Squirrels do eat grass, but it is not a primary food source. These common tree-dwelling rodents, such as the Eastern gray and Fox squirrels, are highly adaptable omnivores with a diverse diet. While often associated with nuts and seeds, their foraging behavior means they readily consume a variety of plant and animal matter. The decision to eat grass is often influenced by seasonal availability and immediate nutritional needs.
Grass: A Supplemental Food Source
Grass is considered a low-density food for squirrels, providing relatively few calories compared to nuts or seeds. When consumed, squirrels are often seeking specific benefits, such as hydration and fiber. This behavior is most common during dry periods or early spring before high-calorie foods like nuts and fruits are readily available.
Squirrels typically prefer young, tender shoots, which are more palatable and easier to digest than mature blades. These fresh greens contain vitamins (A, E, and K) and various minerals. However, the high lignin content makes it difficult for squirrels to extract many nutrients, reinforcing its role as a supplementary item.
Core Dietary Staples
The bulk of a squirrel’s calorie intake comes from energy-dense items necessary to fuel their active lifestyle and caching behavior. Nuts are a primary staple, particularly hard mast like acorns, hickory nuts, and walnuts, which provide high amounts of fat and protein. These foods are typically stored in the fall to be retrieved throughout the winter.
Seeds and tree buds also form a significant portion of their diet, especially in the spring before the nut crop develops. The process of burying nuts, known as scatter-hoarding, is a defining trait of tree squirrels, ensuring a food supply when resources are limited.
Beyond Vegetation: Opportunistic Feeding
While plant matter makes up the majority of their food, squirrels consume non-plant sources to obtain necessary nutrients. This opportunistic feeding is a survival mechanism, particularly for obtaining minerals like calcium that are scarce in plants. They will scavenge on bone fragments, antlers, and seashells for these trace minerals.
The animal portion of their diet includes insects, bird eggs, and small nestlings, providing a concentrated protein source. They also readily consume fungi, including various mushrooms and truffles. Some species, like the California ground squirrel, have even been documented hunting and consuming small rodents, highlighting their flexibility in securing protein.