What do our rats eat and drink?
Our rats are given an unlimited supply of rodent pellets to eat and an unlimited supply of water. The basic diet can only be modified if the project licence states that it can be. For example, food and/or water may be withdrawn for a defined period of time or the actual content of the food/water may be modified, e.g. a high fat diet or water containing medication. In addition to the basic diet, rats are sometimes provided with treats, such as sunflower and poppy seeds, which can also help to relieve boredom and can encourage movement and eating after the rats have undergone procedures. Some researchers may also provide rats with soft banana, diet recovery gel and/or hydro-gel to aid recovery after surgical procedures.
(image of rodent pellets to be inserted)
Standard rodent diet that is provided ad libitum under normal circumstances