h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Rats are more intelligent than dogs. The first rat I had often had the run of my flat. (Not always as he was vey small and I didn't want him trodden on.) He learnt to come when he was called, not to chew things he wasn't supposed to, and to tightrope walk. I believe they can even be taught to "read". Simple symbols only of course.

Unfortunately, this intelligence is the reason why so many of them are found in research laboratories.

There is a brand of rat food that has meat in it, kind of like a dry dog food, but for rats. Reggie's I think it's called, and it's a bit more expensive than the veggie only food. I gave my rat bits of chicken quite often.