Annapolis Rat Removal Tip: Norway and Black Rats Preferred Diet

Norway rats and black rats are the most common types of rats in the environment. They are both native to Europe. However, they were transported to America on ships and have been thriving ever since.

Although rats may raid dumpsters and crawl through sewers regularly, they have complex nutritive food needs. However, the availability and types of foods they choose depends heavily on their immediate environment.

Both types of rats are omnivores, meaning they can and will eat almost anything. However, they typically feed according to their environment. Rats are scavengers, so they eat what they can find and that depends a lot on where they live.

Foods

Most black and Norway rats prefer to eat meat, if they can find it. They also enjoy dairy based foods and vegetables. When given the option, they will shy away from fruits and sugars. Rats don't much care for processed foods.

However, they will eat anything that may give them some nutritional value. As a rat, they never know for sure when their next meal is coming. They will typically eat just about anything they come across, especially in an urban environment.

Black rats have been known to eat wheat and corn. Sometimes they will even hunt small animals. Black rats have been known to damage crops and even poultry on occasion, in search of food.

Both the Norway and the black rat are capable of subduing prey much larger than themselves. They don't typically need to hunt in urban environments, but they are not above it. In short, they will eat just about anything, meat or plant based.

Human Intervention

Knowingly or not, the human race has made it easier for rats to survive. They cohabitate in urban areas, feeding off the huge amount of trash generated. Food is often thrown away, or dropped, and they scavenge it. The human race has become a simple food source for black and Norway rats.

Face it, humans are a simple food source for all rats. However, the black and Norway rats are just the most abundant. Perhaps they are a smarter species.

Perhaps we've just made it easy on them since they were transported from Europe. Either way, not much is safe. These rats will feed on garbage, stored pet food and even crops in the field. If they are not scavenging successfully, they will hunt small animals. Norway and black rats will eat just about anything with any type of substance. If it offers any type of nutritional value, they will eat it.