What Can I Feed Squirrels

What do squirrels like to eat? What can I feed a squirrel? If you have ever asked yourself these questions, you have come to the right place!

When it comes to squirrels, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about what they eat. People often think that all squirrels eat is acorns or squirrels are not just scavengers, but that is not the case. In fact, different squirrels have different dietary needs. Some squirrels prefer to eat seeds, while others enjoy nuts or fruits.

In this blog post, we will discuss the dietary needs of squirrels and provide a list of foods that they love to snack on. We will also share some tips on how to keep your backyard squirrel population healthy and happy!

Squirrels’ dietary needs?

Squirrels require a healthy dose of protein. Like all animals, squirrels need a balanced diet to stay healthy. Their diet should comprise both protein and carbohydrates. A healthy dose of protein is important for their development, while carbohydrates provide them with the energy they need to thrive.

What Do Squirrels Eat?

Squirrels typically eat two to three times per day. They will store food in their cheeks or in their nests for later consumption. There are a variety of different foods that squirrels enjoy eating. Some of their favorites include:

• Acorns
• Seeds
• Nuts
• Berries
• Fruits
• Vegetables

Acorns provide squirrels with a lot of the nutrients that they need, including fat and carbohydrates.

Seeds are also an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. (including sunflower seeds and bird feeders

Nuts are high in fat and calories, which is why they are often used as a food source for squirrels in the winter months. Such as walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts.

Fruits are a significant source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also provide squirrels with some essential carbohydrates. such as apples, bananas, and grapes

Berries and fruits are not as calorie-dense as other foods on this list, but they do provide squirrels with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Vegetables are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Some common vegetables that squirrels enjoy include carrots and celery.

They are also known to sometimes eat meat or squirrels will even eat bird eggs.

How to Feed Squirrels?

If you would like to feed the squirrels in your backyard, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to provide a variety of different food items so that the squirrels have a balanced diet. You can do this by providing a mix of seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.

Second, always make sure that the food you are giving to the squirrels is appropriate for their dietary needs. For example, avoid giving them processed foods or table scraps.

Lastly, it is important to keep the feeding area clean and free of debris. This will help prevent the spread of disease and keep the squirrels healthy.

What not to feed squirrels?

There are a few things you should never give to squirrels or be given to them in moderation. They include:

Processed foods

Processed foods should be avoided because they are not good for the squirrels’ health. They are often high in sugar and salt, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Table scraps

Table scraps should also be avoided because they are typically not nutritionally complete for squirrels. They may also contain harmful chemicals and bacteria that can make the squirrels sick.

Candy and chocolate

Candy and chocolate are high in sugar and can make the squirrels sick when excessively consumed. Squirrels should not eat chocolate. 

What do different Squirrels Eat?

Now that we know what squirrels need to eat to stay healthy, let’s look at what different squirrels enjoy eating.

Oak Squirrels: Acorns are the primary food source for oak squirrels. They will also eat other nuts, such as walnuts and hazelnuts.

Ground Squirrels: Seeds are the primary food source for ground squirrels. They will also eat insects, fruits, and vegetables.

Flying Squirrels: Seeds are the primary food source for flying squirrels. They will also eat insects, fruits, and vegetables.

Red Squirrels: Fruits are the primary food source

Conclusion

It is important to always provide a variety of different foods to your backyard squirrels so that they have a balanced diet. Some of their favorite foods include acorns, seeds, nuts, berries, fruits, and vegetables. 

If you would like to provide a supplement to your squirrels’ diet, you can buy squirrel food at most pet stores. This food is specially made for squirrels and contains all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. You can also make your own squirrel food by mixing up different types of seeds, nuts and fruits.

By following these tips, you are providing a nutritious diet for the squirrels in your backyard! Thanks for reading!