Pasta is a great source of carbohydrates, which helps rats stay energized throughout the day. Other animals, like beavers, also damage trees. Use for a meal replacement, snack or training treat (tiny strands). Foods Rats Can Eat When Cooked (Not Raw) Artichokes Beans Brussels Sprouts Corn Egg Red Cabbage Sweet Potato Meat Oleander: Many house plants are poisonous to rats (and people)! These include supporting the immune system, reducing blood pressure, slowing aging, maintaining bone density with age and reducing mammary cancer growth. (Yes & How Much)Continue, Guinea pigs are adorable, furry little creatures that make great pets. Rocket also has an abundance of B-Complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamin, niacin and B6. Feed up to daily. (0.2 to 0.4ml per rat depending on which seeds and other fat sources are in the diet.). Although we often think of them as a vegetable, peas are legumes. Amaranth is generally only sold as the whole grain and is very high in phosphorus at 5.5mg/g. Your rat will enjoy the following herbs: When it comes to flowers, you may give your fancy rat the following: 4. If using canned try to find tuna in spring water, rather than brine or oil. This post may contain affiliate links. Cats can eat olives as they are not toxic and do not pose significant health risks. The days that the fast is followed are as following: Every Wednesday and Friday. I know the olives I eat are usually very salty, and I love that, but rats are a fraction of our size, and strong flavors can easily be overwhelming to them. Sardines are 25% protein plus great amounts of omega 3 and 6, vitamin B12 and D, calcium, iron, and selenium. Despite only having a small amount of most vitamins and minerals, plums are thought to have significant benefits. If there are food shortages, rats will fight and kill each other, and the resulting carcass will be eaten. Olives contain oleic acid which decreases inflammation and heart disease. Look for interesting variations, but try to avoid added salt. Feed freely cooked or raw as a snack or meal replacement add protein, seeds, and vegetables if using as a meal. alright, can my rats eat any of the following? (5 to 8 seeds per rat depending on how often you feed them). Feed up to 3 times a week. Packed with antioxidants, they contribute to decreasing cell damage, cancer, and aging. They are a popular pet in many parts of the world, and are known for their docile and friendly nature. Safe Foods for Rats List Need a list of things that are safe for your rats? (A few sprigs more than will be eaten). This carbohydrate-rich fruit contains a fair amount of fiber, vitamin C and B6, folate, potassium, and manganese. There is no substance to this and many animals, including humans and rats, can eat raw peanuts without impacting their health. With an abundance of healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, vitamin E, B group (except for B12), copper, zinc, iron, and calcium, almonds are an excellent healthy treat. (One or two leaves per rat), Related to parsley, this herb has good levels of vitamin A, C, E, K, folate, manganese, iron, copper, and potassium. They, Read More Can Hamsters Eat Yogurt? How to Find a Qualified Pet CPR Instructor? Soaked and cooked chickpeas are 9% protein and 2.6% fat, mostly omega 3, 6 and 9. Bearded dragons are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plants and animals. Minerals include selenium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and copper. They are also relatively clean animals, and their diet can be easily managed. ( a grape per rat). There is no definitive answer to this question since there is no extensive research on the subject. Their superpower is being full of antioxidants, including lycopene. May cause pink urine. Where foods would generally be used as a full or partial meal replacement, we will make this clear. They contain many vitamins and minerals important for human health, though dogs fed a complete and balanced diet don't need these additional nutrients. One word of caution though: Always make sure to rinse off any strong flavoring from the olives before you feed them to your rats. For rats who are under 18 months, they offer 17% protein and 7% fat along with good levels of B group vitamins (not B12), minerals and antioxidants. Example: Seeds of Change Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlic. Both black and green olives and olive oil are non-toxic and safe for cats. 19. Despite low levels of vitamins and minerals, pears contain good amounts of fiber and phytochemicals, which make them useful for supporting gut and heart health. The thing is there are lots of other fruits and veggies that have antioxidants that also contain other vitamins and minerals your cat will benefit from. Azuki beans Apple (pips removed) Apricots (no stone) Asparagus Aubergine (eggplant) Avocado (flesh only, no skin or stone) Feed up to daily best fed in wet food because of their tiny size. A really helpful guide for what to feed our two rats thank you. Sometimes you may want to give them in their shells for extra enrichment in this instance, one nut per rats is fine. The amounts given are based on feeding one vegetable a day, plus greens. If you've ever wondered whether you can share olives with your favorite four-legged friend, the answer is yesthey are not toxic to dogs, and can . What do rats eat? It is probably best to feed fresh fruit whenever possible, or fruit that has been dehydrated at home. Rats are omnivores, so they can technically eat olives. 