What Do Squirrels Eat? A Comprehensive Guide

What Do Squirrels Eat? These fascinating creatures have a diverse diet, adapting to their environment and available food sources. At WHAT.EDU.VN, we explore the squirrel’s dietary habits, covering everything from nuts and seeds to surprising snacks, ensuring you understand their nutritional needs and how they thrive. Learn more about squirrel nutrition and their adaptable eating habits.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Squirrel’s Adaptable Diet
Fruits: A Sugary Treat for Squirrels
Vegetables: A Gardener’s Guide to Squirrel-Proofing
Cereals: A Quick Energy Boost
Cheese: An Unexpected Delicacy
Nuts: The Squirrel’s Favorite Food
Birdseed: A Convenient Meal
Insects: A Protein Source
Fungi: Foraging for Flavor
Eggs: A Rare Delicacy for Squirrels
Plant Material: A Constant Source of Nourishment
Dog and Cat Food: A Forbidden Feast
Scraps and Waste: A Risky Meal
What Squirrels Avoid: A Guide to Deterrents
FAQ: Common Questions About Squirrel Diets
Conclusion: The Omnivorous Squirrel
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1. Introduction: The Squirrel’s Adaptable Diet

Squirrels, belonging to the Sciuridae family, are known for their adaptability and diverse diets. From the common gray squirrel to the elusive flying squirrel, these creatures are opportunistic eaters. Their diet includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and even insects. Understanding what squirrels eat is crucial for homeowners, gardeners, and anyone curious about wildlife. Squirrels are not picky eaters and will try almost anything. WHAT.EDU.VN offers a comprehensive guide to the squirrel’s diet, helping you understand these creatures better and manage their presence in your surroundings. Learn about their food preferences, feeding habits, and nutritional needs.

2. Fruits: A Sugary Treat for Squirrels

Squirrels have a sweet tooth and enjoy fruits as a significant part of their diet. Living near fruit trees means you’ve likely seen them munching on apples, pears, and berries. Squirrels are adept climbers and easily access fruits from trees and bushes. The natural sugars in fruits provide squirrels with a vital energy boost for their active lifestyle.

Favorite Fruits of Squirrels

Apples: A common and readily available source of nutrients.
Pears: Sweet and juicy, providing hydration and energy.
Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are packed with vitamins.
Grapes: Small, easy to eat, and full of energy.
Kiwi: Provides unique nutrients and a different flavor profile.
Avocados: High in healthy fats, offering long-lasting energy.
Peaches: A sweet, seasonal treat.
Nectarines: Similar to peaches, providing a good source of vitamins.
Figs: Rich in fiber and natural sugars.
Plums: Sweet and easy to digest.
Mangoes: Exotic and packed with vitamins.
Citrus Fruits: Oranges and grapefruits provide vitamin C, though they are less commonly eaten due to their acidity.
Watermelons: Hydrating and refreshing during hot months.
Cantaloupe: Another melon favorite that offers various vitamins.
Cherries: A sweet and delicious snack.
Bananas: Easy to peel and eat, providing quick energy.

Fruits offer squirrels essential vitamins, minerals, and sugars, contributing to their overall health and energy levels. They supplement the diet, especially during seasons when nuts and seeds are less abundant. Squirrels love fruit and are an excellent source of hydration.

3. Vegetables: A Gardener’s Guide to Squirrel-Proofing

Squirrels are known to raid gardens for vegetables. Gardeners understand the challenge of protecting their crops from these hungry critters. Squirrels eat a wide range of vegetables, from leafy greens to root vegetables. Understanding their preferences can help gardeners implement effective squirrel-proofing strategies.

Vegetables That Attract Squirrels

Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and chard are favorites.
Tomatoes: Juicy and readily available in gardens.
Radishes: Crunchy and slightly spicy.
Corn: A high-energy source, especially when kernels are young.
Squash: Various types, including zucchini and pumpkin, are consumed.
Beans: Green beans and other varieties are eaten.
Peas: Sweet and easily accessible.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, and turnips are dug up and eaten.
Okra: An unusual but sometimes consumed vegetable.
Eggplant: Another garden vegetable that might attract squirrels.
Brussels Sprouts: Small and nutritious.
Broccoli: A source of vitamins and minerals.
Cabbage: Leafy and filling.
Asparagus: Tender shoots are favored.
Celery: Crunchy and hydrating.
Cauliflower: Similar to broccoli in nutritional value.
Leeks: A milder onion alternative.

Understanding the vegetables squirrels eat helps gardeners take preventative measures. Fencing, netting, and natural repellents can protect gardens. The variety of vegetables in a squirrel’s diet shows its adaptability and resourcefulness.

4. Cereals: A Quick Energy Boost

Squirrels are known to consume cereals found in backyard settings. Cereals offer a mix of grains and sugars that provide quick energy. While not a natural part of their diet, squirrels readily consume cereals left out by humans.

