Can squirrels eat walnuts? Glad you asked. Squirrels can eat various food such as apples and carrots, but can squirrels eat walnuts? Keep reading to find out what’s good and bad about this delicious food.
Can Squirrels Eat Walnuts?
The short answer is yes. Squirrels can eat walnuts, but before you start feeding walnuts to your critter there are a few risks you should be aware of first. Let’s find out what’s good and bad about serving walnuts to squirrels.
Are Walnuts Good for Squirrels?
The answer is yes. Walnuts are good and safe for squirrels to eat in moderation. However, you need to learn how to prepare them to prevent some risks.
Walnuts are a great source of numerous nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, proteins and carbohydrates that can benefit your squirrel.
Down below, we’ve put together few of the health benefits of giving walnuts to mammals.
Vitamins
Rodents need vitamins to maintain their body functions. Below are few vitamins that squirrels can get from walnuts.
- 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 E is an antioxidant and is important for the proper function of many organs in squirrels’ body.
Minerals
Animals need various minerals in their meal. Below are some minerals that squirrels can get from walnuts.
- Potassium in walnuts helps lower blood pressure and protect squirrels from strokes and other diseases like osteoporosis and kidney stones.
- Magnesium content of walnuts helps the squirrels’ body to have healthy blood sugar levels in addition to a healthy heart.
- Iron content of walnuts is necessary for squirrels’ body to create healthy red blood cells.
- Phosphorus in walnuts help’s squirrels’ body filter and remove waste from the kidneys. It also helps squirrels in repairing cells and tissues.
Fiber
Walnuts are around 7% fiber which keep your critters’ digestion system in good condition.
Protein
Walnuts also contain 15% protein which is vital for mammals’ growth.
Are Walnuts Bad for Squirrels?
No, walnuts are neither bad nor poisonous to squirrels. However, eating extensive quantities can lead to some severe side effects like digestion issues.
Do Squirrels Like Walnuts?
Yes, squirrels like walnuts; 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 Walnuts Can Squirrels Eat?
There is no rule on how much walnuts squirrels can eat. However, walnuts or any treat should never make more than 10% of squirrels’ total calories. walnuts should be considered as treats, not as replacement for their main diet. If you serve your squirrel walnuts, it should be as a part of a well-balanced diet.
How to Feed Walnuts to Squirrels?
Here is how you can serve walnuts to your squirrels.
- It is best to seek out organic walnuts whenever possible.
- Make sure there aren’t any pesticides on them.
- Mix the walnuts with other food that your squirrel eat.
- Start with a small amount of walnuts the first time you feed them to your squirrel to see if they show any side effects. It’s wise to do this with any new treat.
Conclusion: Can Squirrels Eat Walnuts?
Yes, squirrels can eat walnuts in moderation. They are healthy, delicious and completely safe for your little creatures. However, it can cause issues if over-consumed.
And with many healthier options out there. Walnuts are best served up along other food that your squirrel usually eat.
You should keep walnuts as a special treat, and don’t replace them with the squirrels’ main diet.
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