Can rats eat chocolate?

Better not: rats shouldn’t eat chocolate. The RSPCA lists chocolate among harmful foods to avoid, and RSPCA Australia counts it as potentially harmful. The University of Minnesota says rats should never be fed chocolate. The Merck Veterinary Manual, on the other hand, says small amounts given occasionally as a treat don’t cause poisoning, so we err on the side of caution.

Good to know: Rats can’t vomit, so the RSPCA warns that even a small amount of something harmful can kill them. If you’re worried your rat has come into contact with anything harmful, the RSPCA says to contact your vet immediately.