Ever watched a squirrel dart across your yard, a tiny bundle of energy with a bushy tail? These little acrobats are a joy to observe, but sometimes we want to give them a helping hand, especially during tough times like winter. But what exactly should we be feeding them? It can be surprisingly tricky to figure out the best food for our furry friends.
Choosing the right food for squirrels isn’t as simple as tossing out some bread. Many common human foods can actually be bad for them, causing upset stomachs or even serious health problems. It’s easy to feel a little lost when you want to do something nice, but you’re not sure if you’re helping or hurting. You want them to be healthy and happy, but the options can be confusing.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll explore the best foods that squirrels love and that are good for them too. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to become a squirrel-feeding pro. Get ready to discover how to keep your backyard visitors well-fed and thriving!
Our Top 5 Food For Squirrels Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Food For Squirrels Detailed Reviews
1. Audubon Park Squirrel & Critter Food
Rating: 9.2/10
Bring the fun of backyard wildlife right to your doorstep with the Audubon Park Squirrel & Critter Food. This 15-pound bag is packed with tasty treats that will have all sorts of amusing critters visiting your yard. It’s an easy way to enjoy watching nature up close.
What We Like:
- It’s a delicious mix of nuts and seeds.
- It attracts a wide variety of backyard animals like chipmunks, squirrels, jays, and woodpeckers.
- This food helps keep your bird feeders safe from hungry critters.
- It contains yummy ingredients like crunchy corn, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.
- You can use it in different types of feeders or just put it on the ground.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 15-pound bag can be a bit heavy to carry.
- While it attracts many critters, it might attract more than you expect if you’re not careful.
This Audubon Park food is a fantastic way to entertain yourself and your family with visiting wildlife. You’ll love seeing all the different animals that come to enjoy the feast.
2. Squirrel Complete (4 lb.) – Healthy Natural Food – Nutritionally Complete Diet for Squirrels – Ground
Rating: 9.1/10
Feeding your backyard squirrels just got a whole lot easier and healthier with Squirrel Complete (4 lb.). This isn’t just any old mix; it’s a specially designed, nutritionally complete food that caters to the specific needs of ground, grey, and even flying squirrels. You can feel good knowing you’re providing them with a balanced and wholesome meal.
What We Like:
- It’s packed with natural goodness like sweet potatoes, corn, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, apples, and rose hips. This mix gives them a well-rounded diet.
- Squirrel Complete offers complete protein thanks to dried insects. This is really important for their health and energy.
- The nuts and pellets are great for their teeth. Chewing them helps keep their teeth healthy and strong.
- This food works for different kinds of squirrels, including ground squirrels, grey squirrels, flying squirrels, and even chipmunks. It’s a versatile choice for many backyard visitors.
- They make it in small batches, so you know it’s always fresh and high quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4 lb bag might run out quickly if you have a lot of squirrel visitors.
- While it’s great for squirrels, it might be a bit more expensive than just tossing out scraps.
This food makes it simple to give your squirrel friends a truly healthy meal. You can be sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need to thrive.
3. Kaytee Corn On The Cob
Rating: 8.7/10
Transform your backyard into a vibrant wildlife sanctuary with Kaytee Corn On The Cob. This generous 6.5 lb bag is packed with whole cobs of delicious corn, offering a simple yet effective way to welcome squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, deer, and other fascinating backyard creatures right to your doorstep. It’s a fantastic treat that brings the beauty of nature closer than ever.
What We Like:
- Creates a delightful backyard wildlife oasis.
- Attracts a variety of common backyard animals.
- Whole cobs of pure corn with no added ingredients.
- Acts as a helpful distraction, keeping bird feeders safe from critters.
- Backed by Kaytee’s 150+ years of expertise and trust.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large bag size might be a bit much for very small yards or if you only want to attract a few animals.
- May attract animals you might not want, like larger deer if you have a fencing issue.
Kaytee Corn On The Cob is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor space with natural visitors. It’s a simple, enjoyable way to connect with the wild world around you.
4. Wagner’s 62046 Backyard Wildlife Food
Rating: 8.9/10
Bring the wonder of nature right to your doorstep with Wagner’s 62046 Backyard Wildlife Food! This 8-pound bag is specially crafted to attract a variety of small backyard critters, like busy chipmunks, hopping rabbits, and chattering squirrels. Imagine the joy of watching these adorable animals visit your yard, creating a truly up-close-and-personal nature experience. You can easily feed them right on the ground or use a platform feeder. Plus, it helps keep those playful squirrels from raiding your bird feeders!
What We Like:
- Effectively attracts rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels.
- Creates a fun, “close to nature” experience.
- Versatile feeding options: ground or platform feeder.
- Helps protect bird feeders from other animals.
- Proudly made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bag size might be too small for those with very active wildlife populations.
- Could benefit from a resealable closure for freshness.
Wagner’s 62046 Backyard Wildlife Food is a fantastic way to connect with local wildlife. It offers a simple and enjoyable way to observe and care for the small creatures that share your outdoor space.
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 tasty ingredients that squirrels, chipmunks, and even ducks can’t resist. It’s designed to draw these critters away from your birdseed, so your feathered friends can dine in peace. Plus, it’s good for the critters too, thanks to special Bird-Kote technology that adds important vitamins and nutrients.
