What can be fed to mice? - briefly
Mice thrive on a balanced diet of commercial rodent pellets, complemented by modest portions of fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional protein sources such as mealworms. Avoid sugary treats, dairy, and high‑fat foods to prevent metabolic and digestive problems.
What can be fed to mice? - in detail
Mice require a balanced diet that supplies protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in proportions that support growth, reproduction, and physiological stability. Commercially prepared rodent chow meets these needs; it is available in pelleted or extruded form, formulated for specific life stages (juvenile, adult, breeding) and experimental conditions (nutrient‑restricted, high‑fat, vitamin‑deficient). The nutrient content of standard chow typically ranges from 18–20 % protein, 4–5 % fat, and 4–5 % fiber, with added micronutrients such as vitamin A, D, E, K, B‑complex, and essential minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc).
Supplementary foods can be introduced to enrich the diet or to accommodate special requirements:
- Whole grains and cereals: oats, wheat, barley, and rice provide additional carbohydrate and fiber.
- Legumes: cooked lentils, peas, and beans supply plant‑based protein and complex carbohydrates.
- Fresh produce: small portions of apple, banana, carrot, broccoli, or cucumber add vitamins, antioxidants, and moisture.
- Protein sources: boiled egg white, low‑fat cottage cheese, or cooked lean chicken breast contribute high‑quality animal protein.
- Treats for conditioning: commercially available mouse treats (e.g., dried insects, flavored pellets) are useful for behavioral training but should not exceed 5 % of total intake.
Water must be continuously available in a clean bottle or automated system; dehydration compromises renal function and reduces feed consumption. For neonatal or lactating females, supplemental milk replacer may be required, delivered via calibrated pipette or specialized feeder.
Certain substances are toxic or unsuitable for rodents and must be excluded:
- High‑fat human snacks: bacon, cheese, fried foods, and processed meats.
- Sugary items: candy, chocolate, syrups, and high‑fructose corn syrup.
- Citrus fruits and seeds: citrus acidity can cause gastrointestinal upset; apple seeds, cherry pits, and peach pits contain cyanogenic compounds.
- Raw beans: contain lectins that impair digestion.
- Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and petroleum products.
When designing a diet plan, consider the mouse strain, age, sex, and experimental objectives. Strains with high metabolic rates (e.g., C57BL/6) may require slightly higher caloric density, while obese‑prone models benefit from reduced fat content. Pregnant or nursing females need increased protein (up to 25 % of diet) and additional calcium for skeletal development. Disease models (diabetes, atherosclerosis) often employ specialized diets that manipulate macronutrient ratios to induce or mitigate pathology.
In practice, the diet should be stored in a dry, temperature‑controlled environment to prevent spoilage and nutrient degradation. Weekly inspection for mold, clumping, or contamination ensures feed integrity. Record keeping of batch numbers, nutritional composition, and any dietary adjustments supports reproducibility and compliance with animal welfare regulations.