Popular Cereal Choices for Squirrels

Chex: A simple and often preferred cereal.
Cheerios: Easy to handle and nutritious.
Cap’n Crunch: Sweet and crunchy, but less healthy.
Shredded Wheat: High in fiber and filling.
Corn Flakes: Light and easy to digest.
Grape Nuts: Small and packed with nutrients.

Cereals provide squirrels with a convenient source of carbohydrates. However, sugary cereals are not the best nutritional choice. Moderation is essential when offering cereals to squirrels.

5. Cheese: An Unexpected Delicacy

Squirrels have developed a taste for cheese due to human activities. Scraps left behind in parks and residential areas often include cheese. While not a natural food source, squirrels readily consume cheese when available.

Cheese Varieties Consumed by Squirrels

Cheddar: A common and tasty choice.
Swiss: Mild and easily digestible.
Provolone: A savory option.
Mozzarella: Soft and palatable.
Pizza Scraps: A combination of cheese and bread that squirrels enjoy.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Leftovers are often scavenged.

Cheese provides squirrels with fats and proteins. However, it should not be a regular part of their diet. Occasional cheese consumption is acceptable, but excessive amounts can lead to health issues.

6. Nuts: The Squirrel’s Favorite Food

Nuts are a staple in the diet of squirrels. They are a natural and nutritious food source, providing essential fats and proteins. Squirrels are known to collect and store nuts for later consumption, especially during winter months.

Nut Varieties Preferred by Squirrels

Pecans: Rich in flavor and nutrients.
Walnuts: High in healthy fats.
Hazelnuts: A nutritious and tasty choice.
Almonds: Packed with vitamins and minerals.
Pistachios: A favorite among many squirrels.
Acorns: A common and readily available nut.
Cashews: A softer nut that is easy to eat.
Chestnuts: A seasonal favorite.
Hickory Nuts: Nutritious and flavorful.
Pine Nuts: Found in pine cones, requiring some effort to extract.
Macadamia Nuts: A richer and more decadent option.

Nuts are an optimal source of fat and protein for squirrels. They play a crucial role in their diet, especially during colder months when other food sources are scarce. Nuts are one of squirrels’ most natural and desired foods.

7. Birdseed: A Convenient Meal

Squirrels often take advantage of birdseed provided by humans. Birdseed mixes contain a variety of seeds, grains, and nuts that squirrels find appealing. It’s a convenient and readily available food source in many backyard settings.

Components of Birdseed That Squirrels Enjoy

Sunflower Seeds: A high-fat and high-energy option.
Grains: Millet and other grains provide carbohydrates.
Nuts: Pieces of nuts mixed in birdseed are a bonus.

Birdseed offers a convenient meal for squirrels. However, it can lead to competition between squirrels and birds. Using squirrel-proof bird feeders can help manage this issue.

8. Insects: A Protein Source

Squirrels will resort to eating insects when other food sources are scarce. Insects provide a valuable source of protein, essential for their growth and health.

Insects Consumed by Squirrels

Caterpillars: A readily available source of protein.
Larvae: Soft and easy to digest.
Winged Bugs: Various types of flying insects.
Grasshoppers: A larger insect that provides substantial nutrients.
Injured Butterflies: Opportunistic feeding on weakened insects.
Crickets: Another common insect in many environments.

Insects are not a primary food source, but they are an important supplement to the squirrel’s diet. They provide essential proteins when nuts, seeds, and fruits are less available.

9. Fungi: Foraging for Flavor

Squirrels are known to forage for fungi in natural environments. Mushrooms and truffles are among their favorite finds. They often dry mushrooms for later consumption.

Types of Fungi Eaten by Squirrels

Acorn Truffles: A delicacy found near oak trees.
Truffles: Highly sought after for their flavor and nutritional content.
Oyster Mushrooms: A common and palatable mushroom.
Lichen: Smaller fungi that grow on tree bark.

Fungi provide squirrels with unique nutrients and flavors. They are an important part of their diet in forested areas. Squirrels may sometimes leave mushrooms and fungi out to dry in order to eat it at a later period.

10. Eggs: A Rare Delicacy for Squirrels

Squirrels may occasionally eat eggs when other food sources are hard to find. This behavior is more common in urban environments where natural food sources are limited.

Eggs Consumed by Squirrels

Robin Eggs: Readily available in many areas.
Blackbird Eggs: Another common target.
Chicken Eggs: If accessible in coops, squirrels may consume them.
Hatchlings: Young chicks and baby birds.
Carcasses: Squirrels will also eat dead chicks.

Eating eggs and hatchlings is not a preferred behavior, but it can occur when squirrels are desperate for food. This highlights their opportunistic and adaptable nature.

11. Plant Material: A Constant Source of Nourishment

Squirrels constantly forage for plant material to supplement their diet. This includes roots, leaves, grass, and plant stalks. They tend to prefer the most tender and nutritious parts of plants.

