Versele-Laga NATURE Rat, 700 g is a complete super-premium food from the Belgian brand Versele-Laga for pet rats. It's a mix of grains, seeds, vegetables, fruit, nuts and herbs with added mealworms (4%) as a natural source of animal protein, bringing it closer to the natural diet of omnivorous rodents. It has 17.5% protein, 8.5% fat and 8% fibre, with no flavourings, colourings, preservatives or GMOs.
What it is and who makes it
Versele-Laga is a Belgian maker of food for birds and small animals. The NATURE range offers varied textures and flavours that closely mimic a natural diet. NATURE Rat is made specifically for rats and their nutritional needs. The mix includes extruded herb-based pellets that help wear down teeth.
Ingredients and analysis
Cereals (barley 8%), vegetable by-products, vegetables (peas 8%, tomatoes 2%), seeds, vegetable protein extracts, fruit (papaya 2%, raisins 1.5%), insects (mealworms 4%), nuts, minerals, yeast, oils and fats, herbs, MOS and FOS, calendula, grape seeds, algae and yucca extract. Vitamins A, D3 and E and trace elements are added.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.5% |
| Fat | 8.5% |
| Fibre | 8% |
| Ash | 5% |
| Calcium / phosphorus | 0.7% / 0.4% |
Pros
- Animal protein. Mealworms are natural food for an omnivorous rat.
- Variety. Grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts and herbs in one mix.
- For teeth. Herb pellets help wear down the incisors.
- Digestion. MOS and FOS prebiotics.
- Less odour. Yucca extract reduces droppings odour.
- Nothing unnecessary. No flavourings, colourings or preservatives.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Selective feeding. A rat may eat only the nuts and tasty bits.
- No feeding amount in the description. Adjust to your rat's appetite and weight.
- Nuts and seeds. They're calorie-dense, so watch portions if your rat gains weight easily.
- Small bag. 700 g won't last long for two or three rats.
How to feed
Give as much food as your rat eats in a day, and make sure it finishes the grains and pellets too, not just the nuts and fruit. If the less tasty parts are left in the bowl every day, reduce the portion so the rat eats the whole mix. Fresh water must always be available, ideally in a bottle. Keep the food in a closed container so it doesn't get damp.
What to add to a rat's diet
Dry food is the base, but rats also benefit from fresh food: vegetables, greens, a little fruit, and occasionally boiled egg or a bit of boiled lean meat. Introduce new foods gradually. Never give salty, fried, sweet or spicy food or table scraps. Give treats in small pieces as rewards while taming. Ready-made treats and vitamins are in vitamins and treats for rodents.
Teeth and cage
A rat's incisors grow throughout its life, so besides herb pellets it needs fruit-tree twigs and chew toys. Rats are sociable, intelligent animals that need a spacious multi-level cage, hammocks, hides and daily time with their owner. You can choose a cage in cages and carriers for rodents.
Who it suits
Adult pet rats, as their main food alongside fresh vegetables and greens. If you have a hamster rather than a rat, read hamster care and feeding. Other foods are in food for ferrets and rodents.
Verdict
Versele-Laga NATURE Rat is a varied mix of grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts and mealworms for omnivorous pet rats, free of colourings and preservatives. A good dietary base as long as your rat eats the whole mix and gets fresh food too.
How to switch a rat to a new food
A sudden food change can upset digestion, and a cautious rat may simply not recognise the new food. For the first week mix NATURE Rat with the old food at roughly one to three, then half and half, and switch fully after 7–10 days. Watch the droppings, which should stay firm. If your rat picks only familiar pieces from the new mix, don't top up until it finishes the rest. Signs of illness — lethargy, refusing food, a ruffled coat, porphyrin staining around the eyes and nose — mean it's time to see a vet who treats rodents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there mealworms in rat food?
They're a natural source of animal protein for an omnivorous rodent.
How much protein is in NATURE Rat?
17.5%.
Does it contain colourings or preservatives?
No, it contains neither.
How much should I give?
As much as the rat finishes in a day.
Do rats need vegetables?
Yes, fresh vegetables and greens complement dry food.
Can I give it to a hamster?
The food is made specifically for rats.
