The Best Foods to Give Squirrels

Squirrels are known for their love of nuts and seeds, but they also eat a variety of other foods in the wild. While it may be tempting to feed squirrels human food, it’s important to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need to thrive. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best foods to feed to squirrels, and what to avoid.

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Nuts and Seeds

Acorns: Squirrels love to eat acorns, which are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. However, it’s important to note that not all species of acorns are safe for squirrels to eat, so it’s best to stick with the ones that you know are safe.

Walnuts: Walnuts are another favorite of squirrels, and they are rich in healthy fats and protein. You can feed squirrels whole walnuts, or break them into smaller pieces.

Almonds: Almonds are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients. However, it’s important to feed squirrels unsalted almonds, as salt can be harmful to their health.

Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients. You can feed squirrels raw or roasted sunflower seeds, but avoid salted varieties.

Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients. You can feed squirrels raw or roasted pumpkin seeds, but avoid salted varieties.

Fruits and Vegetables

In addition to nuts and seeds, squirrels also eat a variety of fruits and vegetables in the wild. Some of the best fruits and vegetables to feed to squirrels include:

Apples: Squirrels love to eat apples, which are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients. You can feed squirrels sliced apples, or leave whole apples out for them to nibble on.

Berries: Squirrels love to eat berries, which are a great source of antioxidants and other nutrients. Some of the best berries to feed to squirrels include strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

Carrots: Carrots are a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and other nutrients. You can feed squirrels sliced carrots, or leave whole carrots out for them to nibble on.

Squash: Squash is a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients. You can feed squirrels cooked or raw squash, but avoid feeding them seeds, as these can be harmful.

Protein

While nuts and seeds are a great source of protein, squirrels also need other sources of protein in their diet. Some of the best sources of protein to feed to squirrels include:

Eggs: Squirrels love to eat eggs, which are a great source of protein and other nutrients. You can feed squirrels scrambled or hard-boiled eggs, but avoid feeding them raw eggs, as these can carry harmful bacteria.

Insects: Squirrels also eat insects in the wild, which are a great source of protein. You can feed squirrels mealworms or crickets, which are available at most pet stores.

Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats. You can spread peanut butter on a piece of bread or a pinecone, and hang it up for squirrels to enjoy.

What to Avoid

While there are many foods that are safe and healthy for squirrels to eat, there are also some foods that should be avoided. Some of the foods that are harmful to squirrels include:

Junk Food: Feeding squirrels junk food such as potato chips, candy, and cookies can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Processed Foods: Processed foods are typically high in sugar, salt, and other unhealthy ingredients. Feeding squirrels processed foods can lead to health problems.

Bread: While squirrels may enjoy bread, it’s not a healthy food for them to eat. Bread is low in nutrients and can cause digestive issues.

Avocado: Avocado is toxic to many animals, including squirrels. Feeding squirrels avocado can lead to serious health problems.

It’s important to remember that feeding squirrels should be done in moderation. While it may be fun to watch squirrels eat from your hand, it’s best to let them forage for their own food in the wild. Feeding squirrels too much can lead to obesity and other health problems, and can also cause them to become dependent on humans for food.

If you do choose to feed squirrels, it’s important to do so in a safe and responsible way. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Use a squirrel feeder: Squirrel feeders are designed to hold nuts, seeds, and other foods that are safe and healthy for squirrels to eat. They are also designed to prevent other animals from accessing the food.

Keep food off the ground: Feeding squirrels on the ground can attract other animals, such as raccoons and rats. It’s best to use a squirrel feeder or place food on a raised platform.

Don’t overfeed: Feeding squirrels too much can lead to obesity and other health problems. It’s best to limit the amount of food you provide to a small handful per day.

Keep it natural: While it may be tempting to feed squirrels human food, it’s best to stick with foods that are found in nature. This will ensure that squirrels are getting the nutrients they need to thrive.

Squirrels are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods in the wild. While nuts and seeds are a staple of their diet, they also eat fruits, vegetables, insects, and other sources of protein. Feeding squirrels can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it’s important to do so in a safe and responsible way. By providing squirrels with healthy and natural foods in moderation, we can help to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need to thrive.