Can Squirrels Eat Almonds – The Truth About Nuts
I remember watching a squirrel climb a tree with a nut. I wondered if almonds were part of their diet. I was curious: can squirrels eat almonds, and are they safe for them?

Squirrels eat nuts, seeds, and fruits. Almonds have healthy fats and protein, which help them play. But it’s important to give them almonds in small amounts. Too many can upset their diet balance. I think they should have snacks that help them stay active.

Almond Nutritional Information
These little powerhouses are packed with nutrients that make them a popular choice for health-conscious humans. Almonds are high in healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals, such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. While it’s clear that almonds can be a nutritious snack for us, the question remains: are they a healthy treat for squirrels? Let’s embark on a nutty adventure to find out!
Nutritional Facts – 1 cup of shelled almonds

Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 822 | |
Total Fat | 71g | 91% |
Saturated Fat | 5.4g | 27% |
Trans Fat | 0g | |
Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
Sodium | 1mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate | 30g | 11% |
Dietary Fiber | 17g | 61% |
Sugars | 5g | |
Protein | 30g | |
Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0% |
Calcium | 385mg | 30% |
Iron | 5mg | 28% |
Potassium | 1044mg | 22% |
Almonds and Different Types of Squirrels
Can Wild Squirrels Eat Almonds?
The great outdoors is full of surprises, so can wild squirrels eat almonds? Yes, they can. If wild squirrels happen to stumble upon almonds, they’ll be happy to include them in their diverse diet.
Wanna watch some squirrels in their natural habitat? We have a kit!

Can Baby Squirrels Eat Almonds?
Now, let’s talk about the little ones. Can baby squirrels eat almonds? It’s best to wait until they’re old enough to handle solid foods, which is typically around 10-12 weeks of age. At that point, they can start enjoying small amounts of almonds as a part of their varied diet.
Can Red Squirrels Eat Almonds?
What about the fiery red squirrels? Can red squirrels eat almonds? Yes, indeed! Red squirrels can enjoy almonds just like their grey and flying cousins, as long as they’re offered in moderation and without any added salt or seasoning.
Can Grey Squirrels Eat Almonds?
Grey squirrels are quite common, but can grey squirrels eat almonds? You bet! Grey squirrels, just like their red and flying counterparts, can safely munch on almonds as an occasional treat, provided they’re unsalted and unseasoned.

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How Squirrels Digest Almond Nutrients
I’m amazed by how squirrels crack open tough shells. Their teeth are perfect for this job. Almonds, especially unsalted ones, are full of vitamins and minerals. These help squirrels stay quick and agile.
How Minerals and Protein Keep Squirrels Strong
Almonds and squirrels have a special connection. The calcium and magnesium in almonds strengthen bones. Protein keeps muscles strong. Adding fresh greens and rodent blocks to their diet boosts health.
A 5-pound bag of these blocks costs just $5.00. Mixing in 2 slices of fruit daily adds extra vitamins. This variety keeps their diet interesting and nutritious.

Balancing Fats with Fruits, Insects, and Other Nuts
Do squirrels like almonds? Yes, they enjoy a variety of foods. I give them two slices of fruit and some mealworms for protein. Limiting nuts to two a day keeps their diet balanced.
Live crickets provide extra protein. Squirrels also eat dandelion greens for vitamins. Keeping kale or collard greens on hand adds calcium. This mix ensures they stay agile and have strong teeth.

