Special One for rats, 500 g is a food for pet rats from the Ukrainian brand Special One. According to the manufacturer, the recipe follows modern feeding standards and the advice of experts in breeding and keeping pet rodents. It has 21 ingredients: cereals, seeds, herbal pellets, dried fruit and vegetables, plus favourite treats — peanuts, rosehip, red rice and pumpkin seeds. The manufacturer notes that plant protein and natural antioxidants come from red rice, pumpkin, peas and lentils, while vitamins and minerals come from a special compound feed.
What to feed a pet rat
Rats are omnivorous rodents. Their diet is based on a grain mix, supplemented with fresh vegetables, fruit and greens, plus a little protein — such as boiled egg or lean cooked meat. A grain food gives a stable nutritional base and helps wear down constantly growing incisors.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | grain mix |
| For | pet rats |
| Ingredients | 21 |
| Base | wheat, barley, compound feed, oats, buckwheat |
| Plant protein | peas, lentils, red rice, pumpkin |
| Treats | peanuts, rosehip, pumpkin seeds, raisins |
| Weight | 500 g |
| Brand | Special One, Ukraine |
Pros
- 21 ingredients. A varied mix.
- Pulses included. Peas and lentils for plant protein.
- Red rice and buckwheat. A range of grains.
- Compound feed with vitamins and minerals.
- Vegetables and fruit. Pumpkin, carrot, apple, rosehip.
- Full ingredient list.
Cons
- No analysis. Protein and fat percentages aren't given.
- No feeding guide.
- Contains maize, sunflower and peanuts. Calorie-dense items.
- Contains raisins. Sweet — feed in moderation.
Ingredients
Wheat, barley, compound feed, hulless oats, buckwheat, puffed wheat, sorghum, maize, red rice, dried pumpkin, hulled pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, assorted herbal pellets, peanuts, pea flakes, lentils, ground carob, dried apple, rosehip, dried carrot, dried grapes.
What the manufacturer says
According to the manufacturer, the vitamins and minerals in the special compound feed support a shiny coat and healthy skin; a balanced amount of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals supports good condition and immunity; and berries, vegetables and fruit enrich the cereal base. The recipe includes ingredients that meet protein and mineral needs and strengthen bones and muscles.
How to feed it
The site doesn't give a feeding guide. An adult rat usually gets one to two tablespoons of mix a day, adjusted for weight and activity. Rats tend to put on weight, so make sure your pet eats the whole mix rather than picking out peanuts, sunflower seeds and raisins. If it does, reduce the portion. Fresh water should always be available.
What to add
Supplement the grain food with fresh vegetables and greens, a little fruit and some protein. Fruit-tree twigs and chew toys help wear down teeth. Vitamins and treats are in the small pet vitamins and treats section.
Switching foods
Introduce the new food gradually over a week, mixing it with the old one and increasing its share. Watch your pet's appetite and droppings. If your rat is wary of the new mix, start with a small portion.
Storage
Store the food somewhere dry and cool in a tightly closed bag or container to keep moths and beetles out. Check for any mouldy smell before feeding.
Other Special One foods
The brand also makes food for other animals: hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits.
Who it suits
Pet rat owners who want a varied grain mix with pulses, vegetables and fruit and a full ingredient list. More foods are in the small pet food section.
Verdict
Special One for rats is a 21-ingredient grain mix with cereals, red rice, peas, lentils, vegetables, rosehip and peanuts, plus a vitamin-enriched compound feed and a full ingredient list. The downsides are that the site gives no analysis or feeding guide, and calorie-dense seeds, peanuts and raisins call for portion control.
FAQ
How many ingredients does it contain?
21.
Where does the protein come from?
Cereals, peas, lentils, red rice and compound feed.
Which treats are included?
Peanuts, rosehip, pumpkin seeds and raisins.
How much should I feed a day?
The site doesn't say; usually one to two tablespoons.
Is an analysis given?
No.
Should I add anything to the mix?
Yes: fresh vegetables, greens and a little protein.
How much does the pack weigh?
500 g.
