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What Do Mice Eat? Mice are omnivores and eat a varied diet that includes grains, fruits, vegetables, and insects, making them highly adaptable to different environments.
Understanding what mice eat is essential for providing proper nutrition for pet mice and for managing wild mouse populations in your home or garden.
Natural Diet of Wild Mice
Wild mice have an omnivorous diet that includes both plant-based and animal-based foods, allowing them to adapt to various environments.
They forage for grains and seeds, which provide essential carbohydrates, and enjoy small amounts of fruits and vegetables like berries and apples for vitamins and minerals.
In addition to plants, mice also eat insects such as beetles and grasshoppers, using these as a vital source of protein, especially when plant foods are scarce.
Occasionally, they scavenge on carrion to utilize all available nutrients in their environment.
Dr. Michael Hutchins, a wildlife expert, notes, “Mice have evolved to be opportunistic feeders, which means they take advantage of the most readily available food sources in their environment. This adaptability is key to their survival.”
Learn more about mice and their foraging habits on Wikipedia.
Diet of Pet Mice
A balanced diet for pet mice should include a mix of high-quality commercial mouse food and fresh supplements.
Commercial mouse pellets or blocks, which offer essential nutrients like protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, should be the primary food source to prevent selective feeding.
Seed mixes can be given occasionally but should not dominate the diet.
Pet mice can also enjoy small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and broccoli, as well as protein sources such as cooked chicken, mealworms, or scrambled eggs, especially for pregnant or nursing mice who need more protein.
According to The Humane Society, a reputable source on animal care, a balanced diet for pet mice includes a mix of commercial food and occasional fresh treats, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
Foods to Avoid When Feeding Mice
Not all foods are safe for mice to eat. Some foods can cause health issues, ranging from mild digestive upset to serious toxicity.
Toxic Foods
Certain foods that are safe for humans or other pets can be harmful to mice.
- Chocolate: Like many animals, mice are sensitive to theobromine in chocolate, which can be toxic to them even in small amounts.
- Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, contain high levels of citric acid that can cause digestive issues in mice. It’s best to avoid feeding these fruits altogether.
- Onions and garlic: These contain compounds that can damage a mouse’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.
Other Foods to Avoid
In addition to toxic foods, there are others that can cause digestive upset or other health issues in mice.
- Sugary and fatty foods: Avoid giving mice foods high in sugar or fat, such as candy, cookies, and fatty meats. These can lead to obesity and other health problems.
- Raw beans and potatoes: Raw beans and potatoes contain substances that can be harmful to mice. If you choose to feed them potatoes, make sure they are cooked and in small amounts.
