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No, do not feed avocado to rats. RSPCA Australia, Burgess and Unusual Pet Vets all list it as a food to avoid. Every part of the avocado, flesh included, contains persin, and the flesh is very high in fat. A vet-reviewed guide from The Vet Desk says it is not worth the risk in any amount. If your rat has eaten some, ring your vet.
| Safe? | No |
|---|---|
| How much | None |
| How often | Never |
| Best served | Not at all; offer other fruit or veg |
| Watch out for | Guacamole, avocado toast, skins in food waste |
Why is avocado bad for rats?
Avocado contains persin, a natural compound that is toxic to many animals. Some websites say the green flesh is safe and only the skin and stone are a problem, but The Vet Desk's vet reviewer points out that persin is found in the pulp too, and that the high fat content alone makes avocado a poor food for rats. With the welfare charities, a big pet food maker and exotic vets all saying avoid, we see no reason to take the chance.
| Part | Safe for rats? |
|---|---|
| Skin | No |
| Stone (pit) | No; also a choking and tooth risk |
| Flesh | No; contains persin and is very fatty |
| Leaves and plant | No; keep house plants out of reach |
| Guacamole, avocado toast | No; often also contains onion, garlic and salt |
My rat ate avocado: what should I do?
- Take it away. Remove any avocado left, including skins in bedding or bins.
- Work out how much. Note roughly how much and which part was eaten, and when.
- Ring your vet. The Vet Desk advises contacting an exotic vet straight away after any avocado is eaten. Tell them what you noted.
- Watch closely. Look for laboured or fast breathing, a puffed-up coat, not eating, diarrhoea, or a rat who is quiet and hunched.
- Go in if told to. If you see any of these signs, or your vet asks to see your rat, take them in that day.
Guacamole and dips are doubly risky, because they usually contain onion and garlic, which are also on the RSPCA Australia avoid list. If a rat has eaten guacamole, tell your vet about those ingredients too.
Foods that look like a good idea but are not
Avocado is often called a healthy fat for people, which is why owners ask. For rats the healthy picks are lower-fat foods. Other common foods on the same avoid lists include onion, garlic, citrus, rhubarb, grapes, raisins and chocolate. We skip mango too.
What to give instead of avocado
For a soft, rich treat, a thin slice of ripe banana works well. For everyday food, broccoli and other greens are on every safe list. A rat who needs to gain weight is a job for your vet, who may suggest cooked egg or a recovery food. See our safe food list for rats, the rat diet guide and our pet rat care hub.
Questions owners ask
Is avocado flesh safe for rats?
No. Some sites say the flesh is fine, but persin is found in the pulp as well as the skin and stone, and the flesh is very high in fat. Welfare charities and exotic vets list avocado as a food to avoid.
How much avocado is toxic to rats?
No safe amount has been set, which is why vets advise avoiding it entirely. If your rat has eaten any, ring your vet, say how much and which part, and watch for breathing changes, not eating or diarrhoea.
Can rats eat guacamole?
No. Guacamole is avocado plus, usually, onion, garlic and salt, all of which rats should avoid. If your rat has eaten some, ring your vet and tell them the ingredients.
Can rats eat avocado oil?
We would not offer it. It comes from the same fruit and is pure fat, and none of the vet or charity sources recommend it. Rats get the fat they need from complete nuggets.