What’s the Best Food for Squirrels? Let’s Find Out!

Knowing the best food for squirrels can make a big difference if you enjoy watching these energetic creatures visit your yard. While squirrels are natural foragers, providing nutritious food options can help them thrive, especially during tough seasons. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about feeding squirrels properly, from natural favorites to affordable options.

Understanding Squirrel Nutrition

Squirrels are primarily herbivores with specific nutritional needs that change throughout the year. In the wild, they eat a varied diet of nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and occasionally insects. This diverse menu provides them with the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates they need to maintain their active lifestyle.

Natural Food Sources

Squirrels have evolved to forage for specific foods in their environment. Some of their natural favorites include:

• Nuts (especially acorns, walnuts, and hickory nuts)
• Tree seeds and pine cones
• Berries and wild fruits
• Mushrooms and fungi
• Plant buds and flowers
• Tree bark (in winter months)
  

Food for Squirrels in Your Backyard

If you’re wondering what squirrels like to eat in a backyard setting, the answer is quite simple. The best foods to offer mirror their natural diet while providing essential nutrients. Here are some excellent options:

1. Unsalted nuts in their shells (walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts)
2. Raw or roasted pumpkin seeds
3. Fresh vegetables like squash, zucchini, and carrots
4. Limited amounts of fresh fruits
   

Additionally, Squirrels particularly enjoy working to open nuts in their shells, which also helps them wear down their continuously growing teeth.

Seasonal Considerations

Different seasons bring different nutritional needs for squirrels. In the fall, they focus on gathering and storing high-fat foods for winter survival.

For instance, Many people wonder if squirrels eat apples, and the answer is yes! Apples make an excellent autumn treat for squirrels, providing necessary vitamins and natural sugars. Just be sure to cut them into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat and remove any seeds that contain small amounts of cyanide.

Best Squirrel Food for Winter

During cold months, squirrels need more calories and fat to maintain body heat. Therefore,The best squirrel food for winter includes:

• High-fat nuts like walnuts, pecans, and almonds
• Corn kernels (unsalted, unbuttered)
• Black oil sunflower seeds
• Peanuts in the shell
• Dried fruits in small amounts

Clearly, Providing a consistent food source during winter can be life-saving when natural foods are scarce, and the ground is frozen or snow-covered.

Garden Considerations

Many gardeners are concerned about attracting squirrels to their yards. Naturally, a common question is do squirrels eat tomato plants, and unfortunately, they sometimes do. Squirrels may nibble on tomatoes and other garden vegetables when thirsty or looking for moisture. Providing alternative food sources and water can help protect your garden plants while still supporting local wildlife.

Specialized Feeding Situations

Food for Newborn Squirrel

Finding an orphaned baby squirrel requires special care. Food for newborn squirrel kits is very specific – they need a specialized formula similar to what mother squirrels provide. Never feed cow’s milk to baby squirrels, as it can cause serious digestive issues.

If you find a baby squirrel:

• Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately
• Keep the baby warm
• Please do not attempt to feed it yourself unless absolutely necessary and advised by a professional
• If advised to feed temporarily, use an Esbilac puppy milk replacer or a specific squirrel formula
  

Wildlife experts are best equipped to care for orphaned wildlife. They can provide the specific nutrition and care baby squirrels need.

Budget-Friendly Options

Cheap Food for Squirrels

Feeding squirrels doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some budget-friendly options:

• Plain, unsalted popcorn (no butter or flavoring)
• Unsalted peanuts in shells (often sold in bulk)
• Black oil sunflower seeds (more affordable than nuts)
• Seasonal fruits and vegetables from your garden
• Squash and pumpkin seeds (saved from your own cooking)
• Acorns collected from local oak trees

Many of these items can be purchased inexpensively at bulk food stores or harvested from your own yard.

Foods to Avoid

While discussing the best food for squirrels, it’s equally important to know what NOT to feed them:

• Salted or seasoned nuts and seeds
• Processed foods of any kind
• Bread or pasta
• Sugary foods like candy or cookies
• Breakfast cereals
• Pet foods
• Chocolate (toxic to many animals)
• Onions or garlic
  

These foods can cause nutritional imbalances or even be harmful to squirrels’ health.

Feeding Stations and Methods

To provide food effectively, consider creating dedicated feeding stations that protect food from rain and make it less accessible to unwanted visitors like rats. Platform feeders, squirrel feeders, or even simple trays can work well.

Remember that consistency in location helps squirrels find the food, but varying the actual food items provides better nutrition.

Conclusion

Providing the best food for squirrels can be a rewarding way to connect with wildlife in your own backyard. By focusing on natural, nutritious options that mirror their wild diet, you can help these fascinating creatures thrive throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for premium options or cheap food for squirrels on a budget, the key is offering variety and avoiding processed human foods. With these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating a squirrel-friendly space that supports your health and provides endless entertainment for you.