Reddit mentions: The best small animal food
We found 563 Reddit comments discussing the best small animal food. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 85 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food, 3-Pound Bag
- ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR A HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFESTYLE: Balanced protein, fat, and carbohydrates provide energy for daily function and performance
- SUPPORTS IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH: Made with antioxidants & prebiotics to support the immune system health of your adult rat
- PERFECT FOR PICKY EATERS: Uniform kibble prevents selective feeding
- FORTIFIED FOOD: Fortified with vitamins and minerals for optimum health
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Formulated with the guidance of top veterinarians and nutritionists
- FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS: Adult Rats (over 4 months) Unlimited pellets daily. It is recommended to feed a limited amount of appropriate vegetables and fresh fruits in addition to unlimited grass hay for foraging and nesting.
- COMPLEMENT BY ADDING OXBOW GRASS HAY: Offer fresh grass hay to support your pet's burrowing and nesting instincts.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Basic |
Height | 12.0078740035 Inches |
Length | 4.9212598375 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | September 2013 |
Size | 3 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 3 Pounds |
Width | 8.0708661335 Inches |
2. Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support - Dry Ferret Food - 5 Pound Bag
Genetically Appropriate Diet With No Starch IngredientsUnprecedented And Unequalled Meat Content, Including Organic. 62% Protein, And 16% Fat, Plus Other Important NutrientsSupports Digestive Health And Desirable Stool Consistency. Has The Natural Flavor And Taste That Ferrets Truly DesireContains P...
Specs:
Height | 11 Inches |
Length | 7.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 5 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 5 Pounds |
Width | 4 Inches |
3. Kaytee Timothy Hay Blend Cubes 1 pound
Blend of sun-cured timothy hay and sun-cured alfalfa hayLower protein and calcium supports urinary healthHigh fiber hay aids in digestive healthProvides added nutritional varietyComplements any Kaytee fortified foodGrown in the USA
Specs:
Height | 11 Inches |
Length | 2 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 1 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 6.5 Inches |
4. Oxbow Bunny Basics Adult Rabbit Food (Timothy Based), 5-Pound Bag
- ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR A HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFESTYLE: Made with high fiber Oxbow Timothy Hay to support healthy digestion
- SUPPORTS IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH: Made with antioxidants & prebiotics to support the immune system health of your adult rabbit
- PERFECT FOR PICKY EATERS: Uniform pellets prevent selective feeding
- FORTIFIED FOOD: Fortified with vitamins and minerals for optimum health
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Formulated with the guidance of top veterinarians and nutritionists
- FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS: Adult Rabbits (over 1 year) Feed according to weight specifications provided. Feed in addition to unlimited grass hay.
- COMPLEMENT BY ADDING OXBOW GRASS HAY: Offer unlimited amounts of fresh grass hay at all times. Choose from Oxbow’s Western Timothy, Orchard, Oat, Hay Blends, Organic Meadow, or Botanical grass hays to meet your pet's daily fiber needs.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Multi-colored |
Height | 3.149606296 inches |
Length | 11.023622036 inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | September 2013 |
Size | 5 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 5 Pounds |
Width | 7.086614166 inches |
5. Friendly Readigrass 100 Percent Natural Feed, 1kg
- #Friendly ReadiGrass 1kg
- #Friendly ReadiGrass is 100% natural
- #Made exclusively from British pastures.
- #Calcium : phosphorus ratio of 2:1 to aid normal skeletal development
- #Full of natural flavour, sealed 1kg
Features:
Specs:
Height | 7.87401574 Inches |
Length | 23.62204722 Inches |
Weight | 2.20462262 Pounds |
Width | 7.87401574 Inches |
6. Mazuri Rat & Mouse Diet Rodent Food, 2 Pound Bag
- Contains dried yucca shidigera extract to help reduce waste odor.
- Large block shape to encourage chewing and help support dental health.
- Nutritionally complete, no supplementation needed.
- No artificial colors or flavors.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Multi-colored |
Height | 2 Inches |
Length | 3 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 2 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 1 Inches |
7. Nesom Distributing Envigo (Formerly Harlan) Teklad Adult Rat Food Diet Global 2014 (5lbs)
An Envigo (Formerly Harlan) Teklad Laboratory Diet.Envigo (Formerly Harlan) Teklad 14% Protein Rodent DietNutritionally balanced and exceptionally consistent.Repackaged by Nesom Distributing for your companion animals.Globally recognized as one of the best quality rodent diets available.
