Have you ever watched a squirrel dart across your yard, a blur of bushy tail and determined energy? These little acrobats are a constant source of amusement, but sometimes, we want to do more than just watch. We want to help them out, especially when food might be scarce.
But what’s the best way to feed our furry friends? It’s not as simple as just tossing out any old scraps. Many common human foods can actually be harmful to squirrels, causing stomach upset or even worse. Picking the right food can feel like a puzzle – you want to be helpful, but you don’t want to accidentally cause harm. It’s a common worry for nature lovers!
This post is here to help you crack that puzzle. We’ll explore the healthy and safe foods that squirrels love. You’ll learn what to offer and what to avoid, so you can feel confident about your choices. Get ready to become a squirrel-feeding pro and bring a little extra joy to your backyard visitors.
Our Top 5 Food For Squirrels Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Food For Squirrels Detailed Reviews
1. Audubon Park Squirrel & Critter Food
Rating: 8.7/10
Bring the fun of your backyard to life with Audubon Park Squirrel & Critter Food! This generous 15-lb. bag is packed with a tasty blend of nuts and seeds. It’s designed to attract all sorts of amusing backyard visitors. You’ll love watching chipmunks, squirrels, jays, woodpeckers, and more enjoy this delicious mix. It’s also a smart way to keep these hungry critters away from your bird feeders.
What We Like:
- The mix is super tasty for a wide variety of backyard animals.
- It includes crunchy corn, yummy sunflower seeds, and hearty peanuts.
- This food helps protect your bird feeders from unwanted guests.
- You can use it in different types of feeders or even put it directly on the ground.
- The 15-lb. bag offers great value and lasts a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it attracts many animals, it might attract *too* many if you’re not careful!
- Some users have noted that the bag can be a bit heavy to carry.
This Audubon Park Squirrel & Critter Food is an excellent way to provide for your local wildlife and enjoy the show. It’s a simple and effective choice for any nature lover.
2. Kaytee Corn On The Cob
Rating: 9.4/10
Bring the magic of the wild right to your backyard with Kaytee Corn On The Cob! This generous 6.5 lb bag is packed with whole cobs of delicious corn, a simple yet irresistible treat for all your favorite backyard critters. It’s a fantastic way to create your own little wildlife oasis and enjoy nature’s wonders up close.
What We Like:
- It creates a wonderful backyard wildlife oasis. You can watch animals up close.
- It’s just whole cobs of corn. There are no extra ingredients added.
- It attracts many different animals like squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and even deer.
- It helps keep critters away from your bird feeders. This way, your birds get their food.
- Kaytee is a trusted brand. Experts have crafted their products for over 150 years.
What Could Be Improved:
- The corn is a whole cob. Some smaller animals might find it hard to eat.
- It’s a natural attractant, so you might get more visitors than you expect.
Kaytee Corn On The Cob is a simple and effective way to invite nature into your space. It’s a treat that benefits wildlife and adds a lot of fun to your outdoor experience.
3. Wagner’s 62046 Backyard Wildlife Food
Rating: 8.5/10
Bring the wonder of nature right to your doorstep with Wagner’s 62046 Backyard Wildlife Food. This 8-pound bag is specially formulated to attract a variety of small, adorable backyard critters like rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels. Imagine the joy of watching these playful animals gather, enjoying a delicious and safe snack. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the natural world without even leaving your home.
What We Like:
- It draws in small backyard animals such as rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels.
- You can enjoy a close-to-nature feeling by feeding your own backyard wildlife.
- The food can be fed directly on the ground or placed on a platform feeder.
- It keeps playful squirrels and small animals satisfied, helping to divert them from your bird feeders.
- This product is proudly made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bag size might be a bit small for very active wildlife populations.
- More variety in the types of seeds and nuts could be appealing to a wider range of animals.
Wagner’s 62046 Backyard Wildlife Food offers a simple and rewarding way to enhance your outdoor space. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who loves observing wildlife and wants to offer a helping hand to their furry neighbors.
4. Squirrel Complete (1.75 lb.) – Healthy Natural Food – Nutritionally Complete Diet for Pet & Captive Squirrels – Ground
Rating: 9.3/10
Keeping pet or captive squirrels, ground squirrels, flying squirrels, and chipmunks healthy and happy is a top priority for many. Squirrel Complete (1.75 lb.) offers a solution by providing a nutritionally complete diet specifically designed for these unique animals. This food aims to give them all the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive, simplifying their feeding routine for owners.
What We Like:
- Provides a balanced diet for various squirrel species.
- Takes the guesswork out of feeding.
- Supports overall health and well-being.
- Convenient 1.75 lb. size.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific ingredient list not provided, which some owners prefer to see.
- No information on taste or palatability for picky eaters.
- Limited availability might be a concern for some shoppers.
Squirrel Complete appears to be a solid option for providing your pet or captive squirrels with proper nutrition. It simplifies feeding while aiming to support their health.
5. Pennington Pride Squirrel & Critter Blend With Corn
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of squirrels raiding your bird feeders? The Pennington Pride Squirrel & Critter Blend is here to help! This 10-pound bag is packed with yummy ingredients like corn, sunflower seeds, and peanuts that squirrels can’t resist. It’s a smart way to draw them to their own special food source, keeping them away from your feathered friends’ dinner.
What We Like:
- Squirrels and other backyard critters absolutely love the taste of the corn, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.
- It successfully attracts squirrels, chipmunks, and even ducks, giving them their own tasty treats.
