Ever watched a squirrel nibble on a cookie and wondered if milk might be a safe treat? Turns out, squirrels usually can’t handle regular cow’s milk because they lose the enzymes to digest lactose after weaning. That’s why milk often leads to stomach upset, diarrhea, and dehydration in adult squirrels.
If you ever find a baby squirrel, you’ll need to handle things a bit differently than you would with a wild adult. Let’s get into why dairy is a problem for adult squirrels—and what you can safely offer orphaned or rescued babies.
Why Squirrels Can’t Drink Regular Milk
Regular milk tends to cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and dehydration in squirrels. Skip cow’s milk or human milk; instead, reach for a proper squirrel milk replacer or a vet-approved puppy formula if you’re caring for an orphaned or sick squirrel.
Lactose Intolerance in Squirrels
Squirrels just don’t have enough lactase—the enzyme needed to break down lactose in milk. When lactose gets to their gut undigested, it pulls water into the intestines and feeds gas-producing bacteria.
This leads to loose stools, bloating, and cramps. You might notice a squirrel acting tired or avoiding climbing.
Young squirrels might manage milk for a short time, but adults really can’t. Even a small serving of cow’s milk can upset their digestion and cause dehydration within hours.
If you spot a squirrel with diarrhea after drinking milk, don’t wait—call a wildlife rehabilitator fast.
Dangers of Cow’s Milk and Human Milk
Cow’s milk and human milk just don’t match squirrel mother’s milk in protein, fat, or minerals. The lactose and protein types don’t suit squirrels at all.
Feeding these milks can leave nutrient gaps, slow growth, and even cause gut problems over time.
Milk from people or cows can also carry bacteria or additives like sugar and flavorings that really aren’t safe for wildlife. Homemade mixtures that guess at the nutrients? Not a good idea.
Giving the wrong milk over and over can weaken a squirrel’s immune system and mess up its natural foraging instincts.
Safe Alternatives: Squirrel Milk Replacer and Puppy Formula
Whenever possible, use a commercial squirrel milk replacer. These match the proteins, fats, and vitamins squirrels need for growth and gut health.
Stick to the package mixing and feeding schedule—don’t wing it.
If you can’t find squirrel milk replacer, a vet might suggest a puppy milk replacer for a short time. Steer clear of cow’s milk, condensed milk, or regular human infant formula unless a wildlife expert or vet specifically says otherwise.
Always warm the formula to body temperature. Feed with a dropper or syringe, and keep portions small and frequent so the squirrel doesn’t choke or inhale the liquid.
Feeding Baby Squirrels: Best Practices
First, keep baby squirrels warm and hydrated. Only then should you feed the right formula in small amounts, using slow and upright feeding methods.
Check their weight daily, avoid all regular milks, and reach out to a licensed rehabilitator as soon as you can.
Proper Feeding Techniques for Baby Squirrels
Feed formula until the kit gains weight steadily and grows teeth. Try a veterinary puppy milk replacer like Esbilac, mixed following the directions.
Feed by weight—newborns usually need about 5–7% of their body weight per feeding. Weigh the squirrel morning and evening with a digital kitchen scale.
Hold the kit upright at a 45-degree angle. Use a small syringe or a pet nursing bottle with a soft nipple.
Offer drops slowly, letting the baby suckle. Never force large amounts.
If you see bubbling at the nose, pause immediately—aspiration is an emergency. Warm the formula to about body temperature (100–102°F) and throw out any leftover warmed formula after each feeding.
Feed every 2–3 hours for the youngest babies, then gradually stretch to every 4–6 hours as they grow. Keep notes on feeding times and amounts.
Clean bottles and syringes with hot, soapy water between uses. Don’t give cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or plant milks.
Hydration and Weaning Process
If a kit looks dehydrated, offer unflavored pediatric electrolyte solution in tiny amounts—a few drops every 10–15 minutes until movement and skin elasticity bounce back.
Don’t give plain water to very young babies; it can cause aspiration or mess with their electrolytes. Always rehydrate before feeding formula if the baby seems dehydrated.
Start solids once the eyes open and the baby handles formula well—usually around 5–7 weeks. Begin with softened fruit, mashed cooked veggies, and unsalted shelled nuts.
Offer a shallow dish of fresh water once they start nibbling solids. Slowly cut back on formula as the baby eats more solids; most wean fully around 10–12 weeks, depending on the kit.
Watch for diarrhea during weaning. If you notice loose stools, slow down on new foods and check with a rehabilitator.
Keep foods plain—skip sugar, bread, or processed snacks.
Caring for an