What Not to Feed Squirrels: Keep Them Healthy and Happy

Many well-meaning individuals provide bread, crackers, and even sweets, believing that they are aiding these active creatures. Like us, squirrels have the foods they need, and if we feed them the wrong ones, they will get sick. To know what do squirrels like to eat is very important. The food safe for the squirrels are fruits, vegetables, some seeds, and some nuts for squirrels.

This guide will explain which foods you should never feed a squirrel and why they are toxic. If you are a first-time feeder or want to make sure you are feeding right, this article will give you all the information you need to feed them properly.

What Not to Feed Squirrels?

Squirrels can eat everything, but their stomach is very sensitive. Giving them the wrong food can cause a stomach ache or serious health issues. Unfortunately, squirrels cannot process many ingredients like humans, and snacks most people eat contain additives that are harmful to them.

Understanding harmful foods will also help you ensure that you do not give meals that are hard to digest and are not rich in nutrients. Squirrels health^[1] is directly dependent on if you provide them with a good diet that suits their environment.

Bread and Crackers: Empty Calories

People often believe that squirrels eat plain bread and crackers, but the majority of these foods are high in carbohydrates and contain low fiber, which is the main cause of unhealthy weight gain. They eat bread in such proportions that there is no room for better foods such as nuts. Seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

Bread also leads to digestive blockages in these animals. Their tiny bodies require a diet that they may eat in the wild, and bread is actually unhealthy for them.

Now, this non-native species flourishes in the lush environments of Kauai, integrating itself into the island’s bird population. Although introduced bird often disrupt ecosystems, the bird seems to coexist with the native flora and fauna of Kauai.

Sugary Snacks: Dangerous and Addictive

Although squirrels enjoy sugary treats, it’s best not to feed them candy or cookies. Not only are they unhealthy and lack nutritional value, but they also cause tooth decay and contribute to weight gain. Sugar has the same health effects on squirrels as it does on humans.

We usually share sweets and biscuits with them, but cakes are not beneficial. Instead, try offering natural sweet fruits like apples or berries, as these are much healthier for them.

Salty Foods: Bad for Their Heart

Products containing a lot of salt, like chips, pretzels, or salted nuts, may be deadly to squirrels. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and dehydration, which can stress their little hearts. However, since squirrels enjoy salty foods, it is not advisable to feed them any such food.

Unsalted nuts or seeds are a much better option. These natural snacks are similar to what squirrels mostly scavenge for in the wild, and they’re full of healthy fats and protein.

Processed Human Foods: Toxic Ingredients

Squirrels cannot digest processed human foods because these foods contain preservatives, artificial colors, and chemicals. Items like pizza, fries, and packaged snacks are delicious and colorful, but they are actually lethal to wildlife. Chemicals and flavors can harm them or damage their digestive system.

Peanuts

Peanuts might be tasty for squirrels to eat, but these are not healthy for them in any way. Raw peanuts can contain fungus known as aflatoxins that can poison the liver of squirrels. These nuts don’t provide squirrels with the necessary nutrients that sustain life and promote proper body functioning.

Therefore, we should give the squirrels alternative types of nuts, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans, in addition to peanuts. From walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans, they get some healthy fats and protein they just need to develop and grow. These nuts should always be unsalted and raw, like nuts you’d find in the wild.

Junk Food

Squirrels, like humans, have a customary taste in food and can become obsessed with junk food. Squirrels like chips, cookies, and fast food, but these things contain unhealthy fats, sugars, and preservatives that are bad for the animal.

If you feed squirrels junk food, it negatively impacts their energy levels and shortens their lifespan compared to those who eat healthy food. Instead of human junk food, you can actually give them better natural food, such as seeds or vegetables, so that they may be happy.

Cereals

Everyone believes that cereals are harmless, but not all of them are safe for squirrels. Most animals enjoy eating cereals, but these often contain sugar and additives that can be harmful to them. Some of the ‘healthy’ cereals are also empty-calorie snacks, as they lack the nutrients that squirrels require.

For feeding squirrels a grain-based snack, you should use whole grains such as oats or unsweetened. Therefore, steer clear of food types enhanced with sugar, artificial colors, or any preservatives that could disrupt the squirrel’s digestive system.

Corn

The other food that many people feed squirrels is corn, but this is only sometimes healthy for them. Some are disappointed to find that corn is starchy and un-nutritious. Squirrels can get through some of it, but only a little. While corn is beneficial for health, if a squirrel consumes excessive amounts, they may experience malnutrition due to its low nutrient content.

Additionally, corn can spoil, which is not beneficial for the squirrels and is sometimes lethal. Make sure the corn is fresh and not moldy, and feed them in small amounts.

Breakfast Cereals

The breakfast cereals marketed for human consumption typically contain sugar, salt, and artificial additives, making them unhealthy for squirrels. Squirrels can derive obesity, poor dental health, and worse overall health from popular sugar-laden cereals like frosted flakes or fruit loops.

If you plan to feed breakfast cereals, then serve plain cereals that are sugar-free and contain whole grains with minimal preservatives. However, you should avoid using cereals as their primary source of nutrition.

Pet Foods

Surprisingly, pet food, whether it is kibble for a dog or cat, is not beneficial for squirrels. These foods, designed for predatory animals, contain ingredients that a squirrel’s stomach struggles to digest. Protein and fats in pet food disrupt a squirrel’s normal feeding habits and could lead to nasty health effects in the long run.

Instead of pet food, give squirrels what they like best: nuts, fruits, and veggies. These are foods that resemble what is available to the squirrel in the natural environment and which the squirrel could fore-Gast without having to upset its gut, and you do not have to cut them into tiny pieces.

What Food Attracts Squirrels?

In their natural state, squirrels look for food sources such as bird feeders, gardens, and compost bins. They love nuts, seeds, and fruit, but they are also very adventurous animals who are willing to taste almost anything. If you want squirrels to visit your yard, providing a squirrel feeder with safe, nutritious snacks will keep them happy and prevent them from choosing the wrong food.

However, it is necessary to attract squirrels adequately. If you want them to be healthy, feed them natural whole foods like nuts, berries, and vegetables, and if you want them to grow, feed them safe, harmless, or processed snacks.

When it comes to feeding squirrels, there is no better way than to offer them natural and fresh food products. Think of fruits, vegetables, and unsalted nuts, which are foods that squirrels would find in the wild.

The Best Alternatives: What People Can Feed Squirrels

Regarding squirrels feeding, replace the toxic foods with healthier ones. Fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, grapes, berries, carrots, and green vegetables like spinach are perfect choices for squirrels. However, it is also important to feed the squirrels nuts, including raw and unsalted walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts.

If you feed them the right food, they thrive without harm and maintain good health. And they’ll be much happier and healthier if you stick to natural, wholesome options.