Healthy and Unhealthy Foods for Squirrels
Squirrels are energetic, curious animals that require a well-balanced diet to stay healthy. Whether you're feeding backyard squirrels or caring for a pet squirrel, it's essential to provide the right foods to support their nutrition. Below, we’ll explore the best and worst foods for squirrels, along with some excellent options from Exotic Nutrition to keep them happy and healthy.
Healthy Foods for Squirrels
A well-rounded squirrel diet includes a variety of natural foods that offer essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Here are some of the best food choices:
-
High-Quality Pelleted Diets – Formulated specifically for squirrels, Squirrel Complete Squirrel Food
provides a balanced blend of proteins, fiber, and essential nutrients for optimal health. -
Nuts and Seeds – Offer unsalted, raw nuts such as pecans, walnuts, and almonds in moderation.
-
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – Squirrels enjoy apples, berries, carrots, and leafy greens. However, limit sugary fruits.
-
Protein Sources – Insects like dried mealworms and black soldier fly larvae provide much-needed protein.
-
Foraging Treats – Encourage natural behaviors with toys like the Triple Treat Forager.
Unhealthy Foods for Squirrels
While squirrels may try to eat almost anything, some foods can be harmful or provide little nutritional value:
-
Processed and Sugary Foods – Avoid feeding squirrels candy, bread, cookies, or other highly processed snacks.
-
Salty and Fried Foods – Chips, pretzels, and salted nuts can lead to dehydration and other health issues.
-
Dairy Products – Squirrels have difficulty digesting dairy, which can cause stomach discomfort.
-
Avocado and Onion – These foods contain substances that can be toxic to squirrels.
Treat Your Squirrel the Right Way
Providing the right diet is key to a squirrel’s overall health and well-being. If you’re looking for safe and delicious treats, check out Squirrel Treat Bundle, which offers a variety of nutritious snacks squirrels love.
By feeding squirrels a balanced diet, you can help ensure they live long, healthy lives. Browse Exotic Nutrition’s full selection of squirrel food and treats here.
Ready to Shop? Shop By Pet or Shop By Category
Want Discounts? Click here to subscribe to email and SMS marketing
Got Questions? Browse more free Blogs or Contact Us with any inquiries regarding our products.
Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder.
Exotic Nutrition is proud to serve hundreds of universities, zoological parks, veterinarians, research centers and other institutions seeking to advance the health and well-being of exotics worldwide. See a full list of institutions using our products here.
Exotic Nutrition has a heart for animals in need. Through regular donations to rescues, rehabilitators, and special fundraiser events, Exotic Nutrition is making a significant impact in the lives of animals. See a full list of our charitable donations here.
Comments (10)
One forum said squirrels can eat the seed of an avocado another one says no. Is there a seed in the center of the Pitt?!?
Tamra, a baby squirrel drinks milk formula, not solid food. Please go to www.squirrel.info to see the feeding schedule and how to make the formula. ASAP. It’s life depends on your actions now. :)
I have 13 squirrels that look for me every morning had one actually come and knock on my screen door .
In our building everyone feeds them and the birds but find that the squirrels are eating bread as ti what my other neighbor puts out and me and my other neighbor puts peanuts and pumpkins out .
My question is why are the squirrels eating bread when they get good food from other neighbors ? I also had two get hit by a car and found about 3 just standing over it why is that
I raised a squirrel for a long time, and it died yesterday. we always fed him a good diet, and I didn’t even know some of the good things fed to himwere unhealthy. thank you!
Get the squirrel milk replacement on Amazon called fox valley and a syringe feeder with a nipple attachment. I have an 8week old squirrel I’ve taken care of since it was 3 weeks and it’ll start to eat nuts at 5/6 weeks but it never hurts to offer them
Leave a Comment