20 portions). They can also be placed in water for pea fishing games. With good amounts of calcium and a great calcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P), kale is one of the best green leafy vegetables for your rats. However, there are several types of olives, and some can be more harmful to your furball than others. Folate is the exception as levels are excellent. These tiny pale red berries are low in sugar and high in fiber and antioxidants. As we have seen there are some excellent seeds and nuts that contain good amounts of protein, but we dont want to give these in large volume because of the amount of fat they also add to the diet. Feed sparingly in a mix, or on occasion as a meal or treat. Also rich in niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium. Taking olive leaf extract (500 mg once per day in tablet form) has been shown to improve glucose homeostasis and may be an effective blood glucose-lowering agent for adults with type 2 diabetes. A nut with a difference sweet chestnuts are low fat and high carbohydrate nuts, in keeping with your rats main dietary needs. As with most foods, make sure it is as natural as possible, without added flavoring and spices. Your cat loves green olives for the same reason it likes catnip. Rolled oats can be minimally or highly processed (instant oats). I would rinse these before serving them, to make sure the high salt levels wont upset your rats stomachs. Budgies are widely kept as pets around the world and are known for their ability to mimic human speech. (1 tbsp per rat). These leaves also contain plenty of vitamin A, C, E, and K, iron, and copper. If the whole grain is used, the fiber and anti-nutrients are still in the pellet and reduce the amount of minerals and protein absorbed. Its a high phosphorus grain which should only be fed in limited amounts to rats over 18 months. This may be a protective instinct as mint repels some insects, including flies. Use as needed. In fact, it is possible that your cat may develop an appetite for green olives. Push the pit between the tines of your fork if you have one. As weve already covered, olive oil is fine for rats, so you dont have to worry about that. (Yes & How Much)Continue. Many rats will accept cauliflower raw and they can also eat the greens that surround the head. Peas contain good amounts of fiber, vitamin A, K and C, thiamine, folate, manganese, iron, and copper. They are full of antioxidants including polyphenols, which are thought to reduce the inflammation that leads to heart disease and cancer. Your email address will not be published. They have excellent properties mainly due to their high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals naturally occurring nutrients and chemicals, which help to protect cells from damage. Salmon flesh oil has the added benefit of containing naturally occurring vitamin D, which may also be further supplemented in some oils. Soaking and to a greater extent sprouting seeds can increase the availability of nutrients significantly, by reducing levels of antinutrients and encouraging the ingestion of the whole seed. Feed them very little if the applesauce has lots of sugar or other fattening ingredients. (Yes & How Much), Can Guinea Pigs Eat Bamboo? CGs convert to cyanide when eaten, but the amounts in sweet potato are nowhere near toxic levels. Along with many fruits, vegetables, grains, oilseeds, and pulses all of which we happily feed to our rats sprouts contain phytonutrients called polyphenols, which are also extremely healthful antioxidants. Other nutritional benefits include small amounts of all vitamins except for D and B12. It is a great deal and can be purchased on Chewy.com for only $16.99. Feed daily as part of a mix or add to the diet regularly as fresh food. They also contain B group vitamins and all key minerals at a moderate level. They make a great addition to the fresh element of a rats diet. Feed up to daily. A handful of olives are considered too many. (Feed teaspoon per 4 rats). Feed up to 3 times a week. ( nut per rat). They are also known as parakeets or shell parakeets. Chickpeas are thought to protect again heart disease and cancer among other health benefits. Feed once or twice a week. Although feeding rabbits oatmeal won't cause them major harm, it's not an ideal meal. Required fields are marked *. Use as a supplement 2 or 3 times a week. Bananas. Naturally, Ive had a lot of olives in my leftovers and used to wonder if I could give them to my pet rats. (Up to 2 tsp of cooked oats per rat, less if raw). Older rats tend to have a degree of kidney