Can rats eat dates?

Yes, but only fresh and a little: rats can eat dates. The Swiss animal welfare society (STS) lists dates and figs among fruits for daily fresh food. None of our rat sources mentions dried dates or figs.

How to serve it: fresh, 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.