Introduction
Squirrels are adorable creatures that bring joy to many of us. Feeding squirrels is not only an enjoyable activity, but it also helps them survive in urban environments. In this article, we will cover all aspects of feeding squirrels from a list of foods to best practices, nutritional value, DIY squirrel food, seasonal foods, and recipes.
List of Foods
Squirrels are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. However, they mostly feed on plant-based foods. Here are some safe and healthy foods that you can feed squirrels:
- Fruits: apples, bananas, berries, mangoes, peaches, pears, and more.
- Vegetables: carrots, kale, lettuce, spinach, sweet potatoes, and more.
- Nuts: almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, and more.
- Seeds: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and more.
- Corn: both cooked and uncooked corn kernels.
- Eggs: hard-boiled eggs can be given as a protein source.
It’s important to note that squirrels have a diverse diet in the wild, so offering them a variety of foods is essential to maintain their health.
Best Practices
Feeding squirrels is a fun activity, but it’s crucial to do it properly. Here are some best practices for feeding squirrels:
- Offer food in moderation: Overfeeding squirrels can lead to health problems such as obesity and malnutrition.
- Provide fresh water: Squirrels need water to digest their food properly, so make sure to keep a dish of fresh water nearby.
- Avoid processed foods: Processed foods can be harmful and cause intestinal problems in squirrels.
- Feed them away from roads: Feeding squirrels near roads can put them in danger of being hit by cars. Find a quiet and safe location to feed them.
- Provide food in a dish or a squirrel feeder: Having a dedicated feeding location can prevent squirrels from entering homes and damaging property.
Nutritional Value
It’s important to understand the nutritional value of foods that squirrels eat to ensure a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, and more. Nuts and seeds are good sources of protein and healthy fats, which are essential for their growth and health.
DIY Squirrel Food
If you’re interested in making your own squirrel food, it’s easy and rewarding. Homemade squirrel food is a great way to ensure that your squirrels are getting fresh, unprocessed foods. Here’s how to make your own squirrel food:
- Combine nuts, seeds and dried fruit in a bowl to create an easy squirrel mix. Some examples include pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, and dried cranberries.
- You can also mix fruits and vegetables together. Some examples include chopped apples, green beans, and sweet potatoes.
- You can also offer hard-boiled eggs as a protein source.
Seasonal Foods
Squirrels eat different foods depending on the season. In the spring and summer, squirrels feed on fresh fruits and vegetables such as berries, apples, and leafy greens. In the fall and winter, they eat nuts such as acorns, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Here are some examples of seasonal foods to feed squirrels:
- Spring and Summer: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, watermelon, cucumber, and more.
- Fall and Winter: acorns, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, and more.
Recipes
If you’re looking for something more elaborate to feed your squirrels, here are some easy-to-make squirrel food recipes:
- Nut and Seed Mix: Combine almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries to make a tasty and nutritious mix.
- Fruit Salad: Mix chopped apples, bananas, and grapes with a scoop of peanut butter or almond butter for a delicious and healthy snack.
If you want to try something more elaborate, here is a recipe for a savory squirrel stew:
Savory Squirrel Stew
- 1/2 pound squirrel meat, cut into small pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the squirrel meat and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken broth, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour until the squirrel meat is tender and the broth is thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve the stew warm.
Conclusion
Feeding squirrels can be a fun and rewarding activity that can help them survive in an urban environment. It’s essential to offer them a diverse and nutritious diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Best practices include offering food in moderation, providing fresh water, and avoiding processed foods. Homemade squirrel food is an excellent option that ensures fresher and healthier food for our furry friends.
