Can rats eat eggs?

Yes, but only cooked and a little: rats can eat eggs. The RSPCA, Woodgreen and the University of Liverpool’s veterinary practice all mention cooked egg. Germany’s Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT) names hard-boiled eggs for the small share of animal protein. The PDSA lists egg among occasional treats, and the Swiss animal welfare society (STS) includes eggs as a protein source. The RSPCA suggests a cooled, unpeeled boiled egg so your rats can work out how to get into it.

How to serve it: hard-boiled and unsalted, with half a hen’s egg as one portion (Zürcher Tierschutz)

Good to know: The Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz) says rats on a good commercial mix don’t need extra animal protein, so offer it only as an exception, at most once or twice a week in small amounts. If you make your own grain mix without animal ingredients, the society says each rat must get a portion of animal food twice a week, varying the foods. The society also says meat, fish and eggs should always be unsalted and thoroughly cooked to avoid illnesses caused by germs and parasites.