Can rats eat apples?

Yes, but only a little: rats can eat apples. The PDSA, RSPCA Australia (as a treat), the University of Minnesota and the Swiss animal welfare society (STS) all list apples. The Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz) includes apple among fruits for rats in small amounts, and Switzerland’s federal veterinary office (BLV) notes that rats love apples. The PDSA says to remove the seeds.

How to serve it: washed, seeds removed, a small piece

Good to know: The PDSA’s chart says to give fruit only in very small amounts as a treat, since it is high in sugar, though its page suggests small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables daily. RSPCA Australia lists fruit as a treat to give infrequently and in small amounts, the Merck Veterinary Manual says limited amounts, and the Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz) says occasionally. The Swiss animal welfare society (STS), on the other hand, counts fruit as daily fresh food, the University of Liverpool’s veterinary practice mentions small daily amounts, and the Royal Veterinary College suggests some fruit daily, so we err on the side of caution.