Squirrels are opportunistic foragers that frequently seek out readily available food sources in backyards and gardens. Their natural curiosity and preference for sweet flavors often lead them to investigate cultivated produce, including the ripe fruit of a tomato plant. Gardeners often wonder if these popular garden visitors can safely consume the juicy red fruit they steal from the vine. Understanding the complete picture of tomato safety and nutritional value is important for anyone considering offering food to wild squirrels. This analysis determines whether tomatoes are a beneficial addition to a squirrel’s diet or a potential risk.
The Primary Safety Concern: Tomato Plant Toxicity
The primary danger associated with tomatoes for squirrels lies not in the ripe fruit but in the rest of the plant. Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family, commonly known as the nightshade family, which includes other toxic plants. The leaves, stems, and especially the unripe, green tomatoes contain a naturally occurring toxic compound called tomatine, which is a glycoalkaloid similar to solanine.
This compound is the plant’s natural defense mechanism against pests and herbivores. If a squirrel ingests enough of the plant material, tomatine can cause gastrointestinal distress, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and in large doses, more severe neurological symptoms. The concentration of this toxin decreases significantly as the fruit matures and turns red, making the fully ripe tomato generally safe in small quantities.
Squirrels instinctively avoid the bitter-tasting leaves and stems, but they may be tempted to nibble on green fruit if their preferred food sources are scarce. This makes garden access risky, as a hungry squirrel might not wait for a tomato to fully ripen. The danger is highest when squirrels are accessing the plant directly in the garden.
Nutritional Profile of Ripe Tomatoes for Squirrels
While the ripe tomato fruit is not toxic, its nutritional makeup is far from ideal for a squirrel’s long-term health. Ripe tomatoes are mostly water, often exceeding 90% in composition, and are relatively high in natural fruit sugars like fructose. This high water and sugar content is what attracts squirrels, sometimes because they are seeking hydration.
The core diet of a healthy wild squirrel consists of nuts, seeds, bark, and fungi, which provide the high levels of fat, protein, and complex carbohydrates necessary for energy and survival. Ripe tomatoes offer very little of these essential macro-nutrients. Consuming too much sugary fruit can lead to weight gain and may also cause digestive upset or diarrhea.
The occasional bite of a ripe tomato will not harm a squirrel, but it provides poor nutritional density compared to their natural foraging finds. Tomatoes should never be a staple in a squirrel’s diet, as they displace the intake of more nutrient-rich foods.
Best Practices for Feeding Wild Squirrels
If you choose to supplement the diet of wild squirrels, it is best to avoid tomatoes entirely in favor of options that align with their natural needs. The primary focus should be on providing foods with good fat and protein content, such as unsalted nuts and seeds. Healthy vegetables are also a much better option than tomatoes due to their lower sugar content and higher fiber.
Providing a clean source of water, especially during hot months, can also reduce the likelihood of squirrels attempting to consume watery produce for hydration. If you insist on offering a tomato, it must be fully ripe and given in a very small, infrequent amount, such as a sliver of the red fruit. However, it is a better practice to offer appropriate nuts and vegetables instead, as these alternatives support their health without the risk of accidental exposure to harmful glycoalkaloids.
Recommended Foods
- Raw, unsalted pecans, walnuts, and almonds.
- Pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
- Small pieces of fresh vegetables like broccoli and carrots.
- Leafy greens such as spinach.