What should be fed to mice and rats? - briefly
Laboratory mice and rats require a nutritionally balanced, commercially formulated rodent chow that meets their protein, fat, vitamin, and mineral needs, with continuous access to fresh water; small quantities of fresh fruits or vegetables may be provided occasionally for enrichment.
What should be fed to mice and rats? - in detail
Mice and rats require a nutritionally balanced diet that supplies energy, protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in proportions that support growth, reproduction, and health maintenance. Commercial rodent chow formulated for laboratory use meets these requirements; it typically contains 18–20 % protein, 4–5 % fat, and a calibrated mix of micronutrients. The feed should be pelleted or extruded to ensure uniform consumption and reduce spillage.
Key components of an optimal rodent diet include:
- Protein source: soy, casein, or fish meal providing essential amino acids.
- Carbohydrate base: corn, wheat, or barley supplying digestible energy.
- Fat supplement: vegetable oils delivering linoleic and α‑linolenic acids.
- Vitamins: A, D, E, K, B‑complex, and C at levels preventing deficiency.
- Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and trace elements such as zinc, copper, and selenium in bioavailable forms.
- Fiber: cellulose or oat hulls to promote gastrointestinal motility.
Water must be continuously available, clean, and free of contaminants. Automated dispensers or sipper tubes are preferred to maintain consistent intake. For breeding colonies, a gestation diet with increased caloric density (approximately 25 % higher) supports fetal development, while a lactation diet with elevated protein (up to 25 % total) sustains milk production.
Supplementary feeding may be necessary under specific conditions:
- Pregnant or lactating females: additional high‑protein pellets or fortified gel packs.
- Aged animals: diets enriched with antioxidants (vitamin E, selenium) and reduced fat to mitigate metabolic decline.
- Disease models: specialized formulas low in phytoestrogens or altered in macronutrient ratios to match experimental protocols.
Treats such as small pieces of fruit, seeds, or commercially prepared rodent treats should be limited to ≤5 % of total caloric intake to avoid nutritional imbalance and obesity. Raw or processed human foods are unsuitable because of unpredictable nutrient content and potential toxicity.
Monitoring feed consumption, body weight, and coat condition provides objective indicators of dietary adequacy. Adjustments should be made promptly if weight loss exceeds 10 % of baseline or if signs of deficiency (e.g., alopecia, skeletal abnormalities) appear.
In summary, a standardized, nutritionally complete rodent chow, complemented by clean water and occasional targeted supplements, fulfills the dietary needs of mice and rats across life stages and experimental contexts.