failure, which can then lead to uric acid build up and kidney stones. Feed freely as part of a mixed diet to rats under 18 months. Meat/Insects/Dairy Rats Can Eat; 7 . However, do not feed large amount of olives to your pet. (A one-gram scoop or quarter teaspoon per 2-3 rats.). Its antioxidants, phytonutrients and flavonoids make it a great (and often underused) fruit with benefits like protecting against cancer, aging, hypertension, and stroke. Feed regularly up to twice a week. They have excellent nutritional content including protein, omega 3, vitamin B12, calcium and iodine (which is essential for healthy thyroid gland function). Like all whole grains the seed can be sprouted, which reduces antinutrients and makes the nutrients easier to digest. Make the porridge up with plant-based milk for extra nutrients. This pseudocereal is not a grain (grass seed) but comes from an annual flowering plant thats related to spinach. So, can, rats eat olives? Also, any olives you give to your rats should be natural, meaning excessive flavoring should be rinsed off. But this has nothing to do with taste preference. Yes, your cat can eat olives as a small treat, but they should not make up a substantial part of its diet. This means its good for gut, skin, heart, and immune system health and with plenty of antioxidants may help protect against cancer and aging. Safe Foods (A-B) Apples. 2. Rats who are elderly are likely suffering a degree of kidney failure. Hemp seeds are edible and widely used as a health food in the UK, as they only contain a negligible amount of THC; the active ingredient in cannabis. Can be kept chopped into chunks in iced water until used. Pitted Olives . Still, it has the full spread of nutrients common to all greens, just in smaller amounts. Once pests are identified, ask garden centre staff to recommend suitable control products. The grain, flakes, and puffs can all be fed raw, or the grains and flakes can be cooked. Rabbits, voles, and mice are some of the more common rodents that eat tree bark. But they will eat fruit and berries. Eating a tiny olive snack, meaning less than a whole olive, a couple of times a week should be fine for your kitty if they've eaten olives in the past without any negative side effects. Spinach . (0.2 to 0.4ml per rat depending on which seeds and other fat sources are in the diet.). This makes it quick and easy to prepare. for nutritional benefit when you want to replace your dry food with a complete fresh meal. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of low-fat protein. You might not know that olives are fermented. Yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium for hamsters. Keep the skin and stone away from your rats as these contain toxins, but the soft flesh is entirely safe and full of vitamin C, E, K, B5 and B6, folic acid, potassium, copper, oleic acid and omega 3/6 fats. Feed up to once a week as a treat or meal. In fact, theyve seemed to love them, never once missing an opportunity to go to town on the sweet veggies. The fats in coconut oil are called medium chain triglycerides and they are metabolized differently than most other fats. Giving alongside a food rich in vitamin D will improve absorption. They also have 18% protein and 50% fat just under half of which is omega 6 plus a little omega 3. Excellent to support a healthy immune system, skin and coat, and also helps to improve bone health. Berries are small, colorful powerhouses of nutrition. Cashews can help to protect against heart disease, cancer, anemia, and infection. These can be an excellent source of processed carbohydrate and are often enriched, adding to vitamin and mineral intake. Many people feed their pet rats green leafy vegetables most days throughout their lives. These include lowering blood pressure (reduced risk of stroke), anti-inflammatory effects, improved gut health, and reduced mammary cancer growth rate. (1 tbsp per rat). Like all legumes, black beans have good levels of fiber. Yet they contain omega 3 and 6 fats plus loads of vitamin C and good amounts of B group vitamins (not B12), manganese, iron, and copper. Nevertheless, the content on Petlifedays never replaces veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The flour used can be white or whole grain. This folate and iron powerhouse is often found on forbidden food lists for rats because it contains higher levels of oxalic acid than some greens. Avocados are single-seeded berries. (Up to 2 teaspoons of cooked couscous per rat, less if raw). Dry egg noodles contain protein (14%), fat (4.4%), fiber (3.3%), a fair amount of B group vitamins (no B12) and minerals, with loads of selenium! (1" x " slice per rat) Show more Carrot A great source of vitamin A, the carrot is included here for its wealth of carotenoids and antioxidants, which are thought to help protect against cancer and heart disease, and slow aging. Curing your own olives is a great way to be able to enjoy your produce, since you don't want to eat them fresh off the tree. Try to go for wild caught salmon for maximum nutritional value and