Is cheese safe for pet mice to eat? What healthy treats can I offer?

The short answer is no. Cheese simply isn't an appropriate component of any pet mouse diet. Cheese offers no nutritional value to mice and therefore just isn't appropriate or safe.

A healthy mouse diet calls for a balanced commercial mouse food. Mouse food is available at most pet supply retailers; it often comes in the form of pellets or blocks. Seed mix is another common option. It is recommended that you feed your mouse a single tablespoon of this ration every day -- nothing more, nothing less.

Although you'll cross cheese off the "Suitable Mouse Snacks" list, all human treats are not out the window. If you want to reward your sweet mouse with something yummy and different once in a while, choices to consider include blueberries, apples, cauliflowers, carrots, bananas, zucchini, cucumbers and peas. Before allowing your mouse to munch on any of these fresh items, rinse them carefully and chop them up into small, mouse-friendly nibbles. Keep portions minimal. Excessive amounts may lead to belly distress. Again, a teaspoon is enough -- serve it just a couple times a week, though.

Hope this helps. Best wishes!