Specs:
Size | 5lbs |
Weight | 5 Pounds |
8. Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Timothy Hay Pet Food, 10-Pound
The Highest Quality - Premium Timothy Hay For Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, And ChinchillasBy & For Small Animal Owners - We'Re Passionate About Our Pets, So We Hand-Select & Package In Small Batches As Only Pet-Lovers Would DoDelivered Fresh & Minimally Handled - Direct To Your Door In A High Strength Corr...
Specs:
Color | Green |
Height | 23 Inches |
Length | 16 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 10 LB |
Weight | 8.81849048 Pounds |
Width | 6 Inches |
9. Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food - Timothy/Alfalfa Blend 4.5 lb.
- Premium Formula - 100% Balanced Nutrition
- Natural Vitamins
- Chelated Minerals
- Complete nutrition
- Vet used and recommended
Features:
Specs:
Color | Fresh Green |
Height | 11 Inches |
Length | 6 Inches |
Size | 4.5 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 4.5 Pounds |
Width | 4 Inches |
10. Oxbow Animal Health Essentials Hamster And Gerbil Food, Premium Diet For Hamsters And Gerbils, Made In The USA, 1 Pound Bag
- ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR A HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFESTYLE: Balanced protein, fat, and carbohydrates provide energy for daily function and performance
- SUPPORTS IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH: Made with antioxidants & prebiotics to support the immune system health of your hamster or gerbil
- PERFECT FOR PICKY EATERS: Uniform kibble prevents selective feeding
- FORTIFIED FOOD: Fortified with vitamins and minerals for optimum health
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Formulated with the guidance of top veterinarians and nutritionists
- FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS: Young, Pregnant, or Nursing Hamsters and Gerbils (under 6 months) Unlimited pellets daily. For adult Hamsters and Gerbils (over 6 months), feed according to weight specifications provided. It is recommended to
- COMPLEMENT BY ADDING OXBOW GRASS HAY: Offer fresh grass hay to support your pet's burrowing and nesting instincts.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Natural |
Height | 7 Inches |
Length | 12 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | September 2013 |
Size | 1 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 2.9 Inches |
11. Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Food Mix For Hamsters And Gerbils
Naturally PreservedEnriched With DhaDigestive ProbioticsNatural Colors
Specs:
Height | 8 Inches |
Length | 0.02 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 2.5 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 0.02 Inches |
12. Oxbow Cavy Performance Young Guinea Pig (Alfalfa Based), 5-Pound Bag
Contains 1- 5Lb BagComplete Feed For Adult Guinea PigsLower In Protein, Calories And Calcium
Specs:
Color | Multi-colored |
Height | 8.267716527 Inches |
Length | 11.81102361 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | September 2013 |
Size | 5 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 5 Pounds |
Width | 2.362204722 Inches |
13. 8 In 1 Ultimate Crunchy Advanced Nutrition Diet For Ferrets, 4.4-Pound
- Ultimate Advance Nutrition Crunchy Ferrets Diet
- Made With Real Chicken, An Excellent Source Of High-Quality Amino Acids Important For Optimum Growth, Development And Maintenance
- Rice Is Used Exclusively As The Source Of Fiber For Easy Digestion Required By Ferret'S Unique Digestive System
- With Taurine For Additional High Quality Protein And Probiotics To Further Aid With Digestion
- Comes In 4.4-Pounds Stand-Up Bag
Features:
Specs:
Height | 13 Inches |
Length | 4 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 4.4lbs |
Weight | 4.40924524 Pounds |
Width | 11 Inches |
14. Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig (Timothy Based), 5-Pound Bag
- ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR A HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFESTYLE: Made with high fiber Oxbow Timothy Hay to support healthy digestion
- SUPPORTS IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH: Made with stabilized Vitamin C and antioxidants to support the immune system health of your guinea pig
- PERFECT FOR PICKY EATERS: Uniform pellets prevent selective feeding
- FORTIFIED FOOD: Fortified with vitamins and minerals for optimum health
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Formulated with the guidance of top veterinarians and nutritionists
- FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS: Mature Guinea Pigs (over 6 months) Feed 1/8 cup pellets daily in addition to unlimited grass hay. Although Essentials - Adult Guinea Pig Food is an excellent complete feed for guinea pigs, unlimited access to fresh grass hay should also be provided.
- COMPLEMENT BY ADDING OXBOW GRASS HAY: Offer unlimited amounts of fresh grass hay at all times. Choose from Oxbow’s Western Timothy, Orchard, Oat, Hay Blends, Organic Meadow, or Botanical grass hays to meet your pet's daily fiber needs.
