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Yes, rats can eat many seeds as a small treat. Chewy's vets suggest plain sunflower, pumpkin, flax, chia or sesame seeds, about a quarter teaspoon once or twice a week, and Woodgreen includes pumpkin seeds, linseed and hempseed in its rat mix. Seeds are fatty, so they are never the main food. Apple pips and the stones of plums, peaches and cherries are a no.
| Safe? | Sometimes: the right seeds, in small amounts |
|---|---|
| How much | About a quarter teaspoon per rat |
| How often | Once or twice a week |
| Best served | Plain, unsalted, hidden for foraging |
| Watch out for | Apple and pear pips, fruit stones, salted or coated seeds, seed-heavy mixes |
Which seeds can rats eat?
Most plain edible seeds are fine in small amounts. Here is how the common ones compare.
| Seed | OK? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin seeds | Yes, a few | In Woodgreen's mix; plain, never salted |
| Sunflower seeds | Yes, a few | Very fatty; rats pick them first |
| Flax (linseed) | Yes, a pinch | Listed by Chewy and Woodgreen |
| Hemp seed | Yes, a pinch | In Woodgreen's mix |
| Chia and sesame | Yes, a pinch | Listed by Chewy's vets |
| Wild bird or parrot seed mix | A little | Woodgreen uses a small amount within its mix |
| Apple and pear pips | No | Supreme Petfoods says to avoid apple seeds |
| Plum, peach, cherry and apricot stones | No | Contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide |
| Salted, flavoured or honey-coated seeds | No | Salt and sugar |
Are seeds good for rats?
In small amounts, yes. The RSPCA suggests occasional seeds such as sunflower seeds, so rats can hold and work at their food. But seeds are high in fat, and RSPCA Australia advises against seed and grain mixes as the main diet, because rats pick out the high-calorie seeds and leave the rest, which leads to an unbalanced diet and obesity.
Unusual Pet Vets goes further and lists seeds under foods not to feed. We follow the middle line from the RSPCA, Woodgreen and Chewy's vets: a measured pinch as a treat, never a bowl of seeds.
How many seeds can a rat have?
About a quarter teaspoon per rat, once or twice a week, is what Chewy's vets suggest. For the fattiest seeds, sunflower and pumpkin, we'd keep it to just a few. Woodgreen also advises not to give sunflower seeds and peanuts together, as that adds too much fat.
If a rat has chewed open a fruit stone, such as a plum or peach stone, remove the pieces and ring a vet for advice, especially if you see fast breathing, weakness or wobbliness.
How to give seeds to rats
Seeds work best as foraging prizes and training rewards. Sprinkle a pinch in a dig box, hide them in a foraging toy, or offer one at a time when your rat comes when called.
What to offer instead
For more detail on single foods, see sunflower seeds, peanuts and almonds. For the everyday diet, see the rat safe food list, our rat diet guide and the pet rat care hub.
Questions rat owners ask
Can rats eat bird seed?
A little, yes. Woodgreen includes a small amount of wild bird or parrot seed in its homemade rat mix. Rats will pick out the fattiest seeds, so never use bird seed as the main food, and buy fresh, clean seed made for pets.
Can rats eat pumpkin seeds?
Yes, a few plain ones. Pumpkin seeds are fatty, so give two or three per rat once or twice a week. Choose unsalted, unflavoured seeds. Seeds scooped from a fresh pumpkin are fine too, rinsed and dried.
Can rats eat watermelon seeds?
The small seeds inside a watermelon piece are fine to eat and don't need picking out. Seedless watermelon is easier still. Skip roasted, salted watermelon seed snacks.
Can rats eat grass seed?
Avoid garden grass seed. It is often coated with treatments to help it grow or deter birds. If you want to give your rats grass, grow cat grass or wheatgrass from untreated seed made for pets.
