You can toss a squirrel a plain, unsalted almond now and then, but don’t make it a regular thing. Treats like almonds pack in calories and fat, which can throw off a squirrel’s natural balance, so just offer them once in a while and see how the little guy reacts.
If you want to feed almonds safely, go for raw, unsalted ones and break them up if you’re dealing with smaller squirrels. Here, I’ll walk you through picking the right almonds, dodging common risks, and finding healthier options so your backyard squirrel visits stay safe—and honestly, a bit more fun.
Can Squirrels Eat Almonds?
Almonds work as an occasional treat, but there are risks if you give the wrong type, too many, or anything salty or flavored. Always check the almond type, portion size, and the squirrel’s age before handing one over.
Are Almonds Safe for Squirrels?
Sweet, raw, unsalted almonds don’t poison most squirrels and can give them fats and protein. Still, you should only give a few at a time.
Skip salted, oil-roasted, or flavored almonds. Added salt and oils can dehydrate or upset a squirrel’s digestion.
Whole almonds can be tough for babies or smaller squirrels to swallow—they might choke or get a blockage.
After feeding, watch for any distress like weird breathing, drooling, limping, vomiting, or if the squirrel suddenly seems super tired. If you keep feeders outside, mix in natural snacks like unsalted peanuts in the shell, walnuts, or native nuts so almonds never take over.
Types of Almonds and Associated Risks
Sweet almonds—the kind you find raw at the store—are the usual safe bet. They lack the bitter compound that releases cyanide, so you don’t have to worry about that.
Bitter almonds have amygdalin, which can be toxic. You won’t usually find these for sale, but just in case, don’t feed bitter almonds to squirrels. Ever.
Salted, roasted, honeyed, or coated almonds pile on sodium, sugars, and oils that stress a squirrel’s kidneys and stomach. Almond shells are tough; unshelled almonds are okay for adult squirrels but might strain teeth or cause choking in younger ones.
If you’re set on feeding almonds, stick with raw, unsalted, shelled pieces or give whole unsalted almonds only to fully grown squirrels.
How Many Almonds Should Squirrels Eat?
Keep almonds as a treat—one to three small almonds per adult squirrel per day is plenty. That way, you keep calories and fat in check and avoid pushing out their natural food.
For babies, injured, or underweight squirrels, skip almonds until they’re older or a wildlife rehabber says it’s okay. If you notice any digestive problems after feeding almonds, stop right away and talk to a wildlife vet.
Mix almonds with other foods: nuts, seeds, fruits, and commercial squirrel feed. This keeps their nutrients balanced and lowers the health risks from too many almonds.
The Healthiest Way to Feed Almonds to Squirrels
Feed unsalted, plain almonds in small amounts and prep them so squirrels don’t struggle. Limit treats to just a few pieces, offer whole-shell almonds if you can, and mix nuts into a varied diet with seeds, fruits, and native tree nuts.
Raw vs. Roasted Almonds
Raw almonds are your safest option. They’ve got natural oils and nutrients, but none of the salt, sugar, or flavors that can mess with a squirrel’s health.
Roasted almonds usually come with added salt or oil. Even a bit of salt can dehydrate or bother a squirrel’s kidneys. If you only have roasted almonds, rinse off visible salt and let them dry before offering a couple of pieces.
Don’t give flavored or chocolate-covered almonds. Those coatings bring in sugars, caffeine, or other things that just aren’t safe. If you’re not sure, stick to plain raw almonds and keep it to one or two small ones per visit.
Shells, Choking Risks, and Preparation Tips
Shells give squirrels something to chew and slow down overeating, but hard shells can be a choking hazard for young or small squirrels.
If you use shelled almonds, break them into halves or smaller pieces. That makes chewing easier and less risky. For whole almonds, watch the squirrels the first few times to see if they can handle them.
Keep portions tiny: one or two almond halves per squirrel per day is enough. Place nuts on a flat spot or feeder so squirrels take their time. Don’t ever feed salted, sugared, or moldy nuts.
Almonds in a Balanced Squirrel Diet
Think of almonds as a special treat for squirrels, not something for every day. They pack in protein, vitamin E, and healthy fats, but yeah—they’re loaded with calories.
Mix almonds with other squirrel-safe foods like acorns, hazelnuts, unsalted peanuts, fruit slices, or even plain sunflower seeds. If you can, go for natural foods first and save almonds for those colder months or breeding times when squirrels could use the extra energy.
Switch up the types of nuts you give if you feed squirrels often, and don’t go overboard with nut servings. Keep an eye out for any weight gain or sluggishness—if you notice it, just cut back a bit.
