What must not be fed to mice? - briefly
Mice must not be given chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, sugary or salty snacks, citrus fruits, onions, garlic, raw beans, or any processed human junk food, because these substances can cause toxicity, organ damage, or death. Such items contain theobromine, caffeine, ethanol, acids, sulfides, and lectins that mice cannot safely metabolize.
What must not be fed to mice? - in detail
Mice require a diet that avoids toxic, indigestible, or nutritionally unbalanced items. The following categories represent the most hazardous substances:
- Chocolate and caffeine‑containing products – theobromine and caffeine cause rapid heart rate, seizures, and death.
- Raw or undercooked beans – especially kidney beans, which contain phytohaemagglutinin, leading to severe gastrointestinal distress.
- High‑fat or high‑sugar treats – such as candy, chips, or fried foods, which promote obesity, hepatic lipidosis, and insulin resistance.
- Artificial sweeteners – particularly xylitol, which induces hypoglycemia and hepatic failure.
- Alcohol and fermenting liquids – ethanol intoxication results in respiratory depression and organ damage.
- Salt‑rich foods – excess sodium causes dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal failure.
- Dairy products – most adult mice lack lactase, leading to diarrhea and malabsorption.
- Processed meats and cured foods – nitrates and nitrites can be toxic; high protein loads strain kidneys.
- Chemical cleaners, pesticides, and rodent poisons – direct ingestion leads to acute toxicity, organ failure, or death.
- Moldy or spoiled food – mycotoxins cause liver and kidney injury.
In addition to specific items, any food containing sharp bones, hard shells, or large foreign objects should be excluded to prevent oral injury and gastrointestinal blockage. Water should be fresh and free of contaminants; chlorinated tap water is acceptable, but heavy metals or antifreeze must be avoided. Maintaining a consistent, nutritionally balanced laboratory mouse chow supplemented with occasional fresh vegetables (e.g., carrot, broccoli) ensures health without introducing hazardous substances.