Permanent resident of alkali desert scrub habitat and herbaceous habitats with scattered shrubs. D. nitratoides is restricted to a few remaining alkali sink areas of marginal habitat. The most dramatic habitat losses have been experienced by D. n. exilis. Fresno kangaroo rats forage on open ground and under shrubs. They also consume some green vegetation.
Food is collected and stored temporarily in cheek pouches.
Fresno kangaroo rats use nearly level terrain with sandy loam soils for excavation of burrows. Herbaceous vegetation with scattered shrubs is common above-ground cover. Some burrow systems included short dead-end tunnels, apparently used to escape predators. Nests are in burrows excavated in sandy loam soils. Little information available.