Small pets
Envigo Teklad 2014 Adult Rat Diet — 5 lb Lab-Grade Rodent Food
Product description
Envigo Teklad 2014 is a laboratory-grade adult rat diet supplied as compressed feed blocks. Each unit is available in a 5 lb bag intended for companion rodents; the product number 2014 identifies the formula and is not an expiration date. The manufacturer does not print an expiration date on these items. Nesom Distributing repackages this formula for pet use, preserving the original formulation.
The diet provides approximately 14% crude protein and is nutritionally balanced to help maintain normal body weight and promote longevity in adult rats. Key formulation choices include the removal of soybean meal to reduce isoflavone levels (typical daidzein + genistein aglycone equivalents range from non-detectable up to about 20 mg/kg) and the exclusion of alfalfa to lower chlorophyll content — a benefit when performing fluorescent optical imaging.
Animal protein and fish meals are omitted from the recipe to minimize nitrosamine formation, a potential carcinogen. The blocks are intended to be fed as a staple diet for adult rats and can be offered alone or alongside appropriate fresh foods and enrichment. Many purchasers receive the product in a sealed foil-style bag to retain freshness and limit crumbs; standard handling is to store in a cool, dry place and portion as needed for daily feeding.
Pros
- Lab-formulated, consistent nutrient profile
- Excludes soybean meal, alfalfa, and animal/fish meals
- Sealed packaging preserves freshness
Cons
- Manufacturer does not mark an expiration date
- Shipping can add to overall cost
- Not formulated for mice or other small rodents
VerdictEnvigo Teklad 2014 is a laboratory-formulated adult rat block diet aimed at consistent nutrition and long-term health. It delivers 14% protein in a 5 lb package, excludes common plant and animal ingredients linked to unwanted compounds, and is suitable as a staple for companion rats. Packaging keeps the diet fresh and the formulation addresses imaging and contaminant concerns, making it a strong o
Reviews
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ivanova1st 5/5
Staple food that kept our rats healthy
Our rats lived to 2.5 years and this was their main diet. We also fed fresh produce and treats, but they clearly preferred these blocks over other options we tried.
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Sally Nace 5/5
My rats absolutely adore it
My little crew goes nuts for these blocks. Finally a food they enjoy that also delivers solid nutrition.
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Kayde J 5/5
Great nutrition for a fragile patient
I fed the 2014 blocks and later moved an older squirrel patient to the adult 2018 formula as she aged, but the 2014 was perfect while she needed it. The sealed foil bag keeps things fresh and crumb-free. For a rodent with kidney issues and seizures this diet supported healthy calcium levels on bloodwork and helped maintain body condition during treatment under a wildlife specialist’s care.
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Christine 5/5
Comparable to premium brands
I’m very pleased — my adult rats preferred these to other brands I tried and the nutrient profile is on par with top rodent diets. The bag arrived well packed and the resealable packaging prevented crumbs. One downside is there’s no manufacturing or best-by date printed, which would be helpful.
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blue snow 5/5
Noticeable weight gain for a small rat
After switching from another block diet, my petite rat packed on healthy weight within a couple weeks and looks vibrant. Her cagemate recovered well from surgery while eating these blocks. Both are active and seem very content with the new food.
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E. Hauptman 5/5
Helped clear my rat’s skin issues
I paid quite a bit because of shipping, but the food itself is excellent. My rat had sores around his head and shoulders that began to improve within about a week of switching to a strict pellet diet. By four weeks he was fully healed. He also tends to stash the blocks around the cage, so I know he likes it. His droppings became much less smelly and easier to clean up—oddly a pale grey but odor-free. Tip: use a litter box to make cleaning simpler.
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Mistina 4/5
Worth it if you can manage the shipping
I wish faster shipping deals were available, but the product itself is high quality. My rats love it and I feed it alongside another pellet and fresh foods. Skin quality improved for hairless rats that previously needed topical oils; now their skin is soft and the furry rats have glossy coats. Proper diet clearly makes a big difference in long-term health.
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Miles Cox 5/5
High-quality lab blocks my rats thrive on
These lab-formulated blocks have been my rats’ regular food since they were young. They’re nutritionally complete for adults and my pets get excited when I open the bag. I buy a multi-month supply and they never tire of the blocks. It’s food for owners focused on longevity and steady health, and I’ll continue using it for future rats.
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