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Yes, rats can eat fresh apricots, with the stone taken out. Rat Guide lists de-pitted apricot as a fruit choice and suggests about half to one teaspoon of fruit per rat a day in total. Burgess says a piece of fruit the size of a rat’s ear is a good portion. Dried apricots are sticky and sugary, and Rat Guide lists dried fruit as a choking risk.
| Safe? | Yes, fresh flesh, stone out |
|---|---|
| How much | Half to one teaspoon, about the size of a rat’s ear |
| How often | A few times a week, as the day’s fruit |
| Best served | Fresh, ripe, washed, chopped |
| Watch out for | The stone; dried, tinned or jam apricots |
Are apricots safe for rats?
The fresh flesh is. Rat Guide includes apricot, de-pitted, among its daily fruit choices, alongside other fruits, with the advice to choose one fruit a day. Fruit is sugary, so it stays a small part of the diet. Burgess says fresh fruit should be small amounts counted within the daily food.
How much apricot can a rat have?
Rat Guide suggests about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of fruit per rat a day, picking one fruit for that day. Burgess, quoting PDSA, says a piece the same size as a rat's ear is a good portion. For apricot, that is a small chunk of flesh. We would give it a few times a week, rotating with other fruit and keeping some days fruit-free.
Flesh, skin, stone and dried apricots
| Part or form | OK? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe flesh | Yes | Washed and chopped |
| Skin | Yes | Part of the flesh piece; wash well |
| Stone (pit) and kernel | No | Rat Guide lists apricot de-pitted; take the stone out and bin it |
| Dried apricots | No | Rat Guide lists dried fruit as a choking hazard; also very sugary |
| Tinned apricots in syrup, jam | No | Added sugar |
If a rat gets hold of an apricot stone, take it away. If they have broken into it or swallowed a piece, ring your vet for advice.
Who should skip apricots?
Overweight rats should have fruit less often, as Rat Guide counts fruit among sugary foods to keep small. Rats with an upset stomach should skip fruit until their droppings are normal.
How to give apricot
- Wash it and remove the stone. Halve it and lift the stone out.
- Chop it small. A piece about the size of your rat's ear each.
- Serve as the day's fruit. Do not add other fruit that day.
Freeze small apricot chunks on a tray in summer. A cold piece of fruit is a welcome treat for rats on a hot afternoon.
Other fruit treats
Other stone fruits follow the same rules: peaches, plums and cherries. See our safe food list for rats, the rat diet guide and the pet rat care hub.
Questions owners ask
Can rats eat dried apricots?
No. Rat Guide lists dried fruit as a choking hazard for rats, and dried apricots are very sugary. Give fresh apricot instead.
Can rats eat apricot skin?
Yes. The skin comes with the flesh. Wash the fruit well first.
Can rats eat apricot stones?
No. Rat Guide lists apricot de-pitted. Take the stone out and keep it away from the cage.
How often can rats eat apricots?
A few times a week as the day’s fruit. Rat Guide suggests one fruit a day, about half to one teaspoon per rat.