You’ll usually spot squirrel food at local pet shops, garden centers, and farm-supply stores. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just order it online from big retailers or specialty sites and have it shipped right to your door.
Online marketplaces and major retailers make things fast and easy, but local pet and garden shops let you see what you’re buying and get some real advice from people who know the area.
If you’re looking for ideas on what to buy or where to put feeders, you’re in the right spot. I’ll point you to nearby stores, reliable online sellers, and share a few tips for picking the best mixes and feeders so your backyard squirrels stay happy and healthy.
Where Can I Get Squirrel Food Near Me or Online?
You can grab squirrel food from shops nearby or order it from big online stores. Small pet shops, major retailers, and farm supply stores all offer bulk mixes and special blends.
Local Pet Stores and Garden Centers
Most local pet stores carry small bags of squirrel food, peanuts, and seed mixes for backyard wildlife. Check out a pet shop near you, read the labels, and chat with the staff—they often know what works best for squirrels in your area.
Garden centers and nurseries sometimes have wildlife feed and suet blocks, especially in spring and fall. They might even give advice on the best place to put food so you don’t end up with angry birds in your yard.
Buying local means you can check ingredients yourself and skip the wait for shipping. It’s a nice bonus if you’re impatient like me.
Online Retailers and Bulk Ordering
Big online retailers stock pretty much every type of squirrel food, from tiny treat packs to 20-pound bags of wildlife mix. You’ll find options with peanuts, sunflower seeds, and whole corn—perfect for attracting squirrels and other critters.
Check the product pages for ingredient lists and weights before you buy. If you need food quickly, look for fast shipping or in-store pickup at big chains.
Customer reviews actually help a lot when you’re picking feeders or high-energy suet. Buying in bulk online usually saves money per pound, especially if you feed a lot of squirrels or want to keep them busy and away from your bird feeders.
Wildlife and Farm Supply Stores
Wildlife and farm supply stores usually stock heavy-duty sacks and commercial blends for outdoor animals. You’ll find larger volumes and mixes that attract squirrels, chipmunks, and other backyard visitors.
The staff at these stores often recommend feeds that last in bad weather or feeders that waste less food. If you’re looking for something specific, like Audubon Park Squirrel & Critter Food, it’s smart to call ahead and check if it’s in stock.
These stores work best if you need a lot of food or want to feed more than just a couple of squirrels.
Choosing the Best Squirrel Food and Feeders
Look for foods that give squirrels fats, protein, and carbs. Pick feeders that keep food dry, limit pests, and let squirrels eat the way they like.
Top Nutritious Options and Product Types
Choose unsalted, raw in-shell peanuts and other whole nuts like walnuts or pecans. These nuts provide healthy fats and calories, which squirrels really need in fall and winter.
Skip salted or roasted nuts—extra salt and oils just aren’t good for them. Seeds like sunflower and safflower pack in calories and are easy to buy in bulk.
You can also get commercial mixes made for squirrels or small wildlife. Always read the labels and avoid anything with weird additives, sugar, or fake colors.
Fresh fruit and veggie pieces—think apple (but no seeds), carrot, or sweet potato—add hydration and vitamins. Just offer these in small amounts so they don’t spoil.
If you like the convenience of ready-made blends, compare ingredients and go for ones with mostly nuts and seeds.
Squirrel Feeders and Feeding Accessories
Pick a sturdy platform feeder or a ground tray for in-shell peanuts and seed mixes. A feeder with a roof keeps things dry, which is super important.
If you’re tired of squirrels raiding your bird feeders, get a squirrel-specific feeder. It saves a lot of hassle.
Use feeders with drainage holes so water doesn’t sit and ruin the food. Mount feeders on a pole with a baffle if you want to keep raccoons away.
For in-shell peanuts, wide trays work best since squirrels can grab and crack them easily. Keep a small brush or scoop on hand to clear out old or wet food.
Store bulk bags in airtight containers—keeps nuts fresh and stops rodents from sneaking in. If you’re shopping online, check places like the Home Depot outdoors section for feeder options and local pickup.
Nutrition Guidelines for Wild Squirrels
Feed wild squirrels in moderation. They naturally forage, so whatever you offer should just be a supplement—not their main meal.
Try to stick with small daily portions. A handful per visit usually does the trick, keeping food fresh and helping you avoid attracting too many animals at once.
Skip bread, candy, or processed snacks. Those options don’t have the nutrients squirrels need and can actually cause health issues.
Go for plain nuts, seeds, and the occasional bit of fruit or vegetable. Nothing fancy—just simple, healthy options.
Change up the food depending on the season. Offer more fats and nuts during the cold months, then switch to more fresh fruit and veggies when it’s warm.
Always check for moldy or wet food and toss it out right away. If you notice a crowd of squirrels or other wildlife gathering, it’s a good idea to cut back a little. That way, you help reduce disease risk and keep them from relying too much on handouts.
