Hides and houses
Shelves and ledges
Foraging and toys
Cage accessories
Kits and bundles
Fairy forest
Spooky mischief
Sweetie stash
Game mode
Forest floor
Castles and cathedrals
Yes, rats can eat mealworms. PDSA names a mealworm among the occasional protein treats for pet rats, and vets quoted by Chewy say pet-grade mealworms are fine as an occasional treat. Give one or two per rat, two or three times a week at most. Live or dried both work. Never feed insects you have caught yourself, as wild insects can carry parasites.
| Safe? | Yes, pet-grade |
|---|---|
| How much | One or two mealworms per rat |
| How often | Two or three times a week at most |
| Best served | Dried, or live from a pet supplier, hand-fed or hidden |
| Watch out for | Wild-caught insects, overfeeding, weight gain |
Are mealworms good for rats?
Yes, in small numbers. Rats are omnivores, and wild rats eat insects, so mealworms are a natural treat. They are rich in protein and fat, which makes them a high-value reward. A complete rat nugget already covers a rat's protein needs, as the vets quoted by Chewy point out, so mealworms are a treat, not a supplement your rats must have. Treats like these should stay a small slice of the diet: VCA advises keeping all treats under 5 to 10% of what a rodent eats.
How many mealworms can a rat eat?
One or two per rat, two or three times a week. The Chewy vets suggest protein treats two to three times a week in small amounts, and PDSA's wording is simply "a mealworm". Mealworms are fatty, so if your rats are getting round, cut back to once a week. Pregnant and nursing does, and rats recovering from illness, can have a few more if your vet agrees.
Mealworms are a top training reward because they are small and rats will work hard for them. Break a dried one in half to make the treat go further, or hide pieces in a foraging toy so the rats have to search.
Live or dried mealworms?
| Type | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried | Everyday treats, training | Easy to store and portion; keep sealed and dry, and bin any that smell stale or show damp growth |
| Live, from a pet supplier | Hunting fun | Bred as feeder insects; keep in the fridge as the supplier advises |
| Wild-caught beetles, grubs, garden insects | No | Can carry parasites and garden chemicals |
| Mealworm treats with honey or coatings | Rarely | Added sugar; plain is better |
Live mealworms can nip with their tiny mouthparts, but rats crunch them quickly. Feed live ones from your hand or in a bowl, so none escape into the bedding.
Who should avoid mealworms?
Overweight rats, and any rat on a vet-advised low-protein or special diet. Young rats can have them once weaned and eating well; start with half a dried mealworm.
Other protein treats
Swap in a teaspoon of cooked egg, a flake of plain cooked salmon, or a piece of roasted peanut. Dairy such as cheese is a weaker choice. Our safe food list for rats, rat diet guide and pet rat care hub cover the rest.
Questions owners ask
Are dried mealworms safe for rats?
Yes. Plain dried mealworms from a pet supplier are safe as a treat: one or two per rat, two or three times a week. Keep the bag sealed and dry, and throw away any that smell stale.
Can rats eat live mealworms?
Yes, if they come from a pet supplier as feeder insects. Rats enjoy catching them. Hand-feed or use a bowl so none escape into the cage, and never use insects you have caught outdoors.
Can rats eat mealworms every day?
It is better not to. Mealworms are high in fat and rats gain weight easily. Two or three times a week, one or two per rat, keeps them special and keeps the diet balanced.
Can baby rats eat mealworms?
Yes, once they are weaned and eating solid food well. Start with half a dried mealworm and build up slowly. Growing rats do need protein, but complete nuggets should supply most of it.
