Nutritional Physiology and Feeding of Companion Rodents.

Rodents represent a diverse group that shares commonalities in approaches to dietary management. Nutritional management of companion rodents must diverge from laboratory animal management, and must also consider the importance of a healthy gastrointestinal microbiome. Published requirements must be applied appropriately to species, life stage, and body condition management. Common nutritional health concerns include digestive-tract dysbiosis, gastrointestinal stasis, dental malocclusion, obesity, and hypervitaminosis D. Health issues may be avoided or alleviated through proactive management of appropriate feedstuffs in correct proportion, avoidance of most feeds made specifically for laboratory rodents, and emphasis on promoting healthy activity through environmental enrichment.