Oats are a widely available grain that people often consider offering to backyard squirrels. While squirrels are opportunistic foragers, their natural diet consists primarily of seeds, nuts, and other resources rich in specific nutrients. Supplementing a wild animal’s diet with human food requires understanding its nutritional impact, especially since squirrel health depends on a delicate balance of minerals.
Safety and Nutritional Context
Squirrels can technically consume oats, but they should only be offered as an occasional, small treat due to their imbalanced nutritional profile. Oats provide carbohydrates, energy, and fiber, which aid in digestion. However, their macronutrient content is heavily skewed toward energy rather than the structural components necessary for long-term health.
The primary concern with feeding oats, or any grain, is the poor ratio of calcium to phosphorus (Ca:P). A healthy squirrel diet should maintain a Ca:P ratio of 1:1, or 2:1 for younger animals, to ensure proper bone development. Oats exhibit a reversed ratio, with phosphorus significantly outweighing calcium, often around 1 part calcium to 2.5 parts phosphorus.
This excessive phosphorus intake inhibits calcium absorption in the small intestine. When the body senses a calcium deficiency, it compensates by drawing calcium from the bones, a process that can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). MBD is a debilitating condition that causes weakened bones, fractures, and neurological issues. While oats are not toxic, regular feeding can easily contribute to a severe nutritional deficiency.
Preparing Oats for Squirrels
If offering oats, the type and preparation are important for safety and digestibility. The best choices are plain, old-fashioned rolled oats or steel-cut oats, which are minimally processed. These varieties retain more of the whole grain structure compared to highly refined options.
Instant oatmeal, especially pre-flavored packets, should never be given to squirrels. They contain excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and artificial additives that offer no nutritional benefit and can be harmful. Always ensure the oats are served completely plain, without any added dairy, spices, or sweeteners.
The method of serving the oats requires caution, as uncooked grains can pose a risk. Uncooked, dry oats can swell significantly when they encounter moisture in the squirrel’s digestive tract. To avoid digestive blockage or discomfort, it is safer to offer the oats lightly cooked with plain water or simply moistened to soften the grain before feeding.
Balancing the Squirrel Diet
Oats should only be considered a rare supplement and must not form a regular part of a squirrel’s diet. Treats, including oats, should not exceed approximately five percent of their total food intake. The bulk of a squirrel’s nutrition must come from a variety of natural foods that provide a more appropriate balance of fats, protein, and minerals.
A superior diet includes whole nuts still in the shell, such as walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts, which should be offered in moderation. These provide healthy fats, and the gnawing activity is beneficial for dental health. Fresh vegetables with a favorable Ca:P ratio offer better sources of vitamins and calcium. Recommended foods include:
- Whole nuts (walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts)
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Leafy greens
Providing a wide range of these natural foods ensures the squirrel receives the necessary micronutrients to offset the nutritional shortcomings of high-phosphorus treats. Focusing on nutrient-dense alternatives, rather than high-carbohydrate grains like oats, promotes better health and longevity for backyard squirrels.