Quick answer

Science Selective Rat & Mouse Food is a fruit-rich, no-added-sugar mix that works well as a staple for adult rats and mice when you measure portions instead of free-feeding. Start with roughly one to two level tablespoons per adult rat per day and one to two teaspoons per mouse, then adjust based on body condition, age, and how much fresh food you offer. If your pet is pregnant, nursing, under six months old, or on a vet-prescribed diet, ask your exotics vet before making it the main food.

How much to feed each day

Portion control matters more than brand loyalty with small rodents. A healthy adult rat typically needs about one to two level tablespoons of a complete mix daily, while a mouse needs roughly one to two teaspoons. Split that into two small meals so you can spot a dropped appetite early, and remove fresh-food leftovers after a few hours to prevent spoilage.

Treats come out of the daily total, not on top of it. A pinch of Berry Burst Blend counts toward the day's food, so reduce the main portion slightly on treat days rather than adding extra calories.

  • Weigh your pet every two to four weeks; adjust portions if weight drifts up or down.
  • Leave a small amount of food overnight, since rats and mice are naturally more active after dark.
  • Provide fresh water in a bottle and check the nozzle daily, especially with dry mixes.

Switching from another food without stomach upsets

Sudden diet changes are a common cause of loose droppings in small pets. Transition over seven to ten days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food into the old, starting at about a quarter of the bowl and finishing with the new food only. If droppings soften, hold at the current ratio for two extra days before increasing again.

Keep the old food on hand during the switch. If your pet picks out favourite pieces and leaves the rest, resist topping up the bowl; a slightly emptier bowl encourages them to eat the whole mix rather than selectively.

Storage and freshness after opening

Dry mixes lose aroma and vitamin potency over time. Keep the food in its original bag inside an airtight container, store it somewhere cool and dark, and use it within about six to eight weeks of opening for the best freshness. Buy smaller bags if you only have one or two pets.

Never mix old and new food in the same storage bin. Empty the bin, wipe it dry, and add the fresh batch so you are not layering stale kibble under new.

What a complete mix does and does not cover

A fortified mix like this one is designed to carry the nutritional load, so you do not need to add a separate vitamin supplement unless your vet recommends one. Fresh vegetables, a little hay for fibre, and occasional herbal treats are extras, not replacements.

What the mix cannot do is manage dental wear or enrichment on its own. Rodents need safe chew items and time outside the cage to stay physically and mentally healthy, so budget for those alongside the food.

Decision rules for choosing this food

  • If you want a no-added-sugar staple: Choose this mix when your priority is a fruit-rich, antioxidant-focused base food without added sugar for an adult rat or mouse. Best fit for health-conscious owners of adult pets.
  • If your pet is young, pregnant, or nursing: Growing, pregnant, and nursing rodents have higher energy and protein needs that a standard adult mix may not fully cover. Ask your exotics vet about a life-stage-specific diet before committing.
  • If your pet is a selective eater: Some rodents pick out preferred pieces and leave the rest, which can skew nutrition even with a complete mix. Measure portions, avoid constant topping up, and monitor weight.
  • If you keep multiple rodents: Group feeding makes it hard to know who ate what, so scatter food across several bowls or use separate feeding times. Track body condition per animal, not per cage.

Product facts worth knowing

  • Science Selective Rat & Mouse Food: Science Selective Rat & Mouse Food is rich in fruits like apple and black currant, with no added sugar, and is formulated to support skin, coat, and digestive health. The fruit-based antioxidant content and zero added sugar make it a reasonable everyday base for owners who want a mix without sugary extras.
  • Tiny Paws - 12 Toy Sampler: Tiny Paws - 12 Toy Sampler includes a variety of textures, shapes, and interactive elements such as a seagrass hideout and a roll-and-chase ball trio. Chew and enrichment items are a separate purchase from food, but they are part of a complete care routine for rats and mice.
  • Berry Burst Blend: Berry Burst Blend is an all-natural, unsweetened mix of dried raspberries, raspberry leaf, dried blueberries, and blackberry leaf. It works as an occasional treat that can be counted against the daily food portion rather than added on top.

Who this food suits

Best for

  • Owners of healthy adult rats and mice who want a measured, no-added-sugar staple mix
  • Keepers who already provide chew toys and enrichment alongside the daily diet
  • People transitioning from a sugary or low-quality mix who want a gradual, structured switch

Not for

  • Pregnant, nursing, or very young rodents without veterinary guidance
  • Pets on a vet-prescribed therapeutic diet for a diagnosed condition
  • Owners looking for a single product that also covers dental wear and enrichment needs