By offering the right food, you ensure these energetic animals receive the nutrition they need to thrive throughout the year. On this page, discover everything you need to know about squirrel food and how to make your outdoor space a haven for these fascinating creatures.
Why feed squirrels?
Squirrels are active and resourceful animals, constantly foraging for food to fuel their energy. While they naturally rely on seeds, nuts, and fruits found in the wild, urban development and seasonal changes can make these resources scarce. Providing supplemental squirrel food in your garden helps them and reduces competition with birds and other wildlife.
Feeding squirrels also offers endless entertainment, as they use their acrobatics and problem-solving skills to retrieve their meals. It’s a simple way to connect with nature while contributing to the ecosystem’s balance.
What do squirrels eat?
Squirrels have a varied diet and offering them the right food is essential for their health. Some of their favorite foods include:
- Nuts and seeds: Squirrels love hazelnuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and unprocessed peanuts. Always opt for unsalted and unroasted varieties.
- Fruits and vegetables: Apples, carrots, and corn are nutritious snacks that squirrels enjoy.
- Special squirrel food mixes: These are formulated to meet the dietary needs of squirrels and can include nuts, seeds, and grains.
Avoid feeding squirrels processed foods, salted nuts, or sugary snacks, as these can harm their health and disrupt their natural diet.
Benefits of providing squirrel food
Adding squirrel food to your garden is beneficial for both the animals and your outdoor space. Here’s why:
- It supports squirrels by providing essential nutrients, especially during colder months when natural food sources are limited.
- It encourages biodiversity in your garden, creating a lively environment with a variety of wildlife.
- It helps protect bird feeders from being raided, as squirrels are less likely to steal bird food when they have their own supply.
How to offer squirrel food in your garden
The way you present squirrel food can make a big difference in its effectiveness. Use a dedicated squirrel feeder to keep their food clean and dry. Squirrel feeders are designed to accommodate their natural behaviors, such as climbing and balancing, making feeding safe and enjoyable.
Place the feeder in a quiet area of your garden, away from bird feeders, to reduce competition between animals. A spot near trees or shrubs is ideal, as squirrels feel safer when they have nearby cover.
Tips for feeding squirrels responsibly
To ensure you’re feeding squirrels in a way that benefits both them and your garden, keep these tips in mind:
- Clean feeders regularly: Remove old or moldy food to prevent the spread of disease.
- Offer variety: A mix of nuts, seeds, and fruits provides balanced nutrition.
- Don’t overfeed: While it’s tempting to put out large quantities, moderation prevents dependency on human-provided food.
Types of squirrel food from CJ Wildlife
CJ Wildlife offers a wide range of high-quality squirrel food that is both nutritious and sustainable. Our options include:
- Premium nut and seed mixes: Formulated to meet the dietary needs of squirrels, these mixes are free of salt and preservatives.
- Specialty snacks: Including dried fruits and energy-packed nuts, perfect for providing extra calories during the colder months.
With CJ Wildlife’s squirrel food, you can be confident you’re offering a healthy and safe option for the wildlife in your garden.
Explore CJ Wildlife’s squirrel food selection
Browse our collection of specially designed squirrel food and feeders to create a welcoming environment for these delightful creatures. By choosing CJ Wildlife, you’re not only supporting local wildlife but also helping to promote biodiversity in your garden.
Make your garden a hub of activity and nourishment—shop CJ Wildlife’s squirrel food today!
