People often offer food to squirrels foraging in their backyards. Nuts are a common offering, often associated with a squirrel’s diet. However, not all nuts are suitable, and some can pose health risks. Understanding which nuts are safe and which should be avoided is important for those feeding wild squirrels.
Nuts to Avoid
Certain nuts can be harmful to squirrels due to their chemical composition or toxins. Almonds, for instance, contain amygdalin, a compound that can metabolize into cyanide when ingested. Large quantities can be toxic.
Pecans, while often eaten by squirrels, are highly prone to mold growth, particularly the Aspergillus flavus fungus, which produces dangerous aflatoxins. These mycotoxins can cause serious health issues, including liver damage and are potent carcinogens. Additionally, any processed nuts, like salted or roasted varieties, should be avoided. Squirrels have a low tolerance for sodium, and excessive salt intake can lead to dehydration, kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, and even neurological problems. Roasted nuts may also contain added oils or seasonings detrimental to a squirrel’s health.
Safe Nut Options
Many nuts are beneficial for squirrels, providing essential fats, proteins, and nutrients. Acorns, a natural and preferred food source, are an excellent choice. Walnuts and hazelnuts are also favored by squirrels and offer good nutritional content.
Peanuts can be offered in moderation, but they should always be unsalted and unroasted. While technically legumes, unsalted peanuts provide valuable protein and fats. All nuts given to squirrels should be raw and unsalted. Providing nuts in their shells is also advantageous, as the cracking process helps keep a squirrel’s continuously growing teeth worn down.
Beyond Nuts: A Balanced Squirrel Diet
Squirrels are omnivores, meaning their natural diet extends far beyond just nuts. They consume a wide variety of plant and animal matter, adapting their foraging based on seasonal availability. Their diet includes seeds, fruits, fungi, tree buds, and even insects or bird eggs.
When supplementing a squirrel’s diet, offering a diverse range of natural foods is preferable to relying solely on nuts. Safe human-provided foods include fresh fruits like apples and berries, and vegetables such as carrots and corn. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are also good options. Conversely, many common human foods are harmful to squirrels, including sugary snacks, processed foods, chocolate (due to caffeine), and dairy products, as squirrels have difficulty digesting lactose. Avoiding these items and focusing on natural, unprocessed options contributes to the health of backyard squirrels.