Can squirrels eat apples? I’m glad you asked. Squirrels eat various food such as pistachios and walnuts, but can squirrels eat apples? Let’s find out what’s good and bad about this delicious fruit.
Can Squirrels Eat Apples?
The answer is yes. Squirrels can eat apples, but before you start feeding apples to your squirrels, there are a few important things you should consider first. Let’s find out what’s good and bad about feeding apples to your furry little creature.
Are Apples Good for Squirrels?
The answer is yes. Apples are good and safe for squirrels to eat in moderate amounts. However, you need to learn how to prepare them to prevent some risks.
Apples are a good source of several nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates that can benefit the health of your critter. in addition to a high water content (86%) which makes it a great food for summer days as it can help your squirrel to stay hydrated.
Down below, we’ve put together few of the health benefits of giving apples to your squirrels.
Vitamins
Mammals use vitamins to maintain their body functions. Below are few vitamins that squirrels can get from apples.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) aids in protein metabolism in the squirrels’ body, impacting their overall well-being from growing and repairing muscles to a healthy skin.
- Vitamin C helps create antibodies which are crucial for your squirrel’s immune system, and it also acts as an anti-inflammatory
- Vitamin K in apples aids squirrels’ blood’s ability to coagulate normally.
Minerals
Squirrels need various minerals in their diet. Down below are some minerals that mammals can get from apples.
- Potassium content of apples keep blood pressure in check and protect squirrels from strokes and other problems such as kidney stones and osteoporosis.
- Magnesium content of apples helps the squirrels’ body to have healthy blood sugar levels as well as a healthy heart.
- Iron in apples is necessary for squirrels’ body to create healthy red blood cells.
Fiber
Apples are around 2.4% fiber which helps keep your squirrel’s digestion system in good condition.
Are Apples Bad for Squirrels?
No, apples are neither bad nor poisonous to squirrels. However, eating extensive quantities can cause some extreme side effects such as digestion issues and diarrhea due to the high water content.
Another thing worth mentioning is that apples seeds are toxic and should be avoided.
Do Squirrels Like Apples?
Yes, squirrels like apples; they find them incredibly tasty and would happily eat them irrespective of how much you give.
Want to make sure? Watch the following video
How Much Apples Can Squirrels Eat?
There is no rule about how much apples squirrels can eat. However, apples or any treat should never make up more than 10% of your furry little creature’s total daily intake. apples should be considered as a treat, not as replacement for their main food. If you feed your squirrels apples, it should be a part of a well-balanced food.
How to Feed Apples to Squirrels?
Here is how you can offer apples to your squirrels.
- Seek out organic apples whenever possible.
- Wash the apples thoroughly to remove any pesticides from the skin.
- Remove the skin if your squirrels does not like it or if you want to eliminate the threat of pesticide poisoning .
- chop the apples up into smaller slices that your squirrel can eat.
- Mix the apples with other food that your squirrel enjoy.
- Start with a small amount of apples the first time you give them to your squirrel to see if they show any side effects. It’s wise to do this with any new food.
Conclusion: Can Squirrels Eat Apples?
Yes, squirrels can eat apples in moderation. They are healthy, delicious and completely safe for squirrels. However, it can lead to some issues if over-consumed.
And with so many healthy options available. Apples are best fed along other food your squirrel usually enjoy.
Keep apples as a special treat, and don’t replace them with the squirrel’s main meal.
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