When people interact with wildlife, they often wonder if it is safe to share their own food, such as marshmallows. Squirrels are highly adaptable and opportunistic foragers, but their attraction to human treats does not mean these items are safe for their biology. The physiological effects of processed food make the answer to whether they should eat marshmallows a clear negative.
Why Squirrels Are Attracted to Marshmallows
Squirrels are omnivores driven to seek calorically dense food sources to support their high-energy lifestyle. The powerful scent and taste of sugar in a marshmallow provides an immediate signal of easily accessible energy. This is particularly true for urban squirrels, which are more comfortable around people and associate human presence with a reliable, high-yield food reward.
The opportunistic nature of the squirrel means they will readily consume food items not part of their natural diet if the reward is great enough. Marshmallows are soft, sweet, and often left unsecured, representing an effortless meal that delivers a quick burst of glucose. This attraction is purely behavioral, based on a survival instinct to maximize calorie intake with minimal effort.
The Nutritional Impact of Processed Sugars
A marshmallow is unsuitable for a squirrel’s digestive system due to its high content of processed sugars and starches. These ingredients offer little fiber, vitamins, or minerals, making them “empty calories” that displace nutritious food in the animal’s diet. The major components—sugar and gelatin—provide a rapid spike in glucose without the complex carbohydrates necessary for sustained health.
Studies show that city squirrels with greater access to human food waste often exhibit elevated blood glucose levels. This suggests that a diet high in simple sugars puts them under greater metabolic stress. Over time, this diet contributes to dental problems, as sticky sugars promote decay on their continuously growing teeth. The lack of proper nutrients can also lead to chronic malnutrition, even if the animal appears outwardly well-fed.
Natural Diet Alternatives
The healthiest diet for a squirrel consists of the natural resources available in its habitat, which provide the balanced fats, proteins, and carbohydrates they need. Their natural foraging includes items like hickory nuts, acorns, walnuts, and pecans, which are rich in essential fatty acids and protein. Seeds, fungi, and tree buds also form a significant portion of their diet.
A responsible approach is to avoid feeding squirrels human-processed foods entirely. If a person chooses to supplement a squirrel’s diet, the offerings should mimic their natural food sources as closely as possible. Examples include small amounts of raw, unsalted nuts or fresh vegetables like broccoli and carrots. Providing unnatural food only encourages dependency and poses a risk to the squirrel’s long-term health.