Female rats dietary needs

Question
Sandra,

First I'd like to say that the information you provide is very informative and helpful! :)

I think it's fantastic that you dedicate yourself, your time and your knowledge this much!

Don't ever think it goes unnoticed, least of all to the rats, (I know if they could talk they would thank you!)

MY question:

Do female rats have any different dietary requirements to that of males?

ie: do they need additional fat, protein etc?

I know they do when they are nursing or pregnant, but I mean as a general rule...

My female rats are so tiny looking compared to my males, they don't seem to have an inch of fat on them!!! Very lean!

I just wanted to make sure they are recieving all the nutrition they require for optimal health.

I feed my males and females the same diet.

Which consists mostly of:

Nutro light kibble
various grains and cereals,
fruit and veggies
pasta and rice occasionally
almonds and sunflower as a treat
egg once a week..

Is there something I could give them in addition to all this to ensure they are getting enough fat?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated...  

Answer
Hi Shannon

Thanks for your kind words. Sometimes I wonder if I am helping much at all, especially when people write and are desperate for help with their sick rats and do not have the funds for a vet and there isnt much I can do other than suggest getting a loan from friends or family for a vet visit. There is only so much I can do when backed into a corner like that and its discouraging that I cant help. Thats the downfall of all of this, I guess. Knowing that there are people that appreciate me is very rewarding though and again, I thank you for saying that.

As for your girls and their diet: It seems they are getting an overall complete diet. I have a list of recipes and other stuff on my website, not sure if you saw that or not.  The truth is, girls are usually alot smaller than boys and alot leaner, too. As you said, the only time their diet needs changed is if they are pregnant or lactating and also as they get older and if they are sick and may need a supplement such as ENSURE, but keeping their fats and proteins low is the best thing you can do for their heart and kidneys, especially as they age.