- The Bird-Kote Technology enriches the blend with vitamins and nutrients, making it a balanced meal for these animals.
- You can use this blend in various feeders, including squirrel feeders, tray feeders, or just scatter it on the ground.
- It comes in a generous 10-pound bag, so you’ll have plenty to share.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for squirrels, it might attract a wider variety of critters than some people prefer.
- The primary goal is to keep critters away from bird feeders, and while it helps, it might not be a complete solution for very determined animals.
This Pennington blend offers a tasty solution to a common backyard problem. It provides a dedicated food source for squirrels and other small animals, helping to keep your bird feeders peaceful.
Your Guide to Happy & Healthy Squirrels: Choosing the Best Food
Watching squirrels dart around your yard is a delight. They’re busy creatures, always on the go. If you want to give them a little boost and keep them coming back, providing them with the right food is a great idea. But what should you look for? This guide will help you pick the perfect snacks for your furry friends.
1. Key Features to Look For
When choosing food for squirrels, think about what makes them healthy and happy. Here are the most important things to consider:
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Squirrels need a balanced diet. Look for foods packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. This helps them stay energetic and strong.
- Natural and Unprocessed: The best foods are as close to nature as possible. Avoid anything with artificial colors, flavors, or lots of added sugar.
- Variety: Squirrels enjoy different tastes and textures. Offering a mix of food types can keep them interested and ensure they get a wider range of nutrients.
- Safe for Squirrels: Not all human foods are safe for squirrels. Make sure the food you choose is specifically made for them or is known to be safe.
- Portion Control: While it’s fun to feed them, it’s important not to overfeed. Choose foods that are easy to dispense in small amounts.
2. Important Materials
The ingredients are what make up the food. For squirrels, good ingredients are key. Here’s what you’ll often find in quality squirrel food:
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, almonds, and peanuts are favorites. They provide healthy fats and protein. Make sure they are unsalted!
- Seeds: Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are excellent choices. They offer energy and nutrients.
- Grains: Oats and corn are good sources of carbohydrates for energy.
- Dried Fruits: Small amounts of raisins or cranberries can be a nice treat. They add sweetness and some vitamins.
- Pellets or Mixes: Many commercial squirrel foods come as pellets or specialized mixes. These are often formulated to provide a complete nutritional profile.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make squirrel food great, while others can make it less ideal.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Freshness: Always check the expiration date. Fresh food tastes better and has more nutrients.
- Whole Ingredients: Foods made with whole nuts, seeds, and grains are usually better than those with lots of fillers.
- No Added Salt: Salt is not good for squirrels. Always choose unsalted nuts and seeds.
- Proper Storage: Keep the food in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and spoilage.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Mold or Spoilage: Never feed moldy or spoiled food to animals. It can make them very sick.
- Artificial Additives: Colors, flavors, and preservatives can be harmful.
- Excessive Sugar: Too much sugar is bad for any animal’s health.
- Unsafe Human Foods: Avoid giving them things like chocolate, avocado, or processed snacks.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Feeding squirrels can be a rewarding experience. Here’s how people use squirrel food and what they find helpful:
- Backyard Wildlife Feeding: Many people set up feeders in their yards to attract squirrels. It’s a fun way to observe nature up close.
- Educational Purposes: Parents and teachers use squirrel feeding as a way to teach children about animals and their diets.
- Community Engagement: In some neighborhoods, people enjoy sharing the task of feeding local wildlife.
When using squirrel food, consider a squirrel feeder. These are designed to keep the food dry and accessible. Some feeders can even help control how much food is dispensed, preventing waste and overfeeding.
Remember, you are providing a supplement to their natural diet. Squirrels are excellent at finding their own food. Your offerings should be a healthy treat, not their main meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of food for squirrels?
A: The best food for squirrels is natural and nutrient-rich. Look for unsalted nuts, seeds, and grains. Commercial squirrel mixes are also a good option if they have wholesome ingredients.
Q: Can I feed squirrels peanuts?
A: Yes, unsalted peanuts are a good treat for squirrels. They provide protein and healthy fats. Just make sure they are not salted or roasted with oil.
Q: Is it okay to feed squirrels bread?
A: It’s best to avoid feeding squirrels bread. It doesn’t offer much nutritional value and can fill them up without giving them the nutrients they need. It can also lead to health problems if fed too much.
Q: How often should I feed squirrels?
A: You don’t need to feed them every day. A few times a week is usually enough. Remember, they are wild animals and are good at finding their own food.
Q: What foods are dangerous for squirrels?
A: Dangerous foods include chocolate, avocado, onions, garlic, and anything with high amounts of salt or sugar. Always stick to natural, unsalted items.
Q: Where should I put squirrel food?
A: Place food in a designated feeder or a safe spot in your yard, away from busy areas. This helps keep the food clean and accessible.
Q: Should I use a squirrel feeder?
A: Yes, a squirrel feeder is a great idea. It keeps the food dry, protects it from rain and other animals, and can make it easier for squirrels to eat.
Q: Can I feed squirrels birdseed?
A: Some ingredients in birdseed, like sunflower seeds and corn, are okay for squirrels. However, it’s best to offer food specifically made for squirrels or unsalted nuts and seeds.
Q: What if I see a sick-looking squirrel?
A: If you see a squirrel that looks sick or injured, do not feed it. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for advice.
Q: How can I make sure the food stays fresh?
A: Store squirrel food in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Always check for mold or spoilage before offering it to the squirrels.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.