Almonds are one of the most popular types of nuts. They taste amazing in almost anything: from baked goods to trail mix, covered in chocolate, spread on toast as almond butter, or simply eaten as is. But what about our furry little friends? Can mice eat almonds?
The answer is yes, it’s safe to give almonds to mice. It’s a protein-packed snack that offers a lot of health benefits to these smart and active creatures.
While mice go nuts for nuts, there’s more to know about feeding them this tasty treat. So let’s get started with a few fun facts about almonds, followed by everything you need to know about feeding them to your mouse.
What are almonds?
Almonds are the seeds of the fruit that grows on the almond tree. These trees are native to the Middle East, but they’re now grown in many warm climates around the world, including the USA, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
Sweet Almonds vs. Bitter Almonds
There are two main types of almonds: sweet and bitter. Sweet almonds are the most common ones which you can easily find at the store. They have a soft, creamy texture and a mildly sweet taste.
Bitter almonds, on the other hand, are not recommended for consumption. Specifically, bitter almonds naturally contain a toxin. Ingesting this toxin breaks down into cyanide, a poisonous gas. However, this process only happens when the bitter almond is crushed or chewed. This means that eating whole, unbroken bitter almonds is not safe to eat – that includes mice.
If you want to give your mouse a few almonds as a treat, make sure to only give them the sweet kind.
Are almonds healthy for mice?
Yes, almonds are nutritious and offer a lot of health benefits to mice. Here are some of the ways that they benefit these cuties.
Protein
Almonds are a fantastic source of protein. A single almond has 0.26 grams of protein. Around 15% of a mouse’s diet should be made up of protein, so a few almonds make for a great snack.
Vitamin E
Almonds are also high in vitamin E. This important nutrient helps keep their fur and skin healthy.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Nuts like almonds contain a ton of healthy fats. These are great for maintaining a healthy coat, regulating their body temperature, and keeping their immune system strong.
Fiber
The dietary fiber in almonds helps keep mice regular. This is important for their overall health and for preventing digestive issues.
Magnesium
This mineral helps with muscle function, energy production, and keeping their bones strong. Magnesium is also helpful for blood sugar control and blood pressure, so it can definitely help reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Manganese
Almonds are rich in manganese, which helps the body form connective tissue and supports a healthy nervous system. Manganese also promotes healthy blood regulation and plays an essential role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
Antioxidants
These tasty nuts are a terrific source of antioxidants. These nutrients scavenge harmful toxins and free radicals, helping to keep mice healthy. Antioxidants are also known to reduce the risk of cancer and other illnesses.
And that’s just the beginning, almonds can also help reduce cholesterol, particularly bad cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol. Eating almonds can also prevent the harmful oxidation of LDL-cholesterols, which leads to heart diseases.
In short, almonds are one of the healthiest foods you can give to your mouse. A few as a treat will go a long way in keeping them happy and healthy.
How many almonds can a mouse eat?
Almonds may be healthy, but that doesn’t mean your mouse can eat as many as they want.
Obesity is a serious problem in mice. Aside from only needing around 130 calories a day (depending on their size), these guys won’t stop eating if the food is there.
Obese mice are vulnerable to a host of health problems, including:
- Diabetes
- Joint problems
- Respiratory difficulties
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
It’s important not just to overfeed them but to watch the type of food you’re giving them as well. A diet high in fat and calories can lead to obesity, even if they’re not eating a lot of food.
Almonds are relatively fatty and calorie-rich – one raw almond contains 7 calories. This means that a 10-gram serving of almonds (about 20-25 whole almonds) has 70 calories. That’s more than half of the daily caloric needs of a small mouse.
Because of this, we recommend giving almonds as a rare treat. Once every week or two should be fine.
How To Serve Almonds To A Mouse
The best way to give your mouse almonds is raw and unsalted. You can also give them roasted almonds, but make sure they’re plain and don’t contain any other additional ingredients.
Furthermore, mice are foragers. Try using the almond as a way to encourage this natural behavior. Instead of just giving them the almond, scatter a few around their cage for them to find. This will give them something to do and make the almond last longer.
You can also chop up the almond into smaller pieces. This will help control how much they eat and prevent them from choking.
Avoid giving these types of almonds to your mouse:
- Salted almonds: Too much sodium is bad for mice. It can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
- Sugared almonds: These are full of empty calories and can promote tooth decay. Sugar is also bad for their blood sugar levels, weight, and even mood regulation.
- Artificially-flavored almonds: These have no nutritional value and are full of unhealthy chemicals.
- Chocolate-covered almonds: While chocolate is not toxic to mice, it’s very easy to overfeed them this treat. High amounts of theobromine can cause stomach upset, tremors, and even death.
Only give your mice clean, fresh almonds that have been washed and are free of any pesticides. Avoid giving them any nuts that you find on the ground, because these may be contaminated.
If you have any concerns about giving your mouse nuts, please speak to a veterinarian first.
What nuts are safe for mice?
In addition to almonds, these nuts are also safe for your little friend to eat:
- Pecans
- Hazelnuts
- Peanuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Walnuts
- Pine nuts
Aside from these yummy nuts, mice can also eat pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and corn kernels. Just remember to give these treats in moderation to save you an emergency trip to the vet!
Final Thoughts
Almonds are a healthy treat for mice, but should only be given occasionally. Too many almonds can lead to obesity and other serious health problems.
You can give your mice either raw or roasted almonds. Just make sure they’re unsalted and sugar-free. You can also encourage natural foraging behavior by hiding almond pieces for a fun and yummy game.
As always, speaking to your vet before introducing new foods into your mouse’s diet is a good idea.