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What foods are toxic to squirrels?

Published in Squirrel Toxic Foods 4 mins read

Squirrels, while appearing hardy, can be sensitive to certain foods that are common in human diets. Feeding squirrels the wrong items can lead to severe health problems, ranging from digestive upset to life-threatening conditions. Understanding which foods are toxic is crucial for their well-being.

Key Toxic Foods to Avoid

To ensure the safety of squirrels, it's vital to know and avoid feeding them specific foods. These items can cause various adverse reactions due to their chemical compounds or high levels of unsuitable nutrients.

  • Avocado: Specifically, the skin and the pit (seed) of avocados are highly toxic to squirrels.
  • Onions and Garlic: All forms of onions and garlic, including powders and cooked versions, are harmful.
  • Chocolate and Caffeine: These contain substances that are poisonous to many animals, including squirrels.
  • Processed Human Foods: Items high in sugar, salt, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.
  • Fruit Pits and Seeds: Many fruit pits and seeds, particularly from stone fruits, contain cyanide-producing compounds.
  • Moldy or Spoiled Foods: Any food that has gone bad can cause severe illness.
  • Rhubarb Leaves: These contain oxalic acid, which can be damaging.

Detailed Breakdown of Toxic Items and Their Effects

Understanding why certain foods are toxic helps emphasize the importance of avoiding them.

Avocado (Skin and Seed)

The skin and large seed of avocados contain a fungicidal toxin called persin. While less toxic to humans, it can be very harmful to squirrels.

  • Potential Health Issues: Consumption can lead to breathing difficulties, heart-related issues, and fluid accumulation around the heart and lungs.

Onions and Garlic

These pungent vegetables belong to the Allium family and contain compounds like thiosulphates.

  • Potential Health Issues: When ingested, these compounds can damage a squirrel's red blood cells, leading to a condition called anemia. Symptoms may include weakness, lethargy, and in severe cases, organ damage.

Chocolate and Caffeine

Chocolate contains theobromine, and caffeine is a stimulant, both of which squirrels cannot metabolize effectively.

  • Potential Health Issues: Symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhea to tremors, seizures, heart problems, and even death, depending on the amount consumed.

Processed and Sugary Foods

Human snacks like chips, candy, pastries, and sweetened cereals often contain excessive amounts of sugar, salt, artificial flavors, and unhealthy fats.

  • Potential Health Issues: These foods offer no nutritional value for squirrels and can lead to obesity, dental problems, digestive upset, and long-term health issues dueating to nutritional deficiencies.

Fruit Pits and Seeds

The pits of cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, and apples, as well as apple seeds, contain cyanogenic glycosides.

  • Potential Health Issues: When these are chewed and digested, they release hydrogen cyanide, a potent toxin that can cause respiratory distress, seizures, coma, and be fatal.

Moldy or Spoiled Food

Just like in humans, consuming food that has visible mold or is spoiled can be highly dangerous for squirrels.

  • Potential Health Issues: Mold can produce mycotoxins, which are poisonous substances that can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, neurological problems, and liver damage.

Rhubarb Leaves

The leaves of the rhubarb plant are toxic due to their high concentration of oxalic acid.

  • Potential Health Issues: Ingestion can lead to kidney damage, digestive problems, and tremors.

Summary of Toxic Foods for Squirrels

The table below provides a quick reference for common foods that are harmful to squirrels:

Food Item Reason for Toxicity Potential Health Issues
Avocado (skin/seed) Contains persin Breathing difficulties, heart issues
Onions & Garlic Damages red blood cells (anemia) Anemia, weakness, organ damage
Chocolate/Caffeine Theobromine and caffeine Vomiting, tremors, seizures, heart problems, death
Processed Foods High sugar, salt, artificial ingredients Digestive upset, nutritional deficiencies, long-term illness
Fruit Pits/Seeds Contain cyanogenic glycosides (releases cyanide) Respiratory distress, seizures, death
Moldy/Spoiled Food Toxins from mold and bacteria Vomiting, diarrhea, neurological problems
Rhubarb Leaves High oxalic acid content Kidney damage, digestive issues, tremors

What to Do If a Squirrel Consumes Toxic Food

If you suspect a squirrel has consumed a toxic food, it's best to observe the animal from a distance. Do not attempt to capture or handle a wild squirrel unless you are trained or advised by a professional. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal rescue organization immediately for advice. They are equipped to provide the necessary care and guidance.

General Feeding Guidelines for Squirrels

Instead of offering potentially harmful foods, opt for natural and healthy alternatives if you wish to supplement a squirrel's diet. Reputable sources suggest offering:

  • Nuts in the shell: Acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, and pecans (unsalted, raw).
  • Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds (unsalted).
  • Fresh vegetables: Corn (in moderation), broccoli, carrots.
  • Fresh fruits: Apples (without seeds), berries, grapes (in moderation).
  • Unsweetened dried fruits: Raisins, cranberries.
  • Specialized squirrel food: Available from pet supply stores.

Always ensure fresh water is available, especially during dry periods.