What Is the Best Way to Feed Squirrels? Tips for Safe Feeding

You can feed squirrels in a way that keeps them healthy and your yard tidy.

Offer unsalted, natural foods like raw nuts, seeds, or pieces of fresh fruit. Put these in a simple feeding spot near trees so squirrels can eat safely and still act wild.

This approach brings steady visits but doesn’t make them rely on you.

Want to attract squirrels, set up a clean feeding station, and avoid problems? You’ll just need a few clear, small steps.

You’ll probably notice more lively, healthy squirrels—and less mess or unwanted critters.

What Is the Best Way to Feed Squirrels?

Feed healthy, unsalted nuts and fresh produce in a clean, raised spot.

Pick a sturdy feeder for whole nuts, or use a tray that keeps food dry and away from other animals.

Choosing the Right Squirrel Feeder

Choose a feeder made for squirrels or a heavy tray that won’t tip over.

Metal or thick plastic feeders hold up better since squirrels love to chew.

Look for a roof to keep food dry and a lip that stops nuts from rolling off.

Hang feeders on a wire between trees or mount them on a post about 4–6 feet high—makes it harder for cats and raccoons to reach.

If you want to keep birds away, try a squirrel-only feeder with bigger nuts or place a tray where only squirrels can jump.

Wash the feeder every week or two with mild soap and water to prevent mold.

Recommended Squirrel Foods

Offer unsalted, raw nuts like walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or shelled sunflower seeds.

These mimic what squirrels eat in the wild and give them the fats and calories they need.

Fresh fruits like apple slices, halved grapes, or berries work well as treats, but go easy on the fruit.

Raw veggies—think carrot sticks, green beans, and corn on the cob—are also good options.

Skip the salted, sugary, or processed human snacks.

Don’t feed apple seeds, fruit pits, or lots of peanut butter; stick to whole foods that match what squirrels naturally eat.

How Often and How Much to Feed

Feed once a day or every other day.

Put out small piles—one or two handfuls for a small yard—to avoid overfeeding and dependence.

In spring and summer, cut back since there’s plenty of natural food.

During winter or when food is scarce, offer daily portions.

Remove leftovers after a day or two to keep mold and pests away.

Watch your local squirrels; if they finish everything quickly, you’re probably giving the right amount.

Safe Feeding Practices

Place food close to trees or shrubs so squirrels feel safe and can dash away from predators.

Use a specific feeding area and keep it clean to limit disease.

Wear gloves if you have cuts when handling squirrel food.

Don’t feed squirrels by hand—keeps them wild and reduces the risk of bites.

Keep feeding off the ground to avoid attracting unwanted animals.

If you see sick squirrels or odd behavior, stop feeding and contact wildlife authorities.

You’ll find more tips on feeder types and foods at Birds & Blooms and SquirrelsInfo.

How to Attract Squirrels and Support Their Wellbeing

You can draw squirrels to your yard and help them stay healthy by offering high-energy foods, steady water, and safe nesting spots.

Small, regular steps—like planting certain trees and keeping water clean—actually make the biggest difference.

Planting Sunflowers and Nut Trees

Plant tall sunflowers and nut trees such as oak, walnut, or hazel to give squirrels natural, seasonal food.

Sunflowers grow big seed heads; black oil sunflower seeds have more oil and are easier for squirrels to eat.

Sow sunflower seeds in spring in a sunny spot and leave some heads standing through fall so squirrels can gather seeds themselves.

Nut trees take a while to grow but provide food for years.

Plant them 15–25 feet apart in well-drained soil and mulch the roots.

Young trees need water for the first couple of summers.

Don’t rely on processed or salted nuts; fresh, unsalted nuts are better for wild diets and help squirrels store fat for winter.

Add berry shrubs or fruit trees like apple or peach.

Space plants so squirrels can move safely between branches.

This setup creates a little food network and can reduce feeder raids.

Providing Fresh Water

Place a shallow, sturdy water dish in a quiet, shaded spot near trees or feeders.

A saucer or birdbath about 1–2 inches deep lets squirrels reach water easily.

Clean and refill the dish daily in hot weather—or at least twice a week otherwise.

Heated wildlife waterers can help in winter.

Choose a low-wattage, outdoor-safe model and keep water ice-free.

Set water dishes on the ground or a low platform to keep predators away.

Skip soap or chemicals—just use fresh water.

If you set out several water stations, rotate and clean them regularly.

This keeps algae and disease away and encourages squirrels to keep coming back.

Creating a Squirrel-Friendly Environment

Put up one or two feeders made just for squirrels, not birds. That way, you’ll cut down on competition and hassle.

Hang your feeders from a pole with baffles, or just attach them to a tree branch. Make sure they’re at least 6–8 feet from fences and roofs—otherwise, you might end up with a parade of cats or raccoons instead.

Toss in some black oil sunflower seeds, unsalted peanuts, shelled walnuts, or corn kernels. Squirrels really go for those.

Set out a nest box or just leave some old snags and dense evergreens for shelter. For a nest box, use a 4–5 inch entrance hole and mount it 10–20 feet up. Try to face it away from the wind—squirrels aren’t fans of the cold, believe it or not.

Keep some dry grass, shredded cardboard, or cloth (just make sure it’s not cotton) nearby for nesting material. Tuck it in a sheltered spot so it stays dry.

Skip the processed snacks, salted nuts, or bread. Those can mess with a squirrel’s stomach and attract way too many critters.

Offer small daily portions in the feeder. That way, squirrels still have to forage and won’t rely on you for everything.