Features:
Specs:
Height | 12.0078740035 Inches |
Length | 3.1102362173 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 5 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 4.9824471212 Pounds |
Width | 7.7165354252 Inches |
15. Native Earth 18% Protein 4018 Rodent Diet - formerly Harlan
- HARLAN, ENVIGO
Features:
Specs:
Size | 40-lb bag |
16. Oxbow Animal Health Hay Western Timothy Hay - 40 oz.
- PROUDLY GROWN IN THE USA: Harvested fresh from Oxbow's family of farms by our expert hay growers
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Hand-sorted and hand-packed with care. All Oxbow hay growers are trained in the production of premium hay
- 100% ALL-NATURAL HAY: All-natural, no additives or binders
- MEETS SPECIFIC NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Grown specifically for small pets. High in fiber for a healthy digestive system and dental health. Fiber is essential to the health of your rabbit, guinea pig, chinchilla, or other small pet.
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Used and recommended by leading veterinarians worldwide
- FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS: Place large handfuls of grass hay in your pet's habitat daily. Mix different grass hays together to enrich your pet's diet. Try all tastes and textures to discover your pet's favorites.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Multi-colored |
Height | 13.385826758 Inches |
Length | 14.173228332 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | September 2013 |
Size | 2.5 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 2.5 Pounds |
Width | 6.692913379 Inches |
17. Grandpa's Best Orchard Grass Bale, 5 lbs
This Soft-Textured Formulation Is High In Fiber And Low In Protein, Stimulating Digestion And Creating A Palatable, Nutritious MealThis Hay Provides For Your Pet’S Many Needs, From Dental Care, To Play Time, And Is Additive And Preservative FreeEasy To Feed For A Convenient Mealtime!
Specs:
Color | green |
Height | 6 Inches |
Length | 12 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 5 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 5 Pounds |
Width | 6 Inches |
18. Oxbow Animal Health Essentials Adult Rat Food, Premium Diet for Adult Rats, Made in The USA, 20 Pound Bag
- ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR A HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFESTYLE: Balanced protein, fat, and carbohydrates provide energy for daily function and performance
- SUPPORTS IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH: Made with antioxidants & prebiotics to support the immune system health of your adult rat
- PERFECT FOR PICKY EATERS: Uniform kibble prevents selective feeding
- FORTIFIED FOOD: Fortified with vitamins and minerals for optimum health
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Formulated with the guidance of top veterinarians and nutritionists
- FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS: Adult Rats (over 4 months) Unlimited pellets daily. It is recommended to feed a limited amount of appropriate vegetables and fresh fruits in addition to unlimited grass hay for foraging and nesting.
- COMPLEMENT BY ADDING OXBOW GRASS HAY: Offer fresh grass hay to support your pet's burrowing and nesting instincts.
Features:
Specs:
Height | 24 Inches |
Length | 18 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 20 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 20 Pounds |
Width | 3 Inches |
19. Standlee Premium Western Forage Timothy Grass, 10Lb Box
Standlee'S Timothy Grass Is The Highest Quality Western Forage And High In Fiber And Low In Protein And Calcium, It Helps Keep The Gastrointestinal Tract Of Small Animals Functioning ProperlyThe Long Stem Fiber Also Fosters The Natural Foraging Instincts Which Are Critical To Your Animal'S Overall A...
Specs:
Color | Green |
Height | 14 Inches |
Length | 15 Inches |
Size | 10 lb |
Weight | 10 Pounds |
Width | 15 Inches |
20. Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 - Dry Ferret Food - 5 Pound Bag
The first extruded dry diet/kibble ferret food that is Starch Free (Epigen does what "Grain Free" pet foods only pretend to do)Ferret Epigen 90 is a unique, nutritionally-dense pet food. When introducing for the first time be sure to follow the instructions detailed on the product labelMore closely ...
Specs:
Color | Brown |
Height | 4 Inches |
Length | 7.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 5 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 5 Pounds |
Width | 11 Inches |
🎓 Reddit experts on small animal food
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where small animal food are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
I am happy to try to help you, but I won't sugar coat it - the way these bunnies are being cared for is unacceptable. You need to educate your mom - if she won't listen you have to rehome the bunnies or assume 100% of the responsibility for their care daily... sorry but no matter you mom's needs or health, it is not fair to the bunnies - they can't help themselves at all, unlike your mom. She is slowly killing them right now.
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The correct diet for an adult bunny is - UNLIMITED hay, 1/4 cup MAX of plain pellets per day (not colorful bits or seed in them), 1 to 2 cups of green leafy veggies. Carrot, kale, and fruit only as occasional very small treats. No yogurt drops or processed sugars, seed nuts, or carbs.
