Can Rats Have Olive Oil? And How To Serve It

Yes, rats can have olive oil. It provides numerous health benefits, such as protection against high blood pressure, higher levels of enzymes in the blood, memory benefits, and weight control. People have been giving olive oil to their pets for a long time because of these benefits, so you can feel confident that it is safe. There have been a lot of studies done on the effect of olive oil on rats, so the evidence to back up the benefits is extensive.

Why is Olive oil good for rats?

1. A 2010 study found that Olive oil protects rats’ livers against oxidative stress. In the study, two groups of rats fed different diets were exposed to a toxic herbicide. Researchers found that the group of rats fed olive oil as part of their diet was at least partially protected against the negative effects of the herbicide on the liver. 
2. Another study, published in 2015, found that extra virgin olive oil was beneficial for rats’ cardiovascular function. Additionally, the group of animals fed olive oil had consistently lower blood pressure during the entire study. 
3. Lastly, a 2012 study found that olive oil had positive effects on reversing age-related dysfunctions in mice. The study was carried out during 12 months, measuring olive oil’s effects on brain aging, with positive results.

You can also use olive oil to treat rats with mites. Bathe your rat in olive oil and do your best to massage it into their skin. Let the olive oil sit for about 30 minutes to take full effect, before washing it off. Use dish soap to get the oil out of the skin. This isn’t a permanent solution, though, since it won’t kill mite eggs. 

How much olive oil to give to rats?

So, we’ve established that olive oil is good for the little rodents. But how much olive oil should you give them? We recommend a few drops per week, but this depends on your rat. You should probably ramp this up since a quick change in rats’ diets can disturb their stomachs. Too much olive oil is a bad thing since it can cause obesity in the long run, so don’t overdo it!

Looking to read another article on rats? Why not check out my article on the subject of rats eating dead rats?

How to serve your rat olive oil?

Olive oil can be spoon-fed to your rat directly if he or she will eat it. If not, try soaking some bread in oil and leave it to the rat with his or her other food. Any way you can get your rat to eat it will do. If this means mixing it in with the regular diet, that works well too. Putting it in your rats’ water bowl is another alternative you could try.

Can rats eat olives?

Yes, rats can eat olives, as well. I’ve actually written a whole article on the subject. Olives have benefits similar to olive oil (duh, it is the only ingredient after all!). Olives are good for the heart and can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as numerous other heart-related problems. Olives also give the anti-inflammatory effects that olive oil has. Remember to only feed your rats pitted olives, as your rat can choke on the pits.

Conclusion

So, can rats have olive oil? Yes! Numerous studies have shown the health benefits of olive oil in rats’ diets, and many rat owners have fed it to their pets. The same goes for green and black olives. Feed these foods in moderation, though. Too much of anything is bad for your rat.