Mice are small rodents with highly adaptable eating habits, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments. Their diet is largely influenced by the availability of food sources in their surroundings. This opportunistic nature means their nutritional intake can vary significantly depending on whether they live in the wild or as domesticated pets.
Diet in the Wild
Wild mice primarily consume a diet of seeds and grains, a significant portion of their diet. They also forage for various plant materials, including fruits, roots, and stems, when available in their habitat. Insects, such as beetles and caterpillars, serve as supplementary protein sources for wild mice, contributing to their omnivorous diet.
When wild mouse populations live in close proximity to human settlements, their diet often shifts to include scavenged items. They readily consume human food scraps found in trash or discarded outdoors. Pet food left accessible outside also becomes a common food source. Additionally, wild mice frequently infiltrate pantries and storage areas to access stored dry goods like cereals, pasta, and pet food.
What to Feed Pet Mice
For pet mice, a commercially prepared mouse pellet or block forms the foundation of a healthy diet. These pellets are nutritionally complete, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. Using these pellets helps ensure a balanced diet and prevents nutritional deficiencies that can arise from incomplete food sources.
In addition to commercial pellets, pet mice can receive small quantities of fresh foods as supplements and treats. Acceptable vegetables include broccoli, carrots, peas, and leafy greens, in small portions. Small pieces of fruit, such as apples or bananas, can also be given sparingly due to their sugar content. Lean protein sources, like cooked chicken or hard-boiled egg, can be provided occasionally. Fresh, clean water is essential and should always be available in a sipper bottle.
Foods to Keep Away
Certain foods are harmful or toxic to mice and should never be offered. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be toxic to mice. Caffeinated products, including coffee and tea, can also cause adverse reactions due to their stimulant properties. Highly processed human foods, often rich in sugar or salt, can lead to digestive upset and long-term health issues for mice.
Raw beans, such as kidney beans, are toxic and interfere with nutrient absorption. Specific parts of plants, like avocado pits and leaves, or the leaves and stems of tomatoes, can also pose a danger. These items can cause digestive distress or more severe toxic reactions, making it important to avoid them in a mouse’s diet.