Based on this and detail below make immediate changes!
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As you implement this, get a kitchen scale and weight the bun weekly and record progress.
http://www.therabbithouse.com/diet/rabbit-weight.asp - this visual guide may help determine when the bun reaches a more desired weight.
Overall, it's best to check with a vet on what a healthy weight for your bun is.
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Toys:
The other thing is increasing activity - this really goes a long way too.
Try to feed her pellets via a treat ball to encourage more movement and make them eat slower. They usually like that.
Also various cardboard castles, ramps, and tunnels to explore will help to increase activity. Take a look here for ideas.
Rabbits are food motivated so use the treat ball I shared to give the pellets and they will play and get the good toys I suggested - you can use their favorite greens to lead them to the toys and reward playing with them - build positive associations.
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Teach both bunnies tricks like here - it is a great way to get them more active and to bond with them https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke5N3tGLT_A
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Bonding with rabbits and behavior
Are both rabbits fixed - neutered/spayed? If not you MUST do this! This should be your top priority after fixing their diet. Please see my guide for details on why and how to get this done!
To build a bond with them: Do the things below and I promise you will see progress.
What works best with bunnies is always always letting them come to you instead of you going to them... silly as it is, that is what makes them feel most secure around anyone who is trying to bond with them. The best way to encourage them to do this is another silly thing - get on the floor. Literally just sprawl out and do your own thing and wait for him to come and explore you (I promise he will if you are patient). On the floor you are on his own level and you feel both safe and curious for them explore. Instead of kneeling down when you get close to him, get on all fours further away to sort of say - I am low I am safe, I will not pick you up, and then just kind of stay there and wait for him to come and explore you.
I would honestly suggest trying to really focus for the next few week on spending lots of time on the floor with him when you are home. Anything you usually do just do it on the floor. The floor is their level and where they feel the safest and that is best for bonding. Sprawl out and let him hop all over you. Watch TV on the floor and lean against the sofa for comfort or even when you are on your laptop. Always let him come to you on his own terms when he feels safe, don't reach for him if you feel like he is not feeling safe in that moment (kind of anticipate his feelings)... some greens will help make you feel more inviting and attractive, and over time you will be able to pet him while he is eating, and then he will learn that humans mean yummies and they are safe and he will pop by for pets from you more often. :)
Watch a couple videos below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3rlWno7B8g - great video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS9HcoC19h4 - another good video
I want to say thank you for being receptive to rattit's collective knowledge.
Definitely agree with all that was said by /u/durshka
To add to what has been said:
I'm not sure what country you are in, but in the US there are some great rat feeds. It's crucial you give them this, because rats will pick through seeds and take the carb/sugar loaded things over the protein vitamin stuff. (they are like people)
Oxbow is pretty standard and they look like this you do not want to get stuff like this as their main feed. They will pick through all the good bits (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, dried peas) and leave the fiber which they need. I do have a bag of this and use it as treats!
PLENTY OF FRESH VEG! also remember to wash the veg and fruit off well if you are going non-organic. Pesticides are truly harmful especially to rats which in comparison to us are TINY!
Give them a bit of chicken or tuna etc from time to time. I usually share what I'm eating with them if it's healthy.
Another good treat (and a good way to administer medicine if ever needed) is baby food. Mine love the sweet potato, squash, peas one!
When picking out a cage try and get one with at least 2 floors. Meaning they can climb and have different areas. Rats are super smart, and need space to keep it interesting. Also make sure the flooring of the shelves and ramps is not wired steel, and that it has plating. The bottom can be as long as you have enough bedding on the bottom. Rats can get bumblefoot from wired flooring.
A CAGE LIKE THIS IS IDEAL it's tall rather than wide, which they love!
Hi there. Congratulations on your new boys! I love Rex rats! I've been a ratty mom for over 12 years. I currently have 3 males, all dumbos, one of which is a Rex. The best advice I can give is to make sure to socialize your new babies and let them get used to you, your environment, as well as each other. (I'm glad to hear you got more than one!) Pouches are a great start for that, so you are definitely on the right track. I love playing around and interacting with my boys, but I also make sure to sit back and let them explore on their own, too.
Having a good cage is crucial. I recently got space pods and they love them! Having it be plastic instead of fabric cuts down on smell, too. I always make sure they have a bunch of things to chew on and play with. Make sure they have good bedding as well. I use recycled newspaper and crinkle paper.
