Many wonder about the diets of backyard wildlife, including squirrels, and whether human foods like marshmallows are appropriate. Understanding what squirrels can and should eat is important for their well-being.
Do Squirrels Eat Marshmallows
Squirrels will readily consume marshmallows if offered. While they may appear to enjoy this sugary treat, it is not a suitable food source for them.
The Health Risks of Marshmallows for Squirrels
Marshmallows pose significant health risks to squirrels due to their composition. These confections are primarily sugar, offering little to no nutritional value. The high sugar content can lead to hyperactivity and energy crashes, and may cause long-term issues like obesity and diabetes.
Marshmallows also contain artificial ingredients, including colors, flavors, and preservatives, which are not part of a squirrel’s natural diet and can be harmful. Many marshmallows also contain gelatin, an animal-derived protein. Consuming such processed foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies, potentially causing conditions like Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
What Squirrels Naturally Eat
In their natural habitats, squirrels consume a diverse diet that supports their physiological needs. Their primary food sources include various nuts, such as acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, and pecans. They also forage for seeds, including sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Beyond nuts and seeds, squirrels naturally eat a variety of fruits, fungi, and tree parts like buds, flowers, and bark. As omnivores, squirrels also consume protein from insects, bird eggs, hatchlings, and occasionally even small rodents or lizards.
Safe Alternatives to Feed Squirrels
For those who wish to offer food to squirrels, safe and healthy alternatives exist. Unsalted nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts, are much better choices. These should ideally be offered in their shells to encourage natural foraging and dental health.
Seeds like unsalted sunflower seeds can be given in moderation. Small pieces of fresh fruits (e.g., apples, berries) and vegetables (e.g., carrots, leafy greens) also provide nutrients. Dried mealworms offer a good source of protein, aligning with their omnivorous diet.
Why Feeding Wildlife is Generally Discouraged
Beyond specific food types, feeding wild animals, including squirrels, is generally discouraged by wildlife experts. Providing food can lead to habituation, causing animals to lose their natural fear of humans and become dependent on human-provided food sources. This dependency can alter their natural foraging behaviors, making them less capable of finding food on their own.
Concentrating animals in one area through feeding can also increase the risk of disease transmission among them. An overreliance on human food, especially junk food, can lead to malnutrition and other health problems for the wildlife. It is best for wild animals to maintain their natural behaviors and diets for their long-term health and survival.