Plant Components Eaten by Squirrels

Roots: Dug up for their nutritional value.
Leaves: Especially tender, new growth.
Grass: Eaten for its fiber content.
Plant Stalks: Providing essential nutrients.
Twigs: Tender parts of branches.
Bark: Inner bark for its sap.
Soft Tips of New Growth: Highly nutritious.
Sprouts: Young, tender shoots.
Flower Buds: Succulent and flavorful.
Seeds: Sunflower, pumpkin, and safflower seeds.
Poppy Blossoms: Ornamental flowers with edible parts.
Hibiscus Blooms: Another floral treat.
Plant Bulbs: Stored energy for plants.

Plant material is a constant source of nourishment for squirrels. They adapt their consumption based on availability and nutritional needs. Squirrels tend to go for the most tender and/or young stalks and branches of plants, soft twigs, and supple bark.

12. Dog and Cat Food: A Forbidden Feast

Squirrels have developed a habit of eating dog and cat food in areas where it is readily available. While not ideal, they will consume kibble and even wet food when the opportunity arises.

Types of Pet Food Consumed by Squirrels

Dry Kibble: Easy to carry and store.
Wet Cat Food: High in moisture and flavor.
Canned Dog Food: Provides a source of protein.

Pet food is not nutritionally ideal for squirrels. However, their opportunistic nature leads them to consume it when available. Limiting access to pet food can help maintain a healthier diet for squirrels.

13. Scraps and Waste: A Risky Meal

Squirrels are known to scavenge for scraps and waste in urban environments. This includes discarded food from picnics, garbage cans, and compost piles.

Types of Scraps Eaten by Squirrels

Birthday Cake Scraps: Sweet treats left behind.
Sandwich Crusts: Easily accessible and filling.
Pizza Crusts: Another common find.
Avocado Skin: Provides some nutritional value.

Scavenging for scraps can expose squirrels to unhealthy and processed foods. While they are excellent at recycling food waste, these foods can be detrimental to their health.

14. What Squirrels Avoid: A Guide to Deterrents

While squirrels eat a wide variety of foods, they do avoid certain items. Understanding these preferences can help in deterring squirrels from gardens and other areas.

Foods and Scents Squirrels Typically Avoid

Raw Onions: Strong odor and flavor.
Raw Garlic: Similar to onions in its deterrent effect.
Hot Peppers: Jalapeños, serranos, and other spicy peppers.
Pepper Spray: Widely used as a deterrent in gardens.
Garlic Spray: Another effective repellent.
Dairy Products: Generally avoided due to digestive issues.
Chocolate: Toxic to many animals, including squirrels.
Junk Food: Lacking in nutritional value and potentially harmful.
Candy: High in sugar and detrimental to their health.
Highly Processed Foods: Found in trash cans and lacking in nutrients.

Using these deterrents can help protect gardens and prevent squirrels from consuming unhealthy foods. Natural predators like dogs and cats can also keep squirrels at bay.

15. FAQ: Common Questions About Squirrel Diets

Question	Answer
What is the primary diet of squirrels?	Squirrels primarily eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. They are opportunistic eaters and will adapt their diet based on availability.
Are squirrels herbivores or omnivores?	Squirrels are omnivores. While they mainly consume plant-based foods, they also eat insects, eggs, and occasionally small animals.
Can I feed squirrels in my backyard?	While it’s tempting to feed squirrels, it’s best to do so in moderation. Offer healthy options like nuts and seeds, and avoid sugary or processed foods.
What human foods are toxic to squirrels?	Chocolate, junk food, and highly processed foods are toxic to squirrels. Dairy products can also cause digestive issues.
How do squirrels store food?	Squirrels store food by burying nuts and seeds in caches. They have an excellent memory and can often retrieve their stored food, even months later.
Do squirrels drink water?	Yes, squirrels need water to survive. They obtain water from dew, rain, and available water sources.
What do baby squirrels eat?	Baby squirrels primarily drink their mother’s milk. As they grow, they are introduced to solid foods like nuts and fruits.
Are squirrels beneficial to the environment?	Yes, squirrels play a role in seed dispersal. By burying nuts and seeds, they help in the growth and spread of trees and plants.
How do squirrels find food in winter?	Squirrels rely on their stored food caches to survive the winter. They also forage for available nuts, seeds, and plant material.
Do squirrels eat bird eggs?	Squirrels may occasionally eat bird eggs when other food sources are scarce. This behavior is more common in urban areas.

16. Conclusion: The Omnivorous Squirrel

Squirrels are adaptable and opportunistic omnivores with a diverse diet. They eat nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, insects, and even the occasional egg. Understanding their dietary habits helps homeowners and gardeners manage their presence and protect their properties. While they primarily consume plant-based foods, their ability to adapt to various food sources makes them successful survivors in different environments.

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