What animal foods do mice eat? - briefly
«Mice» consume insects such as beetles and larvae, small arthropods, eggs, and occasional carrion. Their diet may also include nematodes and other microscopic invertebrates found in stored grain.
What animal foods do mice eat? - in detail
Mice are opportunistic omnivores that incorporate a variety of animal-derived items into their diet. In natural habitats, they obtain protein and essential nutrients from multiple sources that differ in size, habitat and seasonal availability.
Typical animal foods include:
- Insects such as beetles, flies, and moths; these provide high‑quality protein and chitin.
- Larval forms of beetles, flies and moths; soft bodies are easily consumed and rich in lipids.
- Earthworms and other annelids; moist tissue supplies amino acids and minerals.
- Arachnids, primarily small spiders; exoskeletons contribute trace minerals.
- Crustacean fragments, especially freshwater shrimp or small crabs encountered near water bodies.
- Bird or reptile eggs; yolk supplies concentrated fats and vitamins.
- Carrion or meat scraps, including dead insects, small vertebrates or discarded laboratory feed; these are occasional but valuable protein sources.
In laboratory environments, mice receive supplemental animal proteins through commercial rodent chow that contains dried insect meal, fish meal or animal plasma. Such ingredients ensure consistent intake of essential amino acids, omega‑3 fatty acids and micronutrients such as iron and B‑vitamins.
Seasonal changes influence prey availability. During spring, insect abundance rises, leading to greater consumption of larvae and adult insects. In autumn, reduced insect activity prompts increased foraging for earthworms and carrion. Urban mice exploit human waste, accessing processed animal products like pet food, cheese and cooked meat remnants.
Nutritional balance is achieved by combining these animal items with plant material, seeds and grains. Protein contributions from animal sources typically represent 15–25 % of total caloric intake, supporting growth, reproduction and immune function.