Is it still true that Kaytee Pet Rat food causes cancer in Pet Rats?

Question

Does that mean ALL the many varieties of Kaytee Pet Rat Food?

Answer 1

Kaytee foods have ethoxyquin, a preservative that is believed to possibly cause cancer. Many people feed Kaytee without a problem, but if you'd rather not risk it, it's best to go with a different kind of food that doesn't have ethoxyquin.

Ethoxyquin is the reason why I, personally, don't feed nor recommend it.

Answer 2

"Dried corn can contain high levels of fungal contaminates which has been shown to cause liver cancer in rats. Corn also contains high levels of both nitrates and amines. These two compounds can combine in the stomach to form nitrosamines which are carcinogenic." http://ratfanclub.org/diet.html

Additionally Kaytee Pet Rat food is not nutritionally balanced.  It has far to many seeds in it which will make your rat fat.  Studies have shown that a diet in low protein and low fat will increase your rat's lifespan.  You should look into getting a balanced lab block.  I recommend getting them from Kim's Ark http://www.kimsarkrescue.org/content/vie...

Harlan lab blocks are specifically designed for lab rats to be the best nutritional meal.  You can only get it from second hand distributors because Harlan sells by like a ton, which is a bit much for the average rat owner.  You can buy from Kim's Ark by the pound.  I get 10 lbs and that lasts about 5-6 months with two female rats.  It costs about $20 bucks with shipping.  You can supplement with veggies, fruits, cereal as well.

I also only feed my rats in the morning vs always having their food dish full.  I think rats are more likely to get fat that way.  It's also easier to know how much they are actually eating to determine if they are getting sick (or fat, so you can cut back).

Hope that helps!