Some people think squirrels eat only nuts, seeds, and berries, but this is not true. Squirrels are omnivores that eat various food, including insects, bird food, and small rodents. Feed squirrels food as often as you like, but make sure the food you give them is safe for them to eat.
Foods Squirrels Eat
Squirrels are naturally curious animals and will feed on anything available to them. Squirrels are omnivorous and eat various things, including seeds, insects, and nuts. In the winter, squirrels may feed on tree gum or other sap sources high in sugar content.
Vegetables
Regarding feeding squirrels in the backyard, vegetables are a great option. Squirrels will eat a variety of things, including vegetables. So starting with easy-to-grow veggies that squirrels will love is the perfect way to get them used to your food sources.
Be sure to store food away from where squirrels can get to, as they are known to be opportunistic feeders. It’s also important to keep an eye on their storage – place veggies on top of the fridge or in a container with a lid so they’re inaccessible to squirrels.
Cereals
Squirrels especially love cereal – which is high in energy and easy to digest. So keep your bird feeder full of seeds and other fresh food sources so they can eat something other than seed granules or pellets.
Of course, squirrels aren’t above raiding your stash of nuts or seeds if the opportunity presents itself! Be sure to lock up any food storage areas you may have so they don’t get into too much trouble.
Cheese
Squirrels eat a lot of different things, but some of their favorite food sources include nuts and seeds, cheese, and bird feed. So save the leftover cheese for the squirrels if you have leftover cheese lying around the house! Aside from nuts and seeds, cheese is one of the primary sources of protein that squirrels consume.
It also contains essential fatty acids, which are suitable for their health in general and help them regulate their body temperature better in colder climates. A balanced diet should also include plenty of other types of food to provide all the nutritional requirements a squirrel needs!
Nuts
Squirrels are nuts fans of the wild! They’ll eat just about anything that falls into their small, furry hands. From acorns to Brazil nuts (and everything in between), these animals will enjoy a range of nuts during the autumn and winter.
Try to stock up on walnuts – squirrels seem to love them! Other favorites include hazelnuts, almonds, and peanuts. Keep an eye out for them as they scramble around looking for food sources – you might even be able to spot them raiding your bird feeder!
Bird seed
Squirrels are beautiful animals; one of their favorite snacks is bird seed. They love to eat it, and bird seed helps regulate the squirrel’s digestive system.
As a good source of protein and essential nutrients, bird seed is an excellent choice for feeding squirrels. You can give your squirrel some as a snack now and then – this will help feed them while keeping them healthy!
Insects
Insects are an essential part of the squirrel’s diet. They eat them for food and to feed their babies. Insects play a significant role in the squirrel’s survival as they help to store food so that the squirrel doesn’t have to go out hunting constantly.
Fungi
Squirrels can digest fungi quite well, which is why they are so adept at eating them – which makes them one of the favorite food sources for these animals.
Eggs
Squirrels eat eggs because they are omnivorous and will eat anything edible. In the wild, squirrels feed mainly on nuts, seeds, berries, insects, bird eggs, and other small animals.
However, to avoid competition with their offspring for food resources or territory, the mother squirrel usually provides her young ones with food when they go hungry.
Plant Material
If you have any plant material you would like them to eat, put it in a jar or covered container. Squirrels are omnivores and will eat a variety of things. The best time to feed squirrels is during the winter when food is scarce in the wild.
Scraps and Waste
Squirrels are omnivores and will eat just about anything. This includes food scraps from the kitchen, such as vegetables falling off the plant. Squirrels especially love nuts, seeds, and fruits. In the winter, they scavenge for food in gutters and chimneys- places other animals wouldn’t usually go.
Foods to Never Feed Squirrels
Squirrels are adorable little animals, but feeding them food that is dangerous for them can result in severe consequences. Never leave out food in the open – this will encourage squirrels to scavenge and steal your food. Please do not give them any fruits or vegetables that are rotting or spoiled. Always feed your squirrels food that is safe for them to eat.
Starchy Food
If you have to feed squirrels, try offering them nuts instead of bread or cereal, as these animals are much healthier on the nutritional front. When feeding your squirrels, make sure not to give them grains (bread, pasta, etc.).
Instead, offer them seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds – both of which they will love! Remember to store food in containers so the critters can’t get at it quickly. A feeder filled with fresh fruits and vegetables is perfect for this purpose!
Squirrels are omnivores – they eat various things, but the top food items on their list tend to be nuts and seeds. For this reason, your food must be healthy and free from starchy carbohydrates.
Junk Food
Feeding squirrels junk food isn’t the best idea, as it can lead to obesity and other health problems. Instead, give them feeders that contain nuts, seeds, birdfeeders, or vegetables. Also, ensure the food is hidden so they cannot get to it quickly.
