What do squirrels eat: A Complete List For More Help

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what do squirrels eat

Well, it’s a very intriguing fact to understand what do squirrels eat. Most of these squirrels are vegetarian, which is why you will need to consider what they eat. 

 

There are various squirrels in America, and hence, you may want to know what they eat. Since they are mostly vegetarian, you may want to know if squirrels eat carrots. Well, don’t worry, because we have got it all covered for you. 

 

This article is a comprehensive guide to determine what they eat and their diet. 

 

What do squirrels eat in America?

As stated above, there are various squirrels in America, such as ground squirrels, red squirrels, fox squirrels, and flying squirrels. If you are adopting one, and that too for the first time, you will want to know what they eat. The primary diet of squirrels comprises fungi, nuts, trees, plants, veggies, and flowers. Many of them also depend on insects as a part of their diet. 

 

Squirrels are inquisitive animals, but you should know that there are no proper dining habits for them. Over the years, squirrels have developed a special diet. Their diet usually consists of berries, veggies, acorns, and pecans. All these are usually found as discards in the park. Squirrels may also nibble on food items like old burgers, lunch meats, sandwiches, and more. 

 

What do squirrels eat? 

Squirrels are very enthusiastic about their food. They are incredibly passionate about fruits. If they live on a fruit tree, they are going to munch on them all day long. Moreover, they will also store these delicious items for them. 

 

Squirrels are excellent climbers and can quickly snatch fruits from the tree. They are primarily dependent on these fruit trees. However, one must know that their fruit choices aren’t only limited to kiwis, plums, figs, apples, grapes, or pears.

Squirrels in America are incredibly fond of berries so that you can give them a variety of them, such as blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries. You may also give them various fruits such as watermelons, cantaloupe, bananas, and cherries. Fruits can, however, increase the sugar levels in squirrels, thereby giving them the energy to climb trees rapidly and munch more of these fruit items. 

 

Here are some of the prominent fruit items that the squirrels can eat

 

Vegetables

what do squirrels eat

As far as vegetables are concerned, squirrels love them. Squirrels can consume leafy green leafy vegetables such as chard, kale, spinach, and arugulas. Other delicious vegetables that squirrel munch on include okra, eggplant, Brussel sprouts, asparagus, celery, root vegetables, broccoli, and carrots. As stated, squirrels are one of those curious animals who can eat anything if they’re hungry. 

 

Cereals

If you have backyard squirrels, you should feed them cereals. Squirrels love grains and nuts. They can easily munch on cereals made of nuts and grains. It would be best if you got a variety of cereal brands. It is advisable to choose squirrels that are rich in sugar so that they can boost their energy levels. You can easily find what they will eat and what they will discard in the supermarket. 

 

While sugar cereals aren’t a natural material, you should consider choosing them. The enthusiasm and love of food in squirrels is what drives them to eat market cereals as well. 

 

Cheese

what do squirrels eat

You wouldn’t come across squirrels eating cheese in a natural setting, but you can surely see it if you own a squirrel. These backward squirrels have enjoyed consuming cheese as discards from the kitchens. 

 

However, it is necessary to note that squirrels aren’t necessarily fond of cheese. You can come across squirrels munching on cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, and provolone cheese. They can easily consume cheese from pizza scraps as well. If you have discarded cheese from your sandwich, you can surely enjoy squirrels consuming these. A good piece of cheese is going to satisfy the hunger of your furry friends. 

 

Nuts

what do squirrels eat

Nuts and squirrels go hand in hand. If you have watched Ice Age, you probably know the love of a squirrel for nuts. The squirrel in the Ice Age goes to the extent of dying to save his nuts. Although it’s not that close to reality, it indeed isn’t anything different. 

 

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that squirrels are entirely nuts about nuts. If you live close to a nuts tree, you will be surprised to see how these squirrels always stick around the nuts. When you carry nuts with you, the chances are that a squirrel will steal them from you. 

 

However, squirrels taking and munching on nuts can be beneficial for trees as well. Squirrels will always be nuts, and they are one of the most loved foods. Squirrels will munch on a wide variety of nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and almonds. Nuts are a great source of fats and proteins that can be beneficial for squirrels. 

 

Insects

Squirrels rely on insects when nuts and fruits aren’t available. They, however, depend on eating small insects that will help them get sufficient protein. Some of the common insects that squirrels munch on include grasshoppers, winged bugs, caterpillars, crickets, and larvae. In many cases, the squirrels may also consume injured butterflies. 

 

Eggs

If no food is available, squirrels will turn to eat whatever is available for them. They may steal eggs from animals or even chicken coops. Squirrels also consume Robin eggs, blackbird eggs, and eggs from various birds. 

 

Fungi

Squirrels love consuming fungi and will be dependent on them in a forest environment. They may easily consume acorn truffles, oyster mushrooms, and more. Furthermore, the squirrels may also wait for fungi to dry in various instances. If lichens are available, squirrels will also turn to eat them. Lichens usually grow across the river banks and barks of trees. 

 

Dog and cat food

Squirrels can also turn to eat dog and cat food if it is available to them. However, in many cases, they may also consume scraps and waste. Nonetheless, dog and cat foods aren’t toxic for squirrels, so that you can provide them the same. 

 

Takeaway

Now that you know what do squirrels eat, you can consider building up a healthy diet. However, make sure to consult a vet before bringing any unwanted changes to your furry friend’s diet. 

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