How much can a mouse eat? - briefly
A mouse typically consumes about 5–10 % of its body weight each day, roughly 1–2 grams of food. This intake covers its high metabolic needs and rapid growth rate.
How much can a mouse eat? - in detail
Mice consume food in proportion to body weight, metabolic rate, and activity level. A typical adult house mouse (20–25 g) ingests approximately 3–5 g of dry laboratory chow per day, representing 12–25 % of its body mass. When offered high‑energy pellets, intake rises to about 4 g, providing roughly 15 kcal daily.
Key variables influencing consumption:
- Food type – dry pellets are eaten in larger quantities than moist diets because water content reduces dry matter intake.
- Temperature – colder environments increase metabolic demand, leading to a 10–20 % rise in daily food consumption.
- Reproductive status – pregnant or lactating females may double their intake to support fetal growth and milk production.
- Age – juveniles consume a higher percentage of body weight (up to 30 %) than mature adults.
Maximum stomach capacity for a 25‑g mouse is about 0.5 ml of liquid or 1 g of solid feed, limiting how much can be swallowed in a single bout. Mice typically feed in short, frequent sessions lasting 2–5 minutes, with intervals of 30–60 minutes between meals.
Experimental observations:
- Standard chow – 3.2 g/day (average, 20 g mouse).
- High‑fat diet – 4.1 g/day, yielding 18 kcal.
- Water‑rich diet – 2.8 g/day dry matter plus 5 ml water.
For pet owners, providing ad libitum access to a balanced rodent diet ensures that intake meets physiological needs without forcing overconsumption. Supplemental treats should not exceed 5 % of total daily calories to avoid obesity and related health issues.