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Lab block is a feeding format, not one interchangeable formula. The laboratory rodent diets appear first; the later choices are complete retail foods that use a uniform pellet or kibble format and are easier to buy in smaller quantities. Match the formulation and bag size to the rats’ life stage and your storage capacity.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mazuri Rat & Mouse Diet 5663 | $24-$32 | Amazon |
| 2 | Mazuri Rodent Breeder 6F | $35-$65 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Mazuri Rodent Breeder 5P14 | $45-$80 | Amazon |
| 4 | Envigo Teklad Global 2014 | $35-$70 | Amazon |
| 5 | Envigo Teklad 7001 4% Mouse/Rat Diet | $30-$65 | Amazon |
| 6 | Oxbow Essentials Regal Rat Adult Rat Food | $12-$50 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Oxbow Essentials Mouse & Young Rat Food | $10-$18 | Amazon |
| 8 | Science Selective Mouse & Rat Food | $15-$25 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Exotic Nutrition Rodent Blocks | $10-$18 | Amazon |
The picks, in detail
Mazuri Rat & Mouse Diet 5663
A Mazuri complete rodent diet sold in a 25-pound bag; its manufacturer describes an oval block and distinguishes it from the breeder formula.
- Rat & Mouse Diet 5663 formula
- oval block format
- 25-pound retail bag
- Real laboratory-style rodent diet
- Large bag is economical for a large mischief
- Large bag can be impractical for a small household
Mazuri Rodent Breeder 6F
Mazuri’s breeder-focused rodent formula, which the manufacturer specifically suggests for breeding animals rather than treating it as the same choice as 5663.
- Rodent 6F formulation
- breeder-use positioning
- bulk laboratory-feed distribution
- Clear life-stage distinction from maintenance products
- Established laboratory-animal manufacturer
- Bulk sourcing is less convenient than pet-store food
Mazuri Rodent Breeder 5P14
A distinct Mazuri breeder block formulation sold through laboratory and animal-care supply channels, including 50-pound bags.
- 5P14 formulation
- breeder block
- 50-pound bag availability
- A separate product rather than a relabel of 5663
- Appropriate to compare when breeding colony feed is sought
- Fifty-pound bags demand careful dry storage
Envigo Teklad Global 2014
A Teklad laboratory rodent diet commonly identified as the 14-percent-protein Global formula; it is a research-colony product rather than a pet-retail blend.
- Teklad Global 2014 formulation
- laboratory rodent diet
- bulk supplier format
- Useful exact-match option for people seeking a lab diet
- Formula is clearly identified by number
- Retail availability varies substantially by supplier
Envigo Teklad 7001 4% Mouse/Rat Diet
Teklad’s standard 7001 mouse/rat diet, a general laboratory chow with a published manufacturer data sheet.
- 7001 formula number
- 4% fat mouse/rat diet
- laboratory diet documentation
- Exact formula number makes comparison easier
- Made specifically for mouse/rat laboratory use
- Not packaged around the convenience needs of a single pet household
Oxbow Essentials Regal Rat Adult Rat Food
A complete adult-rat retail kibble, not a research-lab block, included as a labelled near-miss for shoppers who need a uniform food in 3- or 20-pound bags.
- adult-rat formula
- uniform complete kibble
- 3-pound and 20-pound bags
- Easy to buy in pet-oriented pack sizes
- The manufacturer identifies it as adult-rat food
- Not a laboratory diet product
Oxbow Essentials Mouse & Young Rat Food
Oxbow’s separate young-rat and mouse formula; it is a complete uniform food, but should not be confused with the adult Regal Rat formula.
- mouse and young-rat positioning
- complete kibble format
- 2.5-pound bag
- Life-stage label is explicit
- Practical small-bag near-miss alternative
- Not a laboratory block formula
Science Selective Mouse & Rat Food
A 4.4-pound complete mouse-and-rat food with a uniform pellet-style format, included as a retail near-miss rather than called a lab diet.
- mouse and rat food
- 4.4-pound bag
- uniform dry food
- Mid-size bag is easier to store than laboratory bulk
- Clearly marketed for rats and mice
- Not a research-colony formulation
Exotic Nutrition Rodent Blocks
A one-pound small-animal block product that provides the literal block format for buyers who do not need a research-diet bulk bag.
- rodent block format
- 1-pound bag
- small-animal food
- Small package limits storage commitment
- Block format discourages selective eating
- Not positioned as a named laboratory formula
Buying tips
- Use the formula number and stated life-stage purpose, not the word block alone, to compare diets.
- A bulk bag only makes sense when it can be kept dry and used while fresh; small households may prefer a smaller complete retail food.
- A laboratory diet and a pet-retail pellet are related formats but not interchangeable claims about the intended colony or life stage.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.