fewer pesticides. Olives are high in fat and salt, which is not ideal for rats (or any other animal). Wed suggest that fruits from this section do not make up any more than half of the total amount of fruit that you give to your rats. Feed up to twice a week. Consider mixing in some olives with your rats regular food, if you feel like this is needed. (0.2 to 0.4ml per rat depending on which seeds and other fat sources are in the diet.). See also Is The Quiet Place 2 Rated R. (1 tbsp per rat). People eating diets high in monounsaturated fat, like the kind found in olives, tend to have better blood sugar control, says Peart. Can be used as the protein source in a home-made mix. What do rats eat in urban areas? Rats are often considered to be pests, but they can actually make good pets. Signs of the disease do not show until it is well established. It also has good levels of iron and copper, so excellent for rats at every stage of life and can help prevent anemia. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can kill some bacteria, viruses, and fungi. (1 cube per rat or more for hydration purposes). Olives are a great addition to a feta cheese salad, and they are also a great addition to your rat's little food bowl! These values would increase a little to support illness and healing. Nectarines are closely related and provide the same benefits. There is no definitive answer, as there is little scientific research on the subject. Some oils can also be used as supplements for vitamin D. Vitamin D does not occur naturally in many foods, and supplementation is always necessary for a pet rats diet. It has protein (11%), fat (4.2%), fiber (8.5%), good amounts of B group vitamins (not B12) and iron, copper, potassium, and manganese. Pet rabbits eat up to 30 times per day, so they need a steady supply of food. However, they are not like-for-like seed replacements, as they dont contain the mineral elements that seeds provide. Shrimp has 20% protein and also contain a small amount of omega 3, plus good amounts of vitamin D, B12, niacin, iron, phosphorus, copper, iodine, and selenium. Garlic for the win. They are not toxic for canines, but you must exercise caution before feeding any to your dog. Please do not use our content as a basis for the independent diagnosis and start, change, or end of treatment of your animal. This native South American plant is easy to grow in humid climates, and the root is a good source of nutrients, which is why it's now cultivated across South America and parts of Africa. Feed up to twice a week. Feed freely as part of a mixed diet. (Up to 2 tsp cooked noodles per rat). Single kernels make nice treats. Use Rodent Proof Storage Bins ( cube per rat). See section introduction for amount guide. These gorgeous nuts have the highest fat content of all nuts but these are healthy fats, and this can be useful when trying to maintain weight in an older or sick rat. (1 small sprig per rat). Feed up to 3 times a week. Based on the wholegrain product, wheat has 11% protein, 2% fat, plus good amounts of most B group vitamins (not B12) and minerals including zinc, selenium, copper, and iron. In Laos, he says, farmers in the northern upland provinces can identify at least five rodent species . Olives are high in fat and salt which can be harmful to rats if they consume too much of it. This, and the B6 and folate all help to prevent anemia. Hey, Im Peter. It is a very good source of vitamin C and K, potassium, and manganese. Feed up to three times a week. The antioxidants may help fight various types of cancer, protect the brain as it ages, and decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers looked at how adding olive oil to the diet of rats affected them when they were being fed a diet of genetically modified soy. Not all salmon is equal. Crickets, if fed whole, will provide a small amount of a wide range of vitamins and minerals. ( of an olive per rat). (Yes & How Much), Can Hamsters Eat Yogurt? Paddy rice rice with no processing where the grain is still in its husk. Olive Cat Food Farmers Market released the first ever all natural cat food that is flavored with Olive Oil. These readily available nuts are rich in essential omega 3 and 6, phytochemicals, proteins and antioxidants. If you have unpitted olives laying around, it only takes a minute to cut them in half and remove the pit. They also contain some vitamin C, E, and K, as well as manganese. If they stay well, they will usually come back to the food and eat a little more and then wait again. Feed up to 3 times a week. Advertisements. A hard-boiled egg in its shell offers great enrichment and solid nutrition once opened! However, if you have individuals who will only accept cooked vegetables this is far better than no veg at all. (2 or 3 seeds per rat). Most rats will happily accept vegetables and herbs raw. The magnesium helps to improve bone health and the zinc will support fertility in male rats. Many other foods contain CGs yet are never mentioned. Feed when desired to young and adult rats. Olives are a healthy food for. Try planting some in your garden. Feed freely as part of a mixed diet. Many people think of them as being similar to hamsters or rabbits, but they are actually more closely related to chinchillas and porcupines. The low/no sugar Cheerios also make great hand treats. If you do decide to give your rat an olive as a treat, be sure to offer plenty of fresh water to help them stay hydrated. 