How should I feed a mouse or a rat? - briefly
Provide a balanced diet of high‑quality rodent pellets supplemented with small amounts of fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional protein sources, and ensure a clean water bottle is always accessible. Limit treats to no more than 10 % of total intake and avoid toxic items such as chocolate, caffeine, raw beans, and high‑fat snacks.
How should I feed a mouse or a rat? - in detail
A balanced diet for a laboratory mouse or pet rat consists of a reliable base, supplemental fresh items, and controlled treats. Commercially prepared rodent pellets provide the essential protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals required for growth, reproduction, and maintenance. Select a formulation appropriate for the animal’s life stage: starter or growth pellets for juveniles, maintenance pellets for adults, and senior formulas for aged individuals. Offer the pellets in a shallow dish to prevent spillage and ensure constant availability.
Fresh foods augment the pellet diet and supply additional nutrients. Provide small portions of the following items no more than three times per week:
- Cooked, unseasoned lean chicken or turkey (finely shredded)
- Hard‑boiled egg, finely chopped
- Fresh vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, kale, or bell pepper (remove any wilted leaves)
- Fresh fruit pieces like apple, banana, or berries (limit to a few grams to avoid excess sugar)
All fresh items must be washed, pesticide‑free, and served in bite‑size pieces. Remove uneaten portions after 24 hours to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
Water must be available at all times in a clean bottle with a stainless‑steel or plastic sipper. Replace the water daily and sanitize the bottle weekly to prevent biofilm formation.
Nutritional pitfalls to avoid include:
- Processed human foods high in salt, fat, or sugar (e.g., chips, candy, cheese)
- Toxic plants such as avocado, rhubarb leaves, and nightshade family members
- Citrus fruits and raw onions, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation
Feeding frequency varies with age. Juvenile mice and rats require continuous access to food, with the pellet supply never fully depleted. Adults can tolerate brief fasting periods of up to 12 hours but should still have constant pellet availability. Monitor body condition by feeling the ribs and spine; an animal should have a slight but discernible outline without excess fat deposits.
Supplementary enrichment foods, such as small pieces of unsalted nuts or seeds, can be offered weekly to encourage natural foraging behavior. Limit these high‑fat items to 5 % of the total weekly caloric intake.
Record the diet composition, feeding times, and any changes in appetite or weight. Adjust portions promptly if weight loss or gain exceeds 5 % of the target body weight within two weeks. Consistent documentation supports optimal health management and early detection of metabolic disorders.