The Ultimate Guide To Feeder Mice Nutrition

Feeder mice are typically fed a variety of foods, including commercial mouse food, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy treats such as boiled eggs, lean meat, beans, and pulses. It is important to provide a balanced diet that meets their nutritional requirements and to avoid sudden changes in their diet, as it may upset their stomachs. Additionally, feeder mice should be given opportunities to chew and gnaw on things to keep their teeth healthy.

What to Feed Feeder Mice

Commercial mouse food, e.g. pellets, as the foundation of their diet

Commercial mouse food, such as pellets, is the best foundation for a feeder mouse's diet. These formulated diets are designed to meet the nutritional requirements of mice and can be supplemented with small amounts of fresh foods for variety and interest. Good-quality pellets formulated specifically for mice should make up the majority of their diet, ensuring a protein content of approximately 14-16% and a fat content of around 5%. It is important to feed the recommended amount in consultation with a veterinarian to prevent obesity.

When choosing commercial mouse food, it is best to opt for a museli-style diet as mice love variety. Look for options that include grains, seeds, and other plant matter, as well as some insect matter to mimic their natural diet. You can typically find these at pet shops or online retailers.

While feeder mice will eat almost anything, it is important to prioritise their health and provide a well-rounded diet. Avoid seed mixes as mice tend to selectively feed on their favourite high-calorie pieces, leading to dietary imbalances and potential obesity. Instead, scatter their daily amount of pellets around their cage to encourage natural foraging behaviour and prevent one mouse from guarding the food bowl.

In addition to commercial mouse food, you can offer small amounts of fresh dark greens and non-starchy vegetables as part of their daily food allowance. Bok choy, parsley, kale, beet greens, broccoli, green beans, carrots, and zucchini are all excellent choices. Treats like boiled or scrambled eggs, mealworms, lean meat, beans, peas, and other pulses can also be given infrequently in moderation.

Fresh fruit and vegetables, e.g. apple, bok choy, kale, broccoli, and berries

Fresh fruit and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy mouse diet. Mice are omnivores, so they require a variety of nutrients in their food. A healthy mouse diet should include about 20% fruits and vegetables, with the remaining 75% being fortified pellets.

Mice can eat a variety of fruits, including apples, berries, and bok choy. It is important to remove the seeds from apples before feeding them to mice, as seeds can be a choking hazard. Other fruits that are safe for mice to eat include pears, bananas, melons, peaches, plums, and oranges. However, it is best to avoid citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruit, and oranges, as these can be harmful.

When it comes to vegetables, mice can enjoy dark, leafy greens such as kale and bok choy, as well as broccoli, green beans, and carrots. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a well-rounded and nutritious diet for pet mice.

It is important to note that fresh fruit and vegetables should be fed to mice in small amounts, as part of their daily food allowance. They should not be given as additional treats on top of their regular diet. Leftover fruits and vegetables should be discarded daily to prevent spoilage.

Healthy treats, e.g. boiled eggs, lean meat, beans, and peas

When it comes to healthy treats for feeder mice, there are several options that can be offered in moderation, including boiled eggs, lean meat, beans, and peas.

Starting with boiled eggs, these can be a good source of protein and various vitamins and minerals for mice, similar to their benefits for rats. It is important to note that eggs should always be cooked before being fed to mice, as raw eggs may cause digestive issues and may contain harmful bacteria. Additionally, eggs should be served in small pieces to avoid any choking hazards.

For feeder mice, lean meat can also be a nutritious treat option. While mice are known to be versatile eaters, they generally prefer easy meals. Lean meats, such as cooked chicken or turkey, can provide a good source of protein without the excess fat that may be found in other meats. It is important to avoid giving feeder mice high-fat meats, as this can lead to digestive issues and weight gain.

Beans and peas are also healthy treat options for feeder mice. These vegetables provide a good source of nutrients and fibre, which can aid in digestion. When offering beans and peas, it is important to give them in small amounts, as too much can cause diarrhoea. Additionally, it is recommended to cook beans and peas before feeding them to mice, as raw vegetables may be difficult for them to digest.

It is important to remember that, while these options can be healthy treats, the diet of feeder mice should consist primarily of commercial mouse food or lab blocks, which are formulated to meet their specific nutritional needs. By offering a variety of treats in moderation, you can provide your feeder mice with a nutritious and well-balanced diet.

Dog food, e.g. dry kibble, or rabbit mix

Dog food is a popular option for feeder mice, as it is easily accessible and affordable. Mice are omnivores and will eat a varied diet that includes fats and proteins, so dry dog kibble can be a good option for them. However, it is important to note that mice can contaminate dog food with a variety of diseases, so it is crucial to store your dog's food in an airtight container and practise good sanitation and hygiene.

Some people choose to feed their feeder mice a mix of dog food and other foods such as rabbit mix, maize, barley, mixed corn, and rolled oats. This can provide a more diverse diet for the mice and may be more cost-effective, especially when buying in bulk. It is also a good option if you already have these foods for other pets, such as rabbits or pigs.

When feeding mice dog food, it is important to ensure that the food is inaccessible to the mice when it is not mealtime. Mice can jump and will try to access the food, so keeping the food dish elevated or in a sealed container can help. Regular cleaning of the food dish and surrounding area is also important to remove any traces of food that may attract mice.

If you are using dry dog food as a feeder for your mice, it is important to provide a source of hydration as well. Always make sure there is fresh water available for your mice, and consider providing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement their diet and ensure they stay healthy and happy.

Seeds, grains, and oats

Mice are known to raid grain fields, where they can find an abundant supply of carbohydrate-rich foods such as wheat, oats, and barley. These grains provide mice with the energy they need to scurry and explore their surroundings. Whole grains are often stored for times of famine, so if you notice a large amount of stored food, you may need to reduce the amount you're feeding your mice. Rolled grains are usually preferred over whole grains.

Oats, in particular, are an excellent source of high fiber and help with glucose and insulin modulation, making them important for controlling diabetes. Barley also has the potential to help modulate glucose and insulin levels.

Seeds are another common food source for mice. They may feast on a variety of seeds, including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and safflower seeds. These tiny powerhouses are packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making them an excellent choice for meeting the nutritional needs of mice.

Mice also enjoy a variety of nuts, such as acorns, hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds. These small, hard-shelled treasures are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals. Mice will gnaw on the shells to access the nutritious kernels inside, providing them with a satisfying and nourishing meal.

It's important to note that the specific types of seeds, grains, and nuts consumed by mice may vary depending on their geographical location and the availability of different food sources in their habitat.

Frequently asked questions