Squirrels are a familiar sight in many environments, known for their active nature and ability to navigate trees. These agile rodents are often observed foraging for food. Nuts form a substantial component of their natural diet, supporting their energetic lifestyle.
Preferred Nuts
Squirrels naturally prefer and benefit from a variety of nuts that provide essential nutrients. Acorns are a significant food source, offering carbohydrates, fats, protein, potassium, and iron. White oak acorns, lower in bitter tannins, are often eaten immediately. Red oak acorns, with higher tannin content, may be cached for later consumption, allowing tannins to dissipate.
Walnuts are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins and minerals like B6, E, manganese, and phosphorus. Their fats contribute to healthy fur and provide a concentrated energy source, valuable during colder months. Hickory nuts, pecans, and hazelnuts offer similar high energy content, fats, and proteins, making them excellent natural food choices for squirrels. For optimal health, squirrels should consume these nuts raw, unsalted, and preferably in their shells to promote dental health.
Nuts to Steer Clear Of
Certain nuts and nut-like items should be avoided. Peanuts, commonly offered, are legumes, not true nuts, and offer limited nutritional benefit. Raw peanuts can also contain aflatoxins if moldy, posing a health risk to squirrels.
Cashews are often processed and do not occur naturally in a squirrel’s diet. Macadamia nuts are known to be toxic to some animals, making them unsafe for squirrels. Almonds, though sometimes consumed, contain compounds that can convert to cyanide in larger quantities, so caution is advised. Salted, seasoned, or roasted nuts should always be avoided because added salt and processing can be detrimental to squirrel health.
How Squirrels Process Nuts
Squirrels possess strong jaws and continuously growing incisors, which they effectively use to gnaw through the hard shells of nuts. This gnawing action is also important for keeping their teeth trimmed and healthy. After opening a nut, squirrels engage in caching behaviors.
Tree squirrels primarily use scatter hoarding, burying individual nuts in numerous shallow holes across a wide area. This behavior helps them secure food for lean periods, especially throughout winter when they remain active. While squirrels are known for their memory, their “forgetfulness” of some buried caches plays an ecological role, as these unrecovered nuts can germinate and contribute to forest regeneration.