Mice allergic to corn?

[savethepitbulls]

I just bought some rat/mouse food blocks today for the mice (they've been getting a seed mix type food), and I see that the first ingredient is corn. I vaguely remember reading that a lot of mice are allergic to corn? Is that true? I can't remember where I read it.

If so, should I skip the food blocks?

The seed mix food they get now does have a few corn kernels in it, but IDK if that's enough to trigger an allergic reaction or not.

Thanks!

[mulder]

I think you're okay. I've never heard that before. But you can watch them to be safe if you're concerned. Hopefully someone with more experience can have some advice

[Vanilla_Rat]

Dried corn kernels can contain bacteria.
I would remove any corn kernels out of the seed mix.

[savethepitbulls]

Okay, thanks to both!

[pinkie1205]

I have fed lab blocks that had corn as an ingredient and it wasn't a problem (it was Mazuri blocks)
I would just say though that if you do decide to feed the blocks give them a little bit of the seed diet also. Mice have very high metabolisms and they are very active and IMO they can lose a lot of weight on just lab blocks alone.

[savethepitbulls]

Okay, thanks pinkie. I was actually thinking of mixing the lab blocks in with the seed diet, just to give them more variety.

[Vanilla_Rat]

Variety is good!

[fezzik]

My understanding is they aren't allergic to corn but the fungus that grows in corn that actually is good to and for humans and that many humans find to be a delicacy can be horribly toxic to rats when built up over time. Generally speaking I think the corn meal is better which is what they use in blocks.