What We Like:
- Delicious mix of corn, sunflower seeds, and peanuts that squirrels love.
- Effectively attracts squirrels and other small wildlife away from bird feeders.
- Enriched with vitamins and nutrients for a healthy critter diet.
- Versatile use – works in squirrel feeders, tray feeders, or sprinkled on the ground.
- Generous 10-pound bag provides plenty of food.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it keeps critters away from bird feeders, it might attract them to other areas of your yard.
- Some users might prefer a more targeted approach if they only want to feed specific types of critters.
This Pennington blend offers a smart solution for managing backyard wildlife. It’s a great way to keep your bird feeders safe while providing a tasty treat for squirrels and other critters.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Delicious Delights for Your Furry Friends
So, you want to spoil your neighborhood squirrels with some tasty treats? That’s awesome! Feeding squirrels can be a fun way to connect with nature. But before you toss out just any old nuts, let’s make sure you pick the best food for them. This guide will help you choose the perfect snacks for your bushy-tailed buddies.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for squirrel food, keep these important things in mind:
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Squirrels need good food to stay healthy and energetic. Look for foods that are packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. These help them grow strong and have plenty of energy for climbing and playing.
- Variety of Textures and Flavors: Just like us, squirrels enjoy different kinds of food. Offer a mix of crunchy nuts, seeds, and maybe even some dried fruits. This keeps their meals exciting.
- No Artificial Additives: Avoid foods with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Natural is always best for our wild friends.
- Appropriate Size: The food pieces should be easy for squirrels to pick up and eat. Too big, and they might struggle. Too small, and they might blow away.
Important Materials
What goes into squirrel food matters a lot! Here are some good ingredients to find:
- Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, pecans, and hazelnuts are all squirrel favorites. They offer great protein and healthy fats.
- Seeds: Sunflower seeds (unsalted!), pumpkin seeds, and safflower seeds are excellent choices. They are full of energy.
- Dried Fruits: Small amounts of unsweetened dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can be a nice treat. But don’t overdo it, as they have a lot of sugar.
- Whole Grains: Oats and corn are also good sources of energy for squirrels.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make squirrel food really good, and others can make it less so.
What Makes Food Great:
- Freshness: Always check the expiration date. Fresh food tastes better and is healthier.
- Natural Ingredients: Foods made with whole, unprocessed ingredients are the highest quality.
- Proper Storage: Store squirrel food in a cool, dry place. This keeps it from going stale or getting moldy.
What Can Reduce Quality:
- Salted Nuts: Too much salt is bad for squirrels. Always choose unsalted options.
- Moldy or Stale Food: This can make squirrels sick. If it looks or smells off, don’t feed it to them.
- Sugary Treats: Candy, cookies, or heavily sweetened items are not healthy for squirrels.
User Experience and Use Cases
Feeding squirrels is a joyful activity. Here’s how people enjoy it and what you can do:
- Backyard Feeding Stations: Many people set up special feeders in their yards. These keep the food dry and make it easy for squirrels to access.
- Nature Observation: Watching squirrels scamper up trees, bury their treasures, and enjoy their snacks is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors. It’s a great activity for families and nature lovers.
- Educational Tool: For kids, feeding squirrels can be a fun way to learn about wildlife and responsible animal care.
Remember, feeding squirrels is about providing them with healthy snacks, not making them dependent on handouts. Offer treats in moderation and enjoy watching them thrive!
Frequently Asked Questions about Squirrel Food
Q: What is the best type of food to give squirrels?
A: The best food includes unsalted nuts like walnuts, almonds, and pecans, as well as unsalted seeds like sunflower and pumpkin seeds. A mix of these is great!
Q: Can I feed squirrels bread or crackers?
A: It’s best not to. Bread and crackers don’t offer many nutrients squirrels need and can fill them up without providing energy. They are not a healthy choice.
Q: How much food should I give squirrels?
A: Give them small amounts. You don’t want to encourage them to become too reliant on you. A handful of nuts or seeds a few times a week is plenty.
Q: What should I avoid feeding squirrels?
A: Avoid salty snacks, sugary treats like candy or cookies, and anything processed or artificial. Also, steer clear of moldy or stale food.
Q: Where should I put squirrel food?
A: You can put it on the ground in a safe spot away from busy areas, or in a squirrel feeder. Feeders help keep the food clean and dry.
Q: Is it okay to feed squirrels year-round?
A: Yes, it’s generally okay to feed them year-round, but it’s especially helpful during winter when food is scarce. Just remember to feed in moderation.
Q: Can I feed squirrels birdseed?
A: Some birdseed mixes are okay, especially those with sunflower seeds and corn. However, make sure there are no artificial ingredients or excessive salt.
Q: What if I see a squirrel that looks sick?
A: If a squirrel looks unhealthy, it’s best not to feed it. They might have a disease. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator if you are concerned.
Q: Do squirrels need water?
A: Yes, squirrels need water too! You can provide a shallow dish of fresh water, especially during hot weather. Make sure it’s not too deep for them to get out of.
Q: How do I know if the food I bought is good quality?
A: Look for foods with simple, natural ingredients listed. Check the expiration date to ensure freshness. Avoid products with long lists of artificial additives.
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.
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