Squirrels can eat chocolate; however, as with wild animals, moderation is the key word when feeding squirrels chocolate; too much chocolate can be harmful or toxic for them and even lead to death.
So, if you’re considering feeding your squirrels chocolate, feed them only in amounts they can consume quickly.
Why Chocolates Can Be Dangerous for Squirrels and Other Animals
Squirrels have a hard time digesting chocolate, so it’s dangerous for them to eat it. Not only is chocolate terrible for squirrels, but other animals too – chickens, cats, and even dogs.
Chocolates are high in theobromine, a substance that squirrels can’t digest, so chocolate can’t be good food for them. Theobromine can be a health hazard if consumed large amounts, so keep it away from squirrels.
Signs of Chocolate Poisoning
Signs that a squirrel is poisoned by chocolate include vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures. You should call a veterinarian if the symptoms worsen or continue for more than a few days.
In the worst-case scenario, the squirrels can die from chocolate poisoning. To treat the illness, give the squirrels water and food that contains sugar or glucose to help digest the chocolate.
Chocolates for Squirrels: Suitable or Not?
Squirrels can chow down on the sweet stuff – and it’s not the first time rodents have consumed chocolate. Squirrels have been known to feed on cacao beans, theobromine, and caffeine, so chocolate is not the only food that squirrels like.
If you give your squirrel some chocolate, make sure it’s in small amounts and only as a treat. Be sure to observe them closely to ensure they’re enjoying the chocolate and don’t show any signs of distress (eccentric behavior, vomiting).
Squirrels usually only eat small amounts of chocolate; as mentioned, giving them large amounts of this food is also not recommended.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is high in sugar and fat, which can be dangerous for squirrels. Squirrels can even get sick from eating chocolate. If you have a squirrel who loves to eat chocolate, feed them small amounts rather than letting them have the whole bar.
Chocolate-Covered Almonds
There is a lot of debate surrounding the squirrels’ ability to eat chocolate-covered almonds. Some people believe that squirrels will consume the chocolate, while others maintain that the chocolate is too high in sugar for the squirrels to digest.
However, there is no concrete evidence to support either claim. For example, if chocolate-covered almonds cross the squirrel’s path, some people believe that the squirrel will eat them.
White Chocolate
White chocolate is made with cocoa butter high in calories and sugar – unsuitable for squirrels! So, if you’re feeding squirrels chocolate, make sure it’s dark chocolate or milk chocolate – the two types of chocolate that don’t contain cocoa butter.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Squirrels are scavengers, and chocolate chip cookies are the perfect food item to scavenge. So, whether you’re worried your squirrel has eaten something dangerous or want to enjoy your delicious chocolate chip cookies without fearing for their safety, the answer is easy – keep your cookies sealed in a secure place.
Chocolate Cake
Squirrels cannot eat chocolate cake. Squirrels are omnivores, which means they can eat a variety of foods. However, chocolate cake is not likely to be one of their favorites. If you’re concerned about squirrels eating your chocolate cake, the best solution is to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for later consumption.
What You Can Feed Squirrels Instead of Chocolates
Some of the things you can feed squirrels include peanuts, seeds, and some fruits and vegetables. Be sure to give them what they like, but only in moderation.
What Not to Feed Squirrels
Processed Foods
Feeding squirrels processed foods can have a detrimental effect on their health and behavior. In the long run, it can even lead to the extinction of these animals.
Instead of feeding them processed food, give them fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, or dried fruit. If you do happen to feed them processed food in small quantities, ensure that the item is not lying around where the squirrels can get at it quickly.
Avocado Skin and Pits
Squirrels are intelligent and opportunistic rodents who love to chow down on food high in sugar and calories, including items like avocados, skin, and pits. While this food may not seem too harmful on its own, it is incredibly poisonous for squirrels, so we should never make it close to these furry friends!
Peanuts
Squirrels are susceptible to certain toxins – one of which is the mold that usually grows on peanuts.
If you live in an area with high squirrel populations, it is essential to be vigilant and keep peanuts out of the reach of rodents. Also, ensure that all poisonous items (like pesticides) are safely stored away from them.
Corn
Corn is not healthy for squirrels and can even kill them. If you feed your squirrel this food item, it will eventually die from malnutrition or from another illness caused by eating this food. Always keep this toxic food out of reach of your furry friend.
