Can rats eat hay?

Yes, but only a little: rats can eat hay. The Royal Veterinary College says to place a small portion of hay in the cage every day. The Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz) notes that rats rarely eat hay and that it should make up only a very small part of their food (under 5%). Germany’s Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT) suggests hiding food in cardboard tubes plugged with hay so rats have to work for it.

How to serve it: dust-free (Zürcher Tierschutz, Woodgreen), a small portion in the cage daily (Royal Veterinary College)

Good to know: The Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz) and Woodgreen both suggest dust-free hay as nesting material.