Are Almonds Safe for Squirrels to Eat?
I often get questions about offering almonds as squirrel food in my backyard. These nuts can be beneficial when given plain and unseasoned. They contain minerals and protein that bolster a squirrel’s vitality. Salted or sweetened varieties create problems, so I keep them away from my furry friends.
I steer clear of moldy peanuts and questionable seeds since they might trigger illness. Squirrels thrive on fresh fruits and insects, which give them a balanced diet. The main point is to ensure that nuts are not overly processed or flavored.
Some foods can be harmful in large amounts or when they carry excess sodium. Raw beans and chocolate are prime examples I choose to avoid. Keeping a varied menu helps sustain a squirrel’s natural eating habits and health.
What foods are toxic to squirrels?
My rule of thumb is to avoid spoiled items or cereals packed with sugar. Chocolate, certain seeds, and anything that looks rancid should never be on a squirrel’s menu. I prefer clean, natural snacks and plenty of fresh water to keep them healthy and active.
Recommended Almond Serving Size for Squirrels
When it comes to almonds for squirrels, moderation is key. Giving them one or two plain almonds a day is best. This variety keeps them healthy. Too many nuts, even unsalted ones, can cause weight gain or diet imbalances.
I usually give them up to two nuts in the evening. This is part of a diet that includes fresh produce, fortified feed, and small snacks. This approach helps them enjoy a variety of foods, not just nuts.
One nut is often enough for them. It’s also important to have fresh water available. I stick to unsalted almonds and avoid adding seasonings. This keeps them active and curious.
Alternatives to Almonds for Squirrel Snacks
There are other good snack options. Peanuts should be plain and mold-free. Walnuts are high in fat, so I limit them too. Adding small veggie pieces or fruits like grapes helps balance their diet.
How to Introduce Almonds to Squirrels
I start with just one almond to see how the squirrel reacts. This small step helps me know if they’re okay with it before giving more.
Squirrels can eat 2 to 8 almonds a day in the wild. But I only give them 1 or 2 to avoid health problems. It’s important to keep their diet balanced to prevent diseases.
I like to mix almonds with seeds, fruits, and other healthy foods. This way, they get a good diet that keeps their foraging skills sharp. Almonds provide fat and protein, especially when it’s cold.
- Begin with a tiny piece of almond per feeding.
- Combine with fruits or seeds for a balanced menu.
- Observe behavior to prevent adverse reactions.
This mix of foods keeps squirrels active and healthy. It also meets their natural dietary needs without overloading them.
Homemade Squirrel Treats Using Almonds
I love making squirrel treats that are good for them and the environment. I mix chopped almonds, seeds, and dried fruit without sugar. This mix is like what squirrels find in nature, helping them stay healthy and curious.
Some folks make treats with whey protein, nut meal, and Henry’s Healthy Vita-Mins. Bake at 250 degrees for an hour. Another person uses 205 degrees for 90 minutes. Each recipe is a bit different but aims to keep squirrels strong.
It’s important to change up the ingredients to keep the treats balanced. I sometimes use almond flour instead of wheat flour for more taste and less allergens. Only leaving a few treats out helps prevent squirrels from relying too much on humans. This way, they can forage naturally and safely.
Can Squirrels Eat Almonds – Conclusion
I think squirrels love trying new foods, and almonds can be a nice treat in small amounts. Their bodies need a mix of foods to stay healthy. Seeds, fruits, insects, and fungi give them the energy they need.
Watching them find food in every corner is amazing. Changes in their home affect how they store food. They can adjust to city parks or woodlands easily.
Adding a few almonds to their diet is okay. It’s good to offer them small amounts with other safe foods. This way, we support their playful nature.
FAQ
Can squirrels eat almonds as part of their diet?
Squirrels love almonds, and they do well with them in moderation. Almonds are a great choice for squirrels because they’re nutritious. But, I make sure not to give them too many almonds.
Are almonds safe for squirrels if they are salted or flavored?
Squirrels do best with plain, unsalted almonds. Seasoned almonds can have too much salt, sugar, or artificial flavors. Plain almonds are safer and healthier for squirrels.
How do squirrels benefit from almond consumption?
Almonds give squirrels minerals like calcium and magnesium. They also have protein and fats that help with agility and strength. Almonds, along with other foods, make up a balanced diet for squirrels.
Should I worry about any potential toxins when feeding almonds to squirrels?
I choose natural, unseasoned almonds and avoid moldy or processed foods. Almonds are safe if prepared right. But, it’s good to remember squirrels need variety. Offering other nuts and fruits helps keep them healthy.
What’s the recommended serving size of almonds for squirrels?
I rarely give more than one or two almonds a day. Too many can cause weight gain and imbalances. I mix almonds with other nuts and fruits to keep their diet balanced.
Can squirrels survive on almonds alone?
No, variety is important. Almonds have good minerals and protein, but squirrels need more. They need insects, seeds, fruits, and veggies for a complete diet.
What’s the best way to introduce almonds to squirrels?
Start with small pieces of unsalted almond and watch their reaction. I mix almonds with fruits, seeds, and other safe foods. This supports their natural foraging and keeps them healthy.
How can I make homemade squirrel treats using almonds?
I chop unsalted almonds and mix them with seeds and dried fruit. This homemade mix is fun for squirrels and supports local wildlife. Just remember to keep portions small and offer fresh water.
Loved the section on how squirrels digest almond nutrients! Interesting to see how their diet impacts their health. btw, Merideth, awesome piece!
Do you think feeding them almonds daily is a good idea?
You bet Mark T. It would be a wonderful idea.
Maddy
Intriguing to learn about the variety of squirrels and their dietary preferences. A well-researched and informative article.
just checking but arent flavored or salted almonds bad for squirrels? someone told me it could seriously harm their health.
Could you provide more details on the alternative snacks for squirrels? I want to ensure a balanced diet for my backyard friends.
While almonds seem nutritious, I worry about overfeeding. It’s all about balance, right? Would love to hear thoughts on this.
Next, we’re teaching squirrels to forage for truffles, right? Gourmet squirrels in the making here.
It’s essential to understand how different foods affect squirrel health. This article does a good job of spreading awareness.
I’m not totally convinced about almonds. I’ve heard mixed things, but this gives me something to think about. Nice job on the read.
I found it helpful! Maybe give it a try with small amounts?
Maybe you’re right, Eliza. Worth a shot in moderation.