What Nuts Should A Squirrel Not Eat?
A squirrel will eat many nuts, but there are certain types that he should not consume. In this article, we’ll look at unsweetened, salted, and shelled varieties. We’ll also cover sunflower seeds and roasted nuts. Generally speaking, squirrels prefer pumpkin seeds to sunflower seeds. But don’t give them sunflower seeds! Listed below are some things that a squirrel should never eat, and a few ways to avoid them!
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Unsweetened
Whether your pets eat almonds or other types of nuts is a personal decision, but remember that they’re not good for them. These nuts contain precious fats and oils that can quickly go bad. The most important thing to remember is to never give your pets nuts that are salted or otherwise flavored. Although it might be entertaining to watch your pets munch on nuts, you should never allow your pets to eat anything that has become rancid. Some of these oils can also be toxic to your squirrel.
Unsalted
If you’re trying to feed your squirrel a balanced diet, consider a variety of nuts and seeds, including pecans. Peanuts are particularly attractive to squirrels, as are unshelled pecans and almonds. Just make sure that you select an unsweetened variety. It’s also important to avoid foods such as chocolate, candy, and highly processed foods. Squirrels aren’t particularly picky eaters, but they can live without these foods in moderation.
Unshelled
You can give your squirrel a variety of nuts, but they should not eat roasted or salted nuts. Roasted nuts are high in fat and contain small amounts of toxins, which are harmful to their kidneys and liver. Only give your squirrel unshelled nuts. Sunflower seeds are also bad for squirrels. Squirrels prefer pumpkin seeds, so make sure your squirrel gets enough of them.
Seasoned
Many squirrels will eat any nut, shelled or unsealed. They will often gnaw on the nuts to get the benefits of chewing and the essential fatty acids. In addition, squirrels can consume anywhere from twenty to thirty nuts at one time. Leaving food out at night attracts raccoons and rats, both of which can carry parasites and prey on baby squirrels.
Chestnuts
If you’re looking for a healthy snack for your squirrels, consider growing a chestnut tree in your yard. These trees grow very well in spring, but they need to be planted close to one another to cross-pollinate. You should plant chestnut trees at least 40 feet apart, but not closer than that. Chestnuts can grow to 60 feet in height, and their crown circumference can reach 40 feet.
Pecans
Squirrels need a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals to keep their fur and nails strong. Since their fur is their primary form of insulation, they also need strong nails to climb and jump. Pecans are naturally rich in protein and other essential nutrients. Pecans are also rich in calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium. These nutrients are good for both humans and squirrels.
Walnuts
Many people wonder why walnuts shouldn’t be eaten by squirrels. But the truth is that walnuts are actually good for squirrels. They are loaded with fiber, protein, and fats. Not only do they provide energy, but they also prepare the squirrels for the winter. If you see a squirrel scrounging for walnuts in a tree, chances are that it’s trying to store them for later use. This is part of their evolution and their hoarding instincts.
Monkey nuts
What nuts should a squirrel not eat? Almonds are not the right choice for squirrels, as they contain Aspergillus mold, a poisonous toxin. But almonds are not completely off-limits. They can still cause serious illnesses, including kidney stones, pancreatitis, diarrhea, and indigestion. Additionally, almonds can cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction to the nut. If you notice symptoms of this affliction, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What type of nuts are poisonous to squirrels?
Certain types of nuts are poisonous to squirrels such as acorns from oak trees and manzanita berries.

Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.