Snack ideas for your furry friends.
Most people seem to be looking for ways to DETER the squirrels in their yard from eating things such as garden veggies, fruit from their trees, or the seeds in their bird feeders. However, in this post, I will share with you some snacks that are meant FOR the squirrels!
Here’s why –
Growing up, my mom and I had a few different squirrel families that lived in our tree out front. The squirrels quickly learned that we adored them. (Plenty of snack’s and a bowl full of water for drinking? Of course they learned to like us, too!) When they heard the sound of peanuts shaking in the bag, they came running down the tree trunk, always excited for a snack.
Fast forward a couple of years, a new house = new squirrel friends. My mom requested to know more about the snacks she can give to her neighborhood squirrels to munch on every now and then, and I decided to share it with you all.
Here ya go, mom! <3
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I am going to keep this short and sweet, so let’s get to it!
Nuts
Obvious, right?! Maybe so. But there are some nut options that many people may not think about!
Pretty much any type of nut that is still in it’s shell is beneficial and tasty to our squirrel friends.
Acorns, pecans, walnuts, whole roasted pumpkin seeds, and pistachios are some of their favorites. (Hazelnuts and almonds should be given less often due to their low calcium content.)
Not only do they get lots of healthy nutrients and fatty proteins from the nuts, but the shells are also an important part of their meal. Squirrels get to gnaw at the shells which helps them work out their jaw muscles, and it also helps their teeth. (Exercise while eating? That takes talent! 🙂 )
Fruits and Veggies
Although squirrels will eat all the nuts they can, they are predominantly herbivores. This means that they need to eat other vegetables as well.
“Ahh, so that’s why the fruits and veggies keep getting eaten from my garden!”
You might be right! Squirrels (and birds) love eating fruits and veggies that are easily accessible to them.
Strawberries, apples, grapes, watermelon, bananas, broccoli, cucumber, pumpkin, avocados, peaches, citrus fruits, and berries of all kinds are some of their favorites.
As another tip, you’ll want to avoid giving them dried fruits of any kind. Fresh fruits (as listed above) are healthiest!
But, it is important to keep in mind that these are just snacks, and that you should go easy on the amount you give your squirrels. (A few times a week is a good amount to start with.)
Peanuts & Corn
Of course, every squirrel has been known to have a peanut or two stuffed in it’s cheeks at one time or another.
Lately though, I have read where people say that peanuts are bad for squirrels. Why is this? Peanuts (or legumes) have a lower nutritional value for squirrels, compared to other kinds of actual nuts.
Also, peanuts have a fairly soft outer shell which can easily start to grow mold on it if not eaten while it’s fresh.
Personally, I think it just takes some common sense on your part. If you buy a fresh bag of peanuts, it’s safe to toss a few outside every now and then for the squirrels to eat. But if the peanuts are stale or if you see any sign of mold or discoloration, then do not give them to the squirrels.
The same idea goes for corn. Although many people leave dried corn cobs out for squirrels, it can actually be harmful to them. The corn can get moldy, just like peanut shells. This mold can kill our furry (& feathered) friends, and we definitely don’t want that.
Much like Hummingbirds and their need for clean feeders, squirrels need to be provided with fresh mold-free snacks as well.
(You can find my Hummingbird Nectar Recipe here!)
Things to avoid
Cereal is one of the most common things people will give to squirrels and other wildlife animals. It is small, sugary, and sweet. But, it is completely unnecessary.
While it might not immediately harm them, it is not a natural food for them to be eating. They are able to get nutrients from the foods I have listed above, and as a general rule, you should stick to those.
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Squirrels aren’t very picky eaters, which might be misleading when it comes to healthy snacks to give them. Just be cautious and use common sense when deciding what to give them as a snack when they visit your yard.
Nuts (in-shell), fruits, & veggies are a great place to start, so keep that in mind next time you’re picking up some snacks to give to your furry squirrel friends!
Let me know what kinds of nuts, fruits, or veggies your neighborhood squirrels like the most! Feel free to post pictures if you have them!
