Good Food for Squirrels: A Guide to Safe and Healthy Feeding

Understanding Squirrel Dietary Needs

Have you ever been captivated by the acrobatic antics of a squirrel in your backyard or local park? These furry little creatures, members of the Sciuridae family, with their bushy tails and nimble paws, have a way of brightening our day. Whether it’s a grey squirrel darting across a tree branch or a red squirrel burying a treasure for later, their presence is a reminder of the vibrant wildlife around us. Understanding what constitutes good food for squirrels is essential if you want to ensure that these fascinating animals thrive in a healthy and sustainable way. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to providing safe, nutritious, and beneficial sustenance to our squirrel friends. Let’s delve into the world of squirrel nutrition and learn how to responsibly offer good food for squirrels, promoting their well-being without creating dependency or causing harm.

Squirrels are often thought of as exclusively nut-loving creatures, but their diet is actually quite diverse. Squirrels are omnivores, meaning they consume both plant and animal matter. While nuts and seeds certainly form a significant part of their diet, their nutritional requirements are more complex than just a simple preference for acorns.

Squirrels, like all animals, require a balanced intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy. Protein is vital for muscle development and repair. Healthy fats provide energy and support hormone production. Carbohydrates offer quick energy for their active lifestyles. Vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium and vitamin D, are essential for strong bones and overall health. Squirrels need sufficient calcium and vitamin D, or they can develop Metabolic Bone Disease, which is fatal if left untreated. Water is also important to their survival.

In the wild, squirrels have evolved to thrive on a varied diet dictated by seasonal availability. Their natural diet typically includes:

Nuts like acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, and beechnuts.
Seeds from plants like sunflowers, pumpkins, and various trees.
Fruits such as berries, apples, and pears (when in season).
Fungi, including various types of edible mushrooms.
Insects (though this is less common, they’ll take the opportunity for protein when they find it).
Tree bark, buds, and even roots, providing essential nutrients during lean times.

The trick to feeding squirrels responsibly is to mimic this natural diet as closely as possible, while avoiding foods that could be harmful.

The Best Foods to Offer Squirrels

When offering good food for squirrels, think variety and nutritional value. Here’s a detailed breakdown of safe and healthy options:

Nuts

Nuts are often considered the quintessential squirrel food. Opt for unsalted, raw nuts whenever possible.

Walnuts: A great source of healthy fats and protein.
Almonds: Rich in vitamin E and magnesium.
Hazelnuts: A good source of fiber and antioxidants.
Pecans: High in monounsaturated fats and minerals.
Acorns: A natural food source for squirrels. If possible, leach the tannins by soaking them in water to reduce their bitterness. Offer in moderation.

Seeds

Seeds also make a healthy addition to a squirrel’s diet.

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: A squirrel favorite due to their high oil content and ease of shelling.
Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in zinc and magnesium.
Squash Seeds: Similar to pumpkin seeds in nutritional value.
Melon Seeds: A good source of vitamins and minerals.

Fruits

Fruits can be a delightful treat for squirrels, but they should be offered in moderation due to their sugar content.

Apples: Cut into small pieces to prevent choking.
Grapes: Seedless grapes are the best option.
Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are all excellent choices.
Pears: Similar to apples in nutritional value.
Avocado: In very small amounts, avocado provides healthy fats, but it can be high in calories, so treat it like a treat.

Vegetables

Vegetables offer a good source of vitamins and minerals for squirrels.

Broccoli: A source of vitamins C and K.
Cauliflower: Similar to broccoli in nutritional value.
Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A.
Corn: Fresh or dried corn can be offered, but it’s relatively low in nutritional value compared to other options.
Green Beans: A source of vitamins and fiber.
Sweet Potatoes: Cooked sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamins and fiber.

Other Healthy Options

Small amounts of plain, unsweetened yogurt: A source of calcium and probiotics.
Dried corn: A tasty treat they love.

When providing good food for squirrels always prepare food appropriately. Chop fruits and vegetables into small, manageable pieces. Shell nuts when possible to make it easier for squirrels to access the nutritious kernels inside. Keep feeding areas clean.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Squirrels

Knowing what not to feed squirrels is just as important as knowing what to offer. Certain foods can be detrimental to their health, causing digestive problems, toxicity, or nutritional deficiencies.

Processed Foods are a big no-no. Chips, crackers, cookies, and candy are loaded with sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats that can wreak havoc on a squirrel’s digestive system and overall health.
Bread offers little nutritional value and can cause digestive issues in squirrels. It’s essentially empty calories that fill them up without providing essential nutrients.
Chocolate is toxic to many animals, including squirrels. It contains compounds that can be harmful to their nervous system.
Salty Foods can dehydrate squirrels and lead to kidney problems. Avoid giving them anything with added salt.
Sugary Foods can lead to obesity, dental problems, and even diabetes in squirrels. Steer clear of sugary treats.
Meat Squirrels are not adapted to digest large amounts of meat. It can also attract unwanted attention from other animals.
Dairy in large amounts can cause digestive upset in squirrels. Yogurt in small quantities is generally okay due to the probiotics it contains, but avoid giving them large quantities of milk or cheese.
Peanuts and Corn in large amounts: While you might see squirrels eating these, they aren’t the best choice. Peanuts are low in nutritional value, can cause deficiencies and peanuts can be contaminated with aflatoxin (mold). Corn is similar in that it is low in nutritional value.
Artificial Sweeteners are toxic to squirrels and should be avoided at all costs.

Responsible Squirrel Feeding Practices

It’s crucial to practice responsible squirrel feeding to ensure their well-being and prevent unintended consequences.

Moderation is Key: Squirrels should not become entirely reliant on humans for food. Over-feeding can lead to dependency and a decreased ability to forage for natural food sources.
Offer Food Sparingly: Especially during warmer months when natural food sources are abundant. Allow them to rely on natural food sources.
Cleanliness: Regularly clean feeding areas to prevent the spread of disease and discourage pests like rats. Dirty feeders can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and parasites.
Water Availability: Provide a clean source of water, especially during hot weather. Squirrels need access to fresh water just like any other animal.
Discourage Habituation: Don’t hand-feed squirrels, as this can make them overly dependent on humans and less wary of danger (like cars and pets).
Placement of Food: Consider using squirrel feeders to keep food off the ground and away from other animals. Squirrel feeders are designed to be accessible to squirrels while discouraging larger animals from reaching the food.
Legal Considerations: Be aware that in some areas, feeding squirrels may be regulated or even prohibited. Check your local ordinances before setting up a feeding station.

In Conclusion

Providing good food for squirrels is a rewarding way to connect with nature and support these fascinating creatures. By understanding their dietary needs and offering a balanced, healthy diet, you can help them thrive. Remember, moderation is key, and it’s important to avoid foods that can be harmful.

To summarise the key “do’s and don’ts” of squirrel feeding:

Do: Offer a variety of unsalted nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Do: Provide a clean source of water.
Do: Keep feeding areas clean.
Do: Offer food sparingly, especially during warmer months.
Don’t: Feed squirrels processed foods, bread, chocolate, or salty/sugary treats.
Don’t: Overfeed squirrels or encourage dependency.
Don’t: Hand-feed squirrels.
Don’t: Ignore local regulations regarding wildlife feeding.

Ultimately, our goal should be to appreciate squirrels as part of a healthy ecosystem and act responsibly to ensure their well-being.

Now, you are equipped to give a healthy and varied diet of good food for squirrels that will help your furry little friends to live long, healthy lives.

Share this article with other nature lovers! Together, we can ensure that our backyard squirrels are happy and healthy. Learn more about local wildlife conservation efforts to make an even bigger impact on the environment.