At Millican Pecan, we’ve spent over 130 years growing nutritious pecans that are loved by people—and it turns out, squirrels are big fans too! If you have squirrels visiting your backyard, you might be wondering, "What can I feed squirrels?" or "What’s the best food for squirrels?" Let’s dive into what’s safe and healthy for these adorable little critters.
What Do Squirrels Eat in the Wild?
Squirrels are natural foragers, constantly on the hunt for a variety of foods. In the wild, their diet consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and even vegetables. Pecans, black walnuts, and acorns are favorites among squirrels, providing them with the essential fats and proteins they need to stay healthy.
While it’s tempting to throw them whatever’s lying around, it’s important to know what squirrels can eat and what’s best for their health.
What Fruit Can Squirrels Eat?
If you’re asking what fruit can squirrels eat, the good news is that many common fruits are safe in small amounts. Apples (without seeds), berries, grapes, pears, and bananas are all fruits that squirrels eat and enjoy as occasional treats. These fruits provide hydration and natural sugars, but they shouldn’t make up the bulk of a squirrel’s diet. Too much fruit can lead to digestive issues due to the sugar content, which is why fruits are best offered sparingly—while nutrient-dense foods like pecans remain the healthier everyday option.
Is Peanut Butter Good for Squirrels?
Many people wonder, is peanut butter good for squirrels? While squirrels do eat peanut butter, it’s not an ideal food for them. Peanut butter is highly processed, sticky, and often contains added sugar, salt, or oils that aren’t healthy for wildlife. In small amounts, plain, unsalted peanut butter won’t immediately harm a squirrel, but it offers far less nutritional value than whole nuts. For a safer and more natural choice, raw pecans provide the healthy fats and energy squirrels need—without the risks that come with processed foods.
Can Squirrels Eat Bread with Peanut Butter?
You may also be curious, can squirrels eat bread with peanut butter? Technically, they can—but it’s not recommended. Bread has very little nutritional value for squirrels and can fill them up without providing the nutrients their bodies need. When combined with peanut butter, it becomes even more of a processed snack rather than a natural food source. Instead of bread-based treats, offering whole nuts like pecans is a much better way to support a squirrel’s health while still giving them something they truly love.
Do Squirrels Eat Peanut Butter?
So, do squirrels eat peanut butter? Yes, squirrels will eat it if given the chance—but that doesn’t mean it should be a regular part of their diet. Whether you’re asking can squirrels eat peanut butter or can a squirrel eat peanut butter, the answer is moderation at best. Whole, raw nuts—especially pecans—are far closer to what squirrels eat in the wild and provide superior nutrition without unnecessary additives.
Can a Squirrel Eat Chocolate?
It’s important to note that chocolate is unsafe for squirrels. If you’ve ever wondered, can a squirrel eat chocolate?—the answer is no. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to many animals, including squirrels. Chocolate candies, baked goods, and sweets should always be avoided. When in doubt, stick with natural foods like fruits in small amounts and, best of all, raw, unsalted pecans.
Can Squirrels Eat Pecans?
Absolutely! Pecans are not only safe for squirrels, but they’re also one of their favorite treats. Full of healthy fats and nutrients, pecans give squirrels the energy they need for their busy lives of climbing trees and storing food for the winter. Pecans are a much healthier option than processed snacks or foods high in salt.
If you’re looking for a great way to treat the squirrels in your yard, raw, unsalted pecans are the way to go. And since Millican Pecan has been growing these nutritious nuts in the heart of Texas for generations, you can feel good about feeding your squirrels the best.
Can Squirrels Eat Peanuts?
This is a common question: "Do squirrels eat peanuts?" While squirrels can eat peanuts, they should be given in moderation. Peanuts aren’t a natural food source for squirrels and don’t provide the same level of nutrition as pecans or other tree nuts. If you do offer peanuts, make sure they’re unsalted and raw to avoid potential health issues.
What Fruits Can Squirrels Eat?
If you’re wondering “Do squirrels eat fruit?” the answer is yes! Squirrels enjoy a variety of fruits, including apples, berries, and grapes. These are good as occasional treats, but too much fruit can upset a squirrel’s stomach due to its high sugar content. So, while a few slices of apple are fine, pecans and other nuts should still be their main snack.
What Vegetables Can Squirrels Eat?
You might be surprised to learn that squirrels also enjoy certain vegetables. If you’ve ever asked “Can squirrels eat broccoli?” the answer is yes! Broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens are all safe options for squirrels, providing them with important vitamins and minerals.
What Not to Feed Squirrels
While there are many safe foods for squirrels, some things should be avoided. Processed foods, salted snacks, and sugary treats are all bad for a squirrel’s health. And while squirrels may enjoy peanuts, too many can be harmful due to their low nutritional value compared to tree nuts like pecans.
Treating Your Backyard Squirrels with Pecans
At Millican Pecan, we know that feeding squirrels can be a fun way to connect with nature and help out the local wildlife. By offering them healthy snacks like our fresh pecans, you’re giving them a nutritious treat that will keep them happy and energized.
So next time you’re enjoying our pecans, consider sharing a few with your furry backyard visitors. Your squirrels will love you for it!
In Summary:
- Best foods for squirrels: Pecans, walnuts, acorns, apples, and broccoli.
- Foods to avoid: Processed foods, salted snacks, and too many peanuts.
- Treat your squirrels right: Opt for raw, unsalted pecans from Millican Pecan for a healthy snack they’ll go nuts for!
Feeding squirrels doesn’t have to be complicated—just remember to give them nutritious options like pecans, and enjoy watching them scurry around your backyard!
