Ever watch a squirrel darting through the trees and wonder what actually makes them pause for a snack? Squirrels almost always go for nuts first—especially acorns, walnuts, and hazelnuts. These little guys love them because they’re packed with calories and fat, and they’re easy to stash away for winter.
Favorites change with the seasons and even by species. A gray squirrel might crave something different than a red or flying squirrel, believe it or not.
If you’re thinking about tossing snacks out in your yard, it’s good to know which foods are safe and which ones to skip.
Let’s dig into what really tempts different squirrels, what treats to avoid, and a few easy tips for feeding them responsibly.
What Is the Squirrel’s Favorite Food?
Squirrels always hunt for high-energy, portable food. You’ll spot them foraging in trees, scurrying on the ground, or raiding backyard feeders.
They love oily nuts, tiny seeds, juicy fruits, and even some veggies—anything that helps them bulk up or feed their babies.
Most Loved Nuts and Seeds
Squirrels can’t resist acorns, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or beechnuts. These nuts are loaded with fat and calories, so squirrels spend fall burying them all over the place.
You’ll catch them stashing nuts under leaves or in the dirt—scatter hoarding, if you want the official name.
Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are also big hits. Squirrels will empty seed heads fast and take over bird feeders if you don’t squirrel-proof them.
If you want to offer snacks, stick with unsalted, raw nuts and plain seeds. The flavored stuff isn’t good for them.
- High-fat nuts: walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts
- Small energy seeds: sunflower, pumpkin
- Avoid: salted or sugary human snacks
Fruits Squirrels Can’t Resist
Squirrels munch on fruits they can carry or bite into—apples, berries, grapes, and even some wild shrub berries. They go for ripe, soft fruit because it’s sweet, hydrating, and easy to eat.
You might spot them grabbing fruit from gardens or compost piles in the city. They’ll climb trees and jump to vines if they have to.
If you want to attract them, try putting small apple chunks or pear slices on a feeder. Just don’t use anything with added sugar or syrup.
Vegetables and Other Tasty Treats
Squirrels won’t say no to veggies like corn, tomatoes, carrots, and green beans. Corn is a huge favorite—lots of starch and calories.
Sometimes they’ll nibble bark, twigs, mushrooms, or even snack on eggs and insects for a protein boost.
You might find them raiding veggie patches, digging up bulbs, or gnawing tree bark in the colder months.
If you’re feeding them, stick with plain veggies and whole unsalted nuts. Skip the processed bread, sweets, or anything salty.
Favorite Foods by Squirrel Species
Different squirrel species have their own food quirks. Where they live and what’s around really shapes their tastes.
Tree squirrels love nuts and seeds. Ground squirrels lean toward greens and roots. Flying squirrels? They go for softer, fatty stuff, especially at night.
Tree Squirrels’ Dietary Preferences
Tree squirrels like gray, fox, and red squirrels focus on hard, energy-rich foods. You’ll see them grabbing acorns, walnuts, and hazelnuts whenever they can.
These nuts give them the fat and calories they need to stay busy and prep for winter.
They also eat seeds, apples, berries, and spring buds. Red squirrels are especially into conifer seeds—they’ll rip apart pine cones just for those little kernels.
Gray and fox squirrels often visit backyard feeders for sunflower seeds and peanuts.
Tree squirrels are famous for hiding food. They bury or stash nuts in lots of spots, which helps them survive tough months.
This scatter-hoarding even shapes how they remember things and defend their turf.
Ground Squirrels’ Eating Habits
Ground squirrels focus on plants they can reach—grasses, clover, roots, and seeds. In spring and summer, they eat mostly green stuff when it’s fresh.
They’ll also go after insects, eggs, and sometimes even young birds if they need more protein.
This extra protein helps them grow and raise babies. You’ll usually spot ground squirrels foraging in open fields and meadows.
Their food stashes usually stay near their burrows. You might find seeds or roots tucked away close by.
Ground squirrels try to avoid predators, so they mostly come out during the day.
Flying Squirrels and Their Unique Choices
Flying squirrels come out mostly at night, so spotting one feels like a lucky break. They munch on nuts, seeds, fruits, and seem to go for soft foods—think mushrooms and tree sap.
Honestly, they seem to pick foods that are simple to carry and stash away in tree cavities. These little nocturnal creatures also go after insects and bird eggs when they want more protein.
Some flying squirrels even gather fungi and hang them on branches to dry, saving them for leaner times in winter. They use cavities and nest boxes to tuck food away for later.
Since they glide from tree to tree without touching the ground, they grab whatever they find up in the canopy or clinging to trunks. They rely on memory—and a good nose—to track down those hidden snacks inside tree hollows.