4. Instead, we need options that will increase the protein content of the diet without creating difficulties such as unwanted nutrients or other negative side effects. They also have an anti-inflammation effect. ( of a large strawberry per rat), Deep red raspberries are loaded with phytonutrients as well as some vitamin C, K, and manganese. Add to this antioxidant protection against cell damage, cancer, and aging all in one small seed. Couscous is also available as whole grain and large piece size, which is more suitable for feeding raw as its easier to hold in tiny hands. They are a very healthy protein source for rats and canned sardines are cheap to buy. Mix it into other foods such as cooked grains and fish or just give plain with fruit and seeds. Small amounts of crackers can make a tasty treat, but watch out for the extra salt. Benefits include supporting brain and cardiovascular health and protecting against cancer and aging. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties and studies in rabbits showed it helped them to deal better with oxidative stress. Can be fed fresh or frozen. Helps manage your blood sugar levels . Most rat parents Ive talked to about this reported the same thing, so if you are thinking about trying this yourself, I think you should! Benefits include support for a healthy heart, thyroid gland function, immune system health and can help to reduce chronic inflammation in the body. Feed up to 3 times a week. Also contains some B group vitamins and excellent amounts of calcium, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc, and copper. 11 Tips to Extend Your Rat Lifespan. Feed raw, low salt canned, or frozen (great for fishing games). They are capable for reducing the levels of bloods sugar. Yes, please. Offer one leg or thigh bone per rat as a fortnightly treat when available. Other benefits include boosting the immune system and gut health. As rats gnaw and grind their food you dont need to worry about splinters as you do with dogs. This sweet, starchy orange root is packed with fiber, vitamin A, B group, C, manganese, potassium, and antioxidants. Any grain in your mix that still looks like a small grain is unprocessed, a squashed (micronized) flake or a puffed wholegrain is minimally processed, and anything that resembles a biscuit or pellet is highly processed, though may still contain lots of fiber. This is due to isoprenoids, a unique chemical component found in this fruit. Green beans are another good source of fiber. However, its always better to give variety, and smaller amounts of several grains are preferable. The short answer is, yes! Beyond berries, there are many other wonderful fruits that offer their individual benefits to the average rat diet. Olive oil is one of the natural oil which is good for our health. Weve chosen 20 wonderful, readily available fruits that will make an excellent addition to your rats diet. Can be used dry in a mix or cooked. Olives are a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants. ( of a walnut per rat). Pumpkin seeds are 25% protein and 45% fat with about half of that being omega 6. Keeping olive trees well-fed and adequately watered is the best initial defence against pests and diseases, since vigorous trees are better able to withstand attack and less likely to suffer long-term damage. Group 1: The control group - i.e. These have been linked to reduced inflammation, heart health, and protection against cancer. Feed up to 3 times a week. Flakes can be used in your mix, made into porridge or mixed into a protein food like scrambled egg. However, sardines are best avoided in any quantity as rats age (over 18 months) because they contain a substance that converts to uric acid in the body and this is a chemical normally excreted in the urine. Rice Select, Royal Blend, Wholegrain brown rice, soft white wheat, rye berries, and wild rice. They also support healthy skin and coat. However, olives are also high in salt, which can be dangerous for rats. Dont have a lot of olives laying around at home? Pick the young leaves away from roadsides and wash well before feeding freely, up to every day. See section introduction for amount guide. When it comes to their diet, rats are omnivores, which means that they can eat both plants and animals. Once cooked it contains 3% protein, 0.2% fat, plus small amounts of most B group vitamins (not B12) and minerals with the phosphorus level of 0.4mg/g. Plants That Are Poisonous to Rats Amaryllis Azalea Christmas Rose Chrysanthemum Crocus Cyclamen Dieffenbachia Geranium Hyacinth Hydrangea Ivy Lily of the Valley Mistletoe Some rats prefer root vegetables grated. (1 to 3 seeds per rat). (1-2 nuts per