Can rats eat sunflower seeds?

Yes, but only a little: rats can eat sunflower seeds. The RSPCA says you can occasionally offer seeds such as sunflower seeds. Woodgreen recommends only small amounts of sunflower seeds because of their fat content, and its homemade mix includes pumpkin seeds and flaxseed (linseed) in a seed portion that makes up just one scoop of the whole mix. Blue Cross calls sunflower seeds a rare treat, and the Merck Veterinary Manual says they can be given in limited amounts as treats. The Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz) lists sunflower and pumpkin seeds among foods for small amounts, and Tufts University advises only the occasional seed treat.

How to serve it: as a rare treat (Blue Cross)