An assessment of paper pulp dishes for safe and enriching diet delivery (2025)

Bull, C., Langford-Jackson, L., Rawlings, L. et al.

Abstract

It is common practice for laboratory animals to be provided with diet in the form of wet mash or gel for various situations such as post-weaning and postoperative recovery. This study tested the use of paper pulp dishes as a sustainable alternative to plastic dishes. Rodents often begin to chew and shred these plastic dishes as part of their normal behaviour, often incorporating the pieces into their nest. This shredded plastic can potentially pose a risk to health if ingested. In Phase 1, the paper pulp dishes successfully held the diet gel for up to three days without becoming soggy or fostering mould. Phase 2 explored how rodents interacted with the dishes as potential enrichment items, noting variations in how different species, strains and age groups used the dishes. The findings suggest that paper pulp dishes are effective for diet delivery and provide additional enrichment opportunities, such as gnawing and nesting making them a viable alternative to plastic dishes.