Feeding squirrels: what can they eat and what should they avoid?

Written by Meanne | Content Specialist | April 16, 2026

Squirrels regularly appear in gardens, especially in autumn when they are busy gathering food for the winter. Because they are more visible during this period, they are also often given extra food. Not all food is suitable to give them, however, and an incorrect diet can affect their health and natural behaviour. In this blog, you can read about what squirrels naturally eat, which foods you can and should not give them, and what to keep in mind if you want to feed them in your garden. This way, you can help squirrels responsibly without disturbing them.

Can you feed squirrels?

Feeding squirrels is not necessarily harmful, but it is important to do so with care. In the wild, squirrels look for a varied range of food themselves. When they are fed regularly, this can affect their natural foraging behaviour. The composition of the food also plays an important role. A one-sided or unsuitable diet can mean that squirrels do not get all the nutrients they need. In periods when less food is available, such as in the run-up to winter, supplementary feeding can be a useful addition. It remains important to be mindful of what and how much you give, so that squirrels retain their natural behaviour as much as possible.

What do squirrels eat and what can you give them?

Squirrels are omnivores and naturally have a varied diet. In the wild, they mainly eat plant-based foods such as nuts, seeds, berries and other fruits. Mushrooms, buds and parts of plants are also part of their natural diet. In addition, squirrels sometimes eat animal-based food, such as insects or eggs, as a supplement to their diet.

When giving squirrels extra food, it is important to follow this natural eating pattern as closely as possible. Suitable foods include unsalted nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds. Small amounts of fruit and vegetables, such as apple, berries, carrot or sweetcorn, can also be given. Variety plays an important role here. By offering different types of food, you ensure that squirrels take in a broader range of nutrients. That is why it is better not to give the same food every time.

Peanuts can be offered as an extra, but not as the main food source. Too many peanuts can lead to health problems, such as a calcium deficiency. That is why it is important to give peanuts in moderation. If you offer them, choose unsalted and unroasted varieties.

What should squirrels not eat?

Not all food is suitable for squirrels. Some products can be harmful to their health or do not fit their natural diet. It is therefore better not to give processed foods such as bread. Although squirrels may sometimes eat it, it contains few nutrients and can prevent them from getting the right nutritional value. Other foods intended for people, such as biscuits or other snacks, are also unsuitable. In addition, salted products, such as salted nuts, are not suitable for squirrels. Salt can be harmful and does not fit within their natural diet. Dairy products are also best avoided. Squirrels can find these difficult to digest, which may lead to digestive problems.

Feeding squirrels in your garden: tips and points to consider

If you want to feed squirrels in your garden, it is important to do so in the right way. Give small amounts of food and provide enough variety, so that squirrels maintain a balanced diet. By placing food in several spots, you also encourage their natural foraging behaviour. The time of feeding also plays a role. Squirrels are especially active in the morning and later in the day, making these suitable times to offer food. Also choose a suitable feeding spot. A feeding house or feeding platform placed up high, for example in or near a tree, helps to keep the food accessible and safe. This also prevents other animals from reaching it too easily.

Besides food, it is important to give squirrels access to fresh water, especially in warmer periods. A shallow bowl in a sheltered spot is sufficient for this. Finally, also take other animals in the garden, such as birds, into account. By giving squirrels their own feeding area and protecting bird food properly, you prevent them from disturbing each other’s food sources. Always feed mindfully and try not to make squirrels dependent, so that they retain their natural behaviour.

Also read our other blogs about garden animals

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