How do you supplement a mouse's diet? - briefly
A balanced diet of commercial rodent pellets should form the base, with occasional fresh produce such as carrots or apples and protein treats like boiled egg or mealworms added in limited quantities. Ensure all supplements are nutritionally appropriate and introduced gradually to prevent digestive upset.
How do you supplement a mouse's diet? - in detail
Providing a balanced diet for laboratory or pet mice requires careful addition of nutrients beyond standard chow. Commercial mouse pellets supply most macronutrients, but specific goals—growth, breeding, disease models, or aging studies—often demand targeted enrichment.
Essential vitamins and minerals should be supplied in measured amounts. Vitamin A, D3, E, K, B‑complex, and C prevent deficiencies that affect vision, bone health, and immune function. Mineral mixes typically include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, and iron; concentrations must match established rodent nutrition guidelines to avoid toxicity.
Protein augmentation can be achieved with purified casein, soy isolate, or whey concentrate. Adding 2–5 % extra protein supports lactating females and rapidly growing juveniles. For fiber, incorporate insoluble sources such as cellulose or oat bran at 5–10 % of the diet to promote gastrointestinal motility and microbiome diversity.
Probiotic preparations containing Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium strains improve gut health and reduce pathogen colonization. Administration routes include freeze‑dried powder mixed into feed or aqueous suspension offered via drinking water, with dosages of 10⁸–10⁹ CFU per mouse per day.
Omega‑3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are added as fish oil emulsions or algal oil capsules. Typical inclusion rates range from 0.5 to 1 % of total diet weight, providing anti‑inflammatory benefits and supporting neural development.
Supplementation protocol:
- Determine experimental or health objectives.
- Select appropriate nutrient categories (vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, probiotics, fatty acids).
- Calculate dosage based on body weight (average adult mouse ≈ 25 g) and recommended daily intake.
- Mix supplements uniformly into standard chow to prevent selective feeding.
- Verify stability of heat‑sensitive vitamins by adding after pellet cooling or using encapsulated forms.
- Monitor intake, body condition, and blood parameters regularly; adjust concentrations if signs of deficiency or excess appear.
Safety considerations include avoiding over‑supplementation, which can cause hypervitaminosis or mineral imbalances, and ensuring all additives are free of contaminants. Documentation of formulation, batch numbers, and storage conditions supports reproducibility and regulatory compliance.