Ever spotted a chipmunk darting around your yard and wondered what snacks from your kitchen might tempt them? Sure, they mostly munch on nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects, but chipmunks can’t always resist a few human treats. They’ll go for unsalted peanuts, tiny bits of fruit like apple or berries, and even small slices of veggies—carrots and corn are hits.
Feeding chipmunks is honestly pretty fun, but you’ve got to pick foods that won’t hurt them. Stick with options that pack nutrients without piling on sugar or fat—plain oats or unsalted nuts work well.
Knowing what chipmunks like means you get to watch them up close and keep them safe at the same time.
Let’s take a closer look at which human foods chipmunks enjoy, along with a few tips on what to avoid so you don’t accidentally make them sick.
What Human Food Do Chipmunks Like to Eat?
Chipmunks love a variety of human foods that fit their natural tastes. Crunchy seeds and nuts, juicy fruits, and some fresh veggies? They’re all favorites. Sometimes, they’ll even go after bugs or other surprising snacks.
Seeds and Nuts as Chipmunk Favorites
Chipmunks go nuts for seeds and nuts because these foods give them quick energy and are easy to stash in their cheeks. Try offering sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, acorns, walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans.
You can give them shelled or unshelled seeds, but honestly, shelled ones make life easier for these little guys. Chipmunks gather and store these treats for winter, so you might spot them running off with a mouthful.
Avoid salted or flavored nuts, though—they’re not good for chipmunks, and could actually make them sick.
Fruits and Vegetables Chipmunks Enjoy
Chipmunks have a soft spot for fruits and veggies you probably already have. They’ll nibble on apples, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and even melon or watermelon pieces.
They also munch on corn and tomatoes when they can find them. Always give them fresh, raw produce—nothing cooked or seasoned. They’re tiny, so small bites are best.
Insects and Other Surprising Chipmunk Foods
Besides plants, chipmunks go after small insects like caterpillars or other bugs. Sometimes, they’ll eat eggs or even a tiny frog if they get the chance. Mushrooms and other fungi end up in their diet too, especially when plants are scarce.
These protein-rich foods help balance things out. If you want to keep your chipmunks happy, try offering a little variety.
How Chipmunks Gather and Store Human Foods
Chipmunks are clever little collectors. They use smart tricks to carry off snacks and stash them for later. If you feed them, it helps to know how they actually handle their food.
Using Cheek Pouches for Transportation
Chipmunks have cheek pouches that can stretch to three times the size of their heads—seriously! These pouches let them grab a big haul of food in one go.
When you hand out nuts, berries, or tiny fruit pieces, chipmunks stuff their cheeks full and scamper back to their burrows.
They avoid losing food to other animals this way, and they don’t waste energy making tons of trips. If you see their cheeks puffed out, it’s like they’re carrying grocery bags—adorable, right?
Storing Snacks in Food Caches
Chipmunks don’t eat everything right away. Instead, they hide their food in underground caches or tree hollows. These secret stashes are like pantries for tough times, especially winter.
If you leave snacks out, you might notice chipmunks burying seeds, nuts, or fruit pieces around your yard. This caching habit helps them survive when food gets scarce.
To encourage healthy caching, offer a mix of nuts, seeds, and fruits that chipmunks naturally enjoy.
Providing a Balanced Diet When Feeding Chipmunks
If you’re thinking about feeding chipmunks, remember—they need more than just one kind of food. It’s tempting to toss them peanuts or sunflower seeds, but too much of that can make them overweight.
Mix it up with vegetables, fruits, and some protein like mealworms or even a bit of cooked chicken. They’ll appreciate the variety, honestly.
Here’s a quick list you can follow:
- Nuts (walnuts, pine nuts)
- Fresh fruits (apples, berries)
- Vegetables (carrots, lettuce)
- Protein (mealworms, small pieces of cooked chicken)
When you offer different foods, chipmunks get the nutrients they need. They’ll stay more active and, hopefully, healthier too.