rat). While ducks do eat grass, it is not their preferred food and they will only eat it if they are desperate or if there is nothing, Read More Can Ducks Eat Grass? ( cube per 4 rats). Sweet basil is the herb widely used in Italian cooking. This worked out very well for me, as I often had olives left over from dinner the day before. Regularly trimming branches will keep rodents like mice, Norway rats, and roof rats from approaching. They contain a small amount of almost all the vitamins and minerals, plus a fair amount of fiber, but most of the health benefits are due to their high polyphenol content. To help you, weve chosen 20 common vegetables and herbs that are a great addition to your rats diet. Thats what motivates me to write these articles. They drink water from leaky pipes, pets water bowls, irrigation pipes, and even high bird baths to suffice their water requirements. Processed meat increases cancer risks, as well as adding unnecessary salt to the diet. (3 or 4 seeds per rat). The grains are cleaned, parboiled and then cracked into small pieces. Kidney disease is so common in older rats that you are wise to assume that from about 18 months onwards the disease is present. looking for a healthy treat for your rat, then olives can be a good choice. 1g of cashew has 22 micrograms of copper, which is around a tenth of the daily requirement. Feed as a high carbohydrate energy boost to which oil, protein, berries, and vegetables can be added (Up to 2 rounded tsp of cooked bulgur wheat per rat, less if raw). Healthy fats? Phosphorus 1.2mg/g. Consuming a lot of sodium can cause . Walnuts are high in fat, not fiber, which can cause your rabbit uncomfortable indigestion. There will be no problem if you have shared some of your food that is cooked with olive oil. However, choose instant oats that have no added sugar, sweeteners or flavoring. We finish off with a guideline as to how often and how much to feed. Benefits of salmon flesh oil include helping to maintain brain, heart and joint health, plus (vitamin D) improving calcium absorption and supporting bone health. Avoid giving olives to kittens or cats with diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease. Can be fed fresh or frozen. Feed regularly up to twice a week. pearl barley dehulled and polished more vigorously which removes more of the bran, leaving a white or caramel flecked white grain. This amount is based on feeding only one type of oil, seed or nut once or twice a week. I remember often giving these as a treat, and my rats seemed to love them. If fresh see section introduction for amount guide. Good levels of fiber, B vitamins (not B12), minerals and phytochemicals. A healthy, store cupboard oil that is high in the monounsaturated fat, oleic acid, as well as containing about 11% omega 3 and 6. Pearl barley has less of all nutrients, including protein (10%) and fat (1.2%), but still has good amounts of the vitamins and minerals. You can safely eat or feed sweet potato raw, but we would suggest baking it because it tastes much nicer! These robust, deep purple berries are often found growing wild. Feed up to 3 times a week. pot barley dehulled and polished slightly which removes some of the bran. I've actually written a whole article on the subject. Millet is closely related to sorghum but is a smaller grain, which is commonly used in bird seed. ( a cherry per rat). These small disc-shaped pulses are a useful source of protein (raw 26%) with only 1% fat! Feed as desired. Cooking veg will reduce the levels of some micronutrients in food, so raw is best for your rats. If you are putting pasta into a mix, choose the smallest piece-size you can find. We want to avoid the choking hazard they present so it's best to cut them up into very tiny pieces to make them easy to eat. Other B group vitamins are well represented (not folic acid). Rocket alone can be fed daily. Feed up to twice a week. (Up to 2 tsp of cooked rye per rat, less if raw). (Up to 2 tsp cooked rice per rat, less if raw). Soaking a cotton ball in peppermint oil is another option that you can use inside of your home. Its difficult to find full nutrient details for insects, but major nutrient levels are available. Processing does make the carbohydrate easier to digest. Feed when needed, up to daily. 3. These are a favorite with many rats and should be soaked overnight before boiling, roasting or sprouting. The fiber is mostly found in the bran layer that coats each grain, along with antinutrients, both of which can significantly reduce the absorption of protein and minerals. High salt diets have also been proven to increase blood pressure in rats, so this is something to take seriously. They are also a rare plant source of vitamin D when they are exposed to UV light for growth. (1 tbsp per rat), This wild growing herb makes a great alternative to kale for daily greens. See section introduction for amount guide. Sprouts themselves have great amounts of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and K, plus good levels of vitamin A, B group, iron, potassium, and manganese.