Can squirrels eat carrots? (+3 steps)
In this article, we will answer the question “Can squirrels eat carrots?”, and what to feed squirrels?
Can squirrels eat carrots?
Yes, squirrels can eat carrots. Juicy, sweet, and crisp carrots can become a squirrel’s favorite food. Besides carrots are full of vitamins and minerals.
They help fulfill the nutritional needs of the squirrel. If the squirrels are too picky, you can bait them by putting some of their favorite nuts beside vegetables like carrots.
Nutritional information
A single cup of raw chopped carrots provides the following nutrients.
| Calories | 52.5 | Vitamin K | 16.9 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 21383 IU | Vitamin E | 0.8 mg |
| Omega 3 Fatty acids | 2.6 mg | Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
| Sodium | 88.3 mg | Fluoride | 4.1 mcg |
| Selenium | 0.1 mcg | Phosphorus | 44.8 mg |
| Choline | 11.3 mg | Zinc | 0.3 mg |
| Starch | 1.8 g | Iron | 0.4 mg |
| Sugars | 6.1 g | Calcium | 42 mg |
What to feed squirrels?
Unlike popular opinion, peanuts and corn are not that good for squirrel health. However, you can feed your squirrels with small amounts of peanuts and corn among a variety of other foods.
The best food for squirrels is the nuts in shells like walnuts, hickory nuts, white oak acorns, and beechnuts.
Gnawing on the shells of these nuts helps keep the teeth of the squirrels healthy. Bird seeds like black oil sunflower seeds and nut-based blends also act as good squirrel foods.
| Squirrel Feeding Guide | ||
| Food | Quality | Information |
| Acorn, Red Oak (high tannin) | Okay | Save the high tannins for desperate times |
| Acorn, Red Oak (low tannin) | Excellent | Better than high tannin acorns |
| Beechnut | Excellent | Prefer in-shell beechnut to encourage gnawing |
| Bread | Poor | Do not feed |
| Butternut | Excellent | Prefer in-shell beechnut to encourage gnawing |
| Corn | Okay | Does not fulfill the nutritional needs of the squirrel. Feed-in small quantity only |
| Fruits (Apple, cantaloupe, grapes, strawberries, watermelon) | Excellent | Feed the non-citrus fruits in small amongst only |
| Hazelnuts | Excellent | Prefer in-shell beechnut to encourage gnawing |
| Human junk food (candy, chocolate, chips) | Poor | Poor source of nutrients |
| Hickory nuts | Excellent | Favorite squirrel food. Prefer in-shell beechnut to encourage gnawing |
| Niger/Nyjer® Seeds | Poor | Do not feed |
| Peanut Butter | Okay | Favorite squirrel food. Feed in moderate amounts. |
| Peanuts, Raw | Dangerous | Raw peanuts can be moldy and squirrels can become sick |
| Peanuts, Roasted | Okay | Feed only the unsalted only and in small amounts |
| Pecans | Excellent | Shelled and unshelled, both can work |
| Pistachio | Okay | Only white pistachios. Do not feed red pistachios. |
| Pumpkins and Pumpkin Seeds | Okay | Pumpkin shell prompts gnawing |
| Sunflower seeds | Okay | Favorite squirrel food. Feed in small amounts only |
| Vegetables (Broccoli, carrots, peas, yellow squash, zucchini) | Excellent | Full of nutrients |
| Walnut, Black or American | Excellent | Prefer in-shell beechnut to encourage gnawing |
| Water | Excellent | Fresh and unfrozen water should be fed to squirrels daily. |
What can I use to feed squirrels?
The Perky-Pet® mesh line of feeders is an excellent choice as dual bird and squirrel feeders. The metal mesh cannot be chewed easily. Hopper feeders with wide seed trays are also a good option. To invite a squirrel to a bait feeder, follow the instructions below.
- Place a squirrel-friendly feeder near a tree. The bait feeder should be placed in a way to facilitate the squirrels to climb to the feeder
- A feeder with a baffle or weight-activated shut-off is a big no
- Make sure you choose favorite foods of squirrels
Is it safe to feed squirrels?
Squirrels are among the safe wild animals. However, you cannot ignore the inherent danger that comes with feeding a wild animal regardless of it being non-aggressive.
A squirrel can jump on you in excitement when It sees you refilling the feeder. Squirrels are carriers of fleas, mites, and other parasites which can be transferred to humans If they are not removed from the feeder regularly.
Is it legal to feed squirrels?
It is illegal to intentionally feed squirrels in some states and municipalities. These laws are for the protection of both squirrels and humans. These laws not only keep the squirrel population in check but also prevent the wildlife from relying on humans for food.
Besides, squirrels do not mind invading your space once they rule you out as a predator and become comfortable around you. Such tamed squirrels do not like living in their outdoor nests.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Can squirrels eat carrots?”, and what to feed squirrels?
If you’ve enjoyed ”Can squirrels eat carrots?”, take a look at ”Can chinchillas eat blueberries?” too.
