Squirrels are common animals found in many environments, from forests to urban backyards. These adaptable creatures are known for their foraging behaviors and varied diet. In their natural habitats, squirrels consume a wide range of foods, including nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and insects, depending on seasonal availability. This dietary flexibility allows them to thrive in diverse ecosystems.
Do Squirrels Eat Almonds?
Squirrels eat almonds and are attracted to them. Almonds appeal to squirrels due to their rich fat content, which provides a concentrated source of energy. This high-calorie density is beneficial for squirrels, especially as they prepare for colder months when natural food sources might be scarce.
While squirrels are opportunistic feeders, almonds, along with other nuts like walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts, are favored. Some observations suggest that squirrels might prefer other nuts such as pecans or walnuts, possibly due to the almonds’ tougher shell, which requires more effort to crack.
Squirrels are adept at opening hard-shelled nuts like almonds using their strong teeth. Their attraction to almonds aligns with their natural inclination towards nutrient-dense foods that support their active lifestyle and caching behaviors. Squirrels often bury nuts, including almonds, for later consumption, a crucial survival strategy for periods of scarcity.
Almond Safety and Nutrition for Squirrels
Almonds’ safety and nutritional value in a squirrel’s diet require careful consideration. They offer beneficial nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, which can supplement a squirrel’s natural diet. However, almonds should only be offered in moderation, as overfeeding can lead to an unbalanced diet and potential weight gain due to their high caloric density.
A nutritional concern with feeding large quantities of nuts, including almonds, is their calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Nuts are high in phosphorus and low in calcium, which can hinder calcium absorption and lead to metabolic bone disease (MBD) if they form a major part of the diet. MBD can cause severe health issues, including bone weakness, pain, and even paralysis. For optimal health, a squirrel’s diet requires a higher calcium intake, ideally with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of at least 1:1, or preferably 2:1.
Only raw, unsalted almonds should be given to squirrels. Salted almonds are harmful as excessive sodium can lead to dehydration and other serious health problems. Roasted or flavored almonds should also be avoided because they contain added ingredients detrimental to squirrel health. Sweet almonds contain only trace amounts of cyanide and are not a significant threat, but bitter almonds contain higher levels of amygdalin, which can convert to toxic cyanide and should never be offered.
Safer and more nutritionally balanced alternatives include acorns, walnuts, and hazelnuts, especially in their shells to promote natural gnawing behavior. Offering a diverse range of fresh fruits, vegetables, and specialized rodent blocks formulated for squirrels can help ensure they receive a balanced diet. It is also important to avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, and dairy products, as these are unsuitable for squirrels.