Mice are highly adaptable creatures found across diverse environments globally, excluding Antarctica. These small rodents are opportunistic feeders, adjusting their diets based on what is available in their surroundings. Their presence often sparks curiosity about their eating habits, both in their natural habitats and when they inhabit human structures.
Their Natural Diet
In their natural environments, mice exhibit an omnivorous diet, consuming a variety of plant and animal matter, primarily seeds, grains, fruits, and other plant materials like roots, leaves, and stems. These high-carbohydrate foods provide the necessary energy for their active lifestyles. Mice will supplement their plant-based diet with insects, such as beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, snails, slugs, and worms, when other protein sources are scarce. They may also opportunistically feed on carrion or small, weakened animals if available. This dietary flexibility allows them to thrive in various outdoor settings, from fields and forests to agricultural areas.
Common Foods in Human Environments
When mice inhabit human environments, their diet shifts significantly to include items commonly found in homes and businesses. They frequently raid pantries for easily accessible, high-calorie foods like cereals, bread, pasta, and other grain products. Mice also consume fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds stored indoors, and pet food like dry kibble and birdseed. Beyond typical food items, mice may gnaw on seemingly inedible materials like soap or glue when desperate, though these are not primary food sources. They often chew through packaging like plastic and cardboard to access food within, eating frequently, typically 15 to 20 times daily.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods are harmful or toxic to mice and should not be consumed by them. Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, contains theobromine, which can be toxic to mice, potentially leading to poisoning. Caffeine, found in coffee and tea, is also unsafe for mice, as are grapes and raisins which can cause kidney damage. Rhubarb contains oxalic acid, which is harmful, and garlic and onions contain compounds that can induce anemia. Foods high in sugar and fat, such as human candies and processed snacks, are unhealthy and can lead to weight gain and diabetes. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame are toxic, and carbonated drinks cause severe stomach distress as mice cannot burp.