about me — I am severely celiac! I always recommend folks keep their rats on a standardized lab block, but I am unfortunately very allergic. I have put years into slowly developing and testing a homemade "lab block" recipe from scratch. I am always improving it, and will update with changes as I continue to monitor health and weight.

Please only follow this recipe if you are also celiac and have no other option for your rat food ❤

I also supplement with coconut oil, black beans, lentils, probiotics, egg, and a variety of different fruits, veggies, and some seeds!

Ingredients

  • 4 scoops ELSE toddler plant-based nutritional supplement
  • 4 scoops Crossfuel 100% whey protein
  • 4 cups brown rice
  • 2 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
  • 2 cups gluten-free cornmeal
  • Assorted frozen or fresh fruit & vegetables

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. In a food processor, combine brown rice, Rice Chex, and rolled oats. Blend until desired texture.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, mix the processed dry ingredients with the nutritional supplement, cornmeal, and whey protein.
  4. In a blender, combine assorted fruits and vegetables until smooth. Add small amounts of water to encourage proper blending, especially if using frozen. Aim for 3–4 cups of blended fruit and veg.
  5. Move blended fruit and veg to a separate bowl.
  6. Combine 8 parts dry ingredients with 2 parts wet ingredients (or fill a blender/food processor with 80% dry, 20% wet). Mix until a crumbly, sticky dough forms, adding just enough water to bring it together.
  7. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread dough into a flat, even layer. Using a butter knife, draw a grid pattern through the dough — this will help break it into crumbly pieces once baked.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges.
  9. Let cool completely, then break into small, quarter-sized pieces. Refrigerate or freeze for freshness.

Nutritional Information

  • Fat: 10%
  • Carbohydrates: 75%
  • Protein: 15%

Approximately 9.6 calories per gram (base mix only, without fruit and veg).

Standard rats need about 60 calories per day. I usually feed each rat between 5–8 grams per day, depending on weight and activity level, plus additional greens. Always monitor weight closely when using a non-standard diet.

Vitamins and Minerals

Coming soon!

Feeding