What can you feed a mouse? - briefly
Mice thrive on grains, seeds, and modest portions of fruits or vegetables, while commercially formulated rodent pellets supply balanced nutrition. Processed foods, chocolate, and high‑fat or salty items should be excluded because they are toxic or unhealthy for the animal.
What can you feed a mouse? - in detail
Mice thrive on a diet that supplies protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in balanced proportions. Commercial rodent pellets are formulated to meet these requirements and should constitute the core of the diet. Pellets provide consistent nutrition, reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies, and limit exposure to contaminants.
Supplementary foods can be offered to add variety and enrichment:
- Fresh vegetables: carrots, broccoli, peas, cucumber, and leafy greens such as kale or romaine lettuce. Provide small, bite‑size pieces; remove uneaten portions within two hours to prevent spoilage.
- Fresh fruits: apple (seedless), banana, berries, and melon. Offer in moderation because of high natural sugar content.
- Protein sources: cooked egg white, plain cooked chicken, low‑fat cheese, or mealworms. Ensure the meat is unseasoned and free of bones.
- Whole grains: oats, barley, or whole‑grain bread. Offer a few crumbs daily; avoid processed cereals with added sugars or salts.
- Nuts and seeds: sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or unsalted peanuts. Limit to a few pieces per week due to high fat density.
Foods that must be excluded because they are toxic or pose health risks include:
- Chocolate, caffeine, and nicotine.
- Citrus fruits and their juices, which can cause digestive upset.
- Raw beans, especially kidney beans, which contain lectins.
- Processed snacks, salty chips, or foods high in sodium and artificial additives.
- Dairy products with high lactose content, as many mice lack sufficient lactase.
- Sticky or hard substances such as chewing gum, which can cause intestinal blockage.
Feeding schedule should reflect the mouse’s natural foraging behavior. Provide fresh water daily in a sipper bottle. Offer a measured amount of pellets (approximately 1–2 g per adult mouse) at the same time each day. Supplementary items can be rotated every few days to maintain interest while preventing overconsumption.
Monitoring health indicators—steady body weight, clean fur, active behavior, and normal fecal output—helps assess whether the diet meets the animal’s needs. Adjust portions or food types if any signs of weight loss, lethargy, or digestive problems appear.