Squirrels are adaptable foragers, but their dietary needs are specific to their physiology and natural environment. Understanding the nutritional components of sesame seeds and how they fit into a squirrel’s broader diet can help determine their suitability. This article explores sesame seed nutrition, precautions for offering them, and the typical diet of a wild squirrel.
Nutritional Profile of Sesame Seeds for Squirrels
Sesame seeds have a rich nutritional composition, including fats, protein, and dietary fiber. Their high fat content, ranging from 51% to 72%, provides a concentrated energy source beneficial for active squirrels. The seeds also contain 11% to 21.9% protein, offering essential amino acids for muscle development and bodily functions.
Sesame seeds are also a source of various minerals. They provide calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, important for bone health. Other minerals include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and potassium. Additionally, sesame seeds contain beneficial unsaturated fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acids.
Precautions and Safe Offering of Sesame Seeds
While sesame seeds offer some nutritional components, precautions are necessary when considering them as a food source. It is important to ensure any sesame seeds offered are unsalted, as excess sodium can be harmful to squirrels.
Shelled sesame seeds, due to their small size, could potentially pose a choking hazard. Moderation is also a key factor, as sesame seeds should only be an occasional treat rather than a primary food source. Relying heavily on human-provided foods can lead to squirrels losing their natural fear of humans. Any food offered should be free from pesticides or other chemicals.
Understanding a Squirrel’s Natural Diet
A squirrel’s natural diet is diverse, primarily consisting of plant materials, though they are omnivores. They typically forage for a variety of nuts, such as acorns, hickory nuts, pine nuts, pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts. Seeds from various plants, including sunflower, pumpkin, safflower, and poppy seeds, are also a common part of their intake.
Beyond nuts and seeds, squirrels consume a range of fruits like apples, berries, grapes, and peaches, along with vegetables such as yellow squash and leafy greens. Fungi, tender plant stalks, twigs, bark, leaves, and flower buds also contribute to their diet. During times of scarcity or when higher protein is needed, squirrels may supplement their diet with insects, bird eggs, or small animals.
Squirrels are known for collecting and storing nuts, especially during autumn, to sustain them through colder periods. When humans provide food, it can disrupt these natural foraging behaviors and lead to an unhealthy dependency on human handouts. A diverse and naturally sourced diet is important for their well-being.