Captive Squirrel Diet
Squirrels require a well-balanced diet that provides appropriate levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Because indoor squirrels do not have access to the diverse food sources available in the wild, it is essential to supply a carefully planned diet consisting of fresh vegetables, safe wild foods, limited treats, and a nutritionally complete base block.
Squirrels are omnivores, and diets made up only of nuts, seeds, and vegetables are nutritionally incomplete for captives. Such diets lack sufficient calcium, protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, and other critical nutrients. Prolonged nutritional deficiencies can lead to issues ranging from dull or thinning fur to severe, life-threatening illnesses such as Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), which is fatal in squirrels.
Components of a Healthy Diet
A proper squirrel diet should include:
• Quality Rodent Blocks – Exotic Nutrition PREMIUM Blocks (only), Teklad, Mazuri Rat and Mouse
• A wide variety of healthy vegetables and appropriate wild foods
• NO nuts and only limited treats
Rodent Blocks
Although vegetables and natural foods are an important part of a squirrel’s diet, they alone cannot meet all nutritional requirements. Quality rodent blocks are paramount. See more info under our Non-Releasable page.
Healthy Vegetables
Vegetables supply fiber, fresh vitamin C, and essential micronutrients. Variety is essential for balanced nutrition. Vegetables from Group 1 and Group 2 may be fed freely. Vegetables from Group 3 should be offered in moderation due to higher levels of fats, starches, or oxalates.
Vegetables must be served fresh (do not use canned vegetables). All produce should be thoroughly washed prior to feeding. Remove seeds and pits, as some may be toxic or pose a choking risk.
Group 1 (Vegetables):
Arugula, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage (red or green), chayote, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms, purslane, watercress.
Group 2 (Lettuces):
Boston, bib, chicory, endive, escarole, iceberg, loose leaf, radicchio, romaine.
Group 3 (Other):
Artichokes, avocado, asparagus, carrots, celery, cilantro, cucumber, dandelion greens, fennel, fresh corn, green beans, kale, parsley, radish, squash (all varieties), sugar snap peas, sweet potato, tomatoes.
AVOID:
Bell peppers (red, green, yellow), eggplant, collard greens, okra, rhubarb, spinach, Swiss chard, turnips.
Wild Foods (In limited quantities and when 100% SURE of what you are feeding
Wild foods offer additional nutrients, mental stimulation, physical activity, and help naturally wear down teeth.
Before offering any unfamiliar wild item, confirm that it is non-toxic. Only collect items from areas free of chemical treatments. All wild foods should be washed thoroughly prior to feeding.
Safe Trees (leaves, branches, buds, etc.):
Apple, aspen, birch, black walnut, bottlebrush, cherry, dogwood, hickory, locust, magnolia, maple, mulberry, oak, orange, palm (never from the cycad family), pear, pine (3-needle and 5-needle), poplar, raintree, spruce, walnut.
Safe Plants:
Dandelion greens, hibiscus, lambsquarters, natal plum, lawn grass, plantain, purslane, red clover, rose hips, white clover, wood sorrel.
Safe Flowers:
Bottlebrush, camellia, carnations, chrysanthemum, daisies, marigold, moss rose, petunia, primrose, portulaca, roses, torenia, tulips, crocus
(Avoid other bulb flowers such as daffodils and lilies.)
Other Items:
Clean rocks, seashells, antlers, or a clean box of dirt can provide enrichment, trace minerals, and additional tooth wear.
Toxic Items:
Acorns (may contain aflatoxin, a deadly and undetectable toxin), wild mushrooms, cardboard palm, sago palm, all cycad palms, and florist flowers, which may be dyed or treated with chemicals.
Important Note:
Never use foods from areas frequented by raccoons or other wildlife, as feces may contain dangerous parasites.
Treats
Treats can be enjoyable and useful for bonding but should always be given sparingly and only after healthy foods have been consumed. Squirrels can be extremely selective and stubborn, much like toddlers, so it is important to limit treats. If a squirrel refuses healthy foods in favor of treats, please contact us for assistance at: 269-215-0509.
Fruit (limit to two small pieces per day, NO Pits):
Apple, apricot, banana, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries (NO Pits), crabapples, cranberries, grapefruit, grapes, honeydew, lemon, lime, mango, nectarine, orange, papaya, peach, pear, pineapple, pomegranate, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon.
Feeding Guidelines
• Remove hidden food caches regularly; squirrels will ignore healthy foods if favorite items are stored away.
• Offer only rodent blocks in the early morning.
• Provide vegetables, limited wild foods, and fruit later in the day, after blocks have been eaten.
• NO nuts.
Nuts and Seeds (Not recommended but if you must feed limit to 1 piece per week):
Almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, walnuts.
Insects (VERY LIMITED):
Mealworms and crickets may be offered live, dried, or canned from reputable pet stores. Do not feed wild-caught insects, as they may carry parasites.
TOXIC:
Chestnuts, Brazil nuts, acorns (mold), processed snack foods, sweets, human foods, and fruit pits or seeds.
Important Reminders
• Clear food caches frequently to prevent selective eating.
• Feed blocks only in the morning when the squirrel is most hungry.
• Offer vegetables and wild foods throughout the day.
• Do not provide treats or nuts until all healthy foods have been eaten.
Exercise
Ensure the squirrel has daily out-of-cage time for running and exploration, access to branches or climbing structures, and at least one active play session with you each day. Regular physical activity is essential for both physical and mental well-being.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Excess weight can lead to serious health issues, including diabetes, particularly in older squirrels. While healthy weights vary, a squirrel should generally appear lean, muscular, and free of fat rolls. For older, overweight, or less active squirrels, avoid foods high in sugar, starch, or fat to support long-term health.