Diet plays a big role. I feed my guys mostly Mazuri blocks and Oxbow with some vegetables (they love broccoli and frozen peas). I try to stay cognizant of treats, since they're mostly sugar and fat. (Males are prone to weight gain, so you gotta watch out.) Fruits work really well as a treat for training.
If you have any questions as you guys get adjusted, feel free to PM me.
(Also, sorry all the hyperlinks are to Amazon haha. It's what Google pulls up.)
Congratulations again :)
Great, thank you for being such a good person and taking him in, that's a very admirable thing to do!
You seem to be intelligent and you're probably doing your own research. Good job on trying to find him a friend, I cannot stress how important that is, as you've probably read online.
The scared phase is typically just a phase in the beginning. He's in a new environment and he's afraid. Guinea pigs are prey, it's only natural for them to jump and run the second they see movement they're non-familiarized with.. even when it is familiar, they're not the brightest creatures in the world and can still overreact to slight movements. After this scared phase, which can really last from a couple days to a month, it depends on their personality. Some piggies can be chill and start wheeking whenever they see their owners, and others will simply run from them for the rest of their lives, even though they enjoy being cuddled once you finally get them in your hands. It's simply something you're going to have to go through, and don't take their fearfulness personally :)
What kind of dry food are you getting him, and what kind of hay? What type of water holder do you have? He may be unfamiliar with it. Keep giving him lettuce (not iceburg) if he'll eat it, but not too too much. 1 baby carrot a day and a little bit of green pepper should do the trick as well. Piggies are supposed to have a little salad every day. Here's a fantastic guide to what they can have and what quantities is recommended.
Regarding his bedding, the only way he'll stop being afraid of you is to see that there's nothing to be afraid of. It's okay to scare him, since he'll eventually learn that there's no reason to be scared. Just clean around him and provide him a little treat like a carrot and he'll eventually come around. My piggies run from me whenever I clean their cage, it's just apart of owning them.
I don't know if there will ever be a point where a piggie can "trust" you. I don't think they're capable of trust, though some have very relaxed personalities compared to others. Like I said, they're prey. They're built to not trust you. You can start touching and holding him whenever you'd like, though you know your piggie better than we do. If he's truly so afraid of you that you don't want to hold him, don't. If you think it's time, go for it, he'll run, but just grab his butt and give him a nice cuddle session. Don't wear any clothes you're fond of :)
Whats most important is that you get him a friend, a large cage (2x3 minimum for 2), and understand how to properly feed them. I highly recommend purchasing this hay (I know it may seem like 10lbs is a lot since your little guy is hardly eating, but you'll be shocked to see how much they eat normally), these pellets (I assume he's under 6 months old), and using these kind of water bottles. I also recommend buying fleece bedding, as you will save money and time cleaning in the long run.
Let me know if you have more questions!
Howdy! First off, let me thank you for doing research before you pick up your rodent friend.
First off let me get the disclaimers out of the way: If you were looking for a cheap pet, you have chosen the wrong animal. Rats have a fairly high upfront cost that begins to taper down after the first 3 months or so once the major growth period is over with. Almost any attempt to cut costs on things I'll bring up as essentials is most likely going to end up as a bad move in terms of your pet's health. There are lots of places to save some money, but what I'll lay out here is not the place. Rats are also a very short lived pet. They will live for a reasonable maximum of 3 years, so there will be heartbreak down the road.
Still interested? Good. Let's get a list going then:
Rats are wonderful little companions, and fairly easy to care for. Keep them happy and healthy, and they'll repay you by loving you like crazy.
This is a good guide that will help you understand what your rats are doing and why, and explains some of the ways rats communicate with each other and with you.
Here's a list of foods that are safe to give to your rats. Enriching your rats' diet with fresh fruits and vegetables is important to their health, and they love it. If you buy packaged treats from the store, make sure you get one that doesn't contain dried corn, as that can be harmful.
For their food, I recommend Oxbow brand. It's very good nutritionally, and my girls love the taste. For two rats, one bag will usually last several weeks.
For their cage, you'll want something that gives them plenty of space to go about their business. Generally, the rule is 2 cubic feet per rat. So for two, try to find something that's at least 4 cubic feet. Use paper bedding as opposed to wood shavings, as wood shavings can cause respiratory problems.
You should also get some accessories for the cage to keep them entertained, such as a house, a hammock, things to climb, and some toys. All can be found at most pet stores and is pretty inexpensive.
If you decide to go for it, I think you'll be very happy with rats. And if you do, be sure to share a picture of your new babies with us here!