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Nuts & Seeds That a Squirrel Can't Eat

Squirrel's favorite foods by far are nuts and seeds, however there are some they should only be fed in small quantities or avoid altogether. It's best to have a feeder with a variety of different nuts, seeds, fruit and corn for them to have a balanced diet. If you're feeding young squirrels, you need to crack nuts for them until they can do this themselves. Beware of feeding them with your fingers, as their eyes are positioned on either side of their head, and they are unable to judge what's in front of them; they may bite you accidentally.

Peanuts
- Peanuts have a mold that squirrels find toxic, however this is eliminated when they are roasted. They lack calcium and other nutrients, so they shouldn't constitute the main part of their diet -- and don't give them salted ones.
Cashews
- Keep cashew nuts to a minimum, as they lack minerals, in particular calcium. Diets that are low in calcium can result in brittle bones. Avoid salted cashews at all costs, as they contain too much salt for a squirrel which can increase their heart rate and can lead to premature death.
Sunflower Seeds
- While squirrels can eat sunflower seeds, they shouldn't eat too many of them, as they provide very little in terms of nutrition.
Pine Nuts
- Pine nuts have little to offer in terms of nutrition, although squirrels eat them if they are offered. Only feed them pine nuts with a variety of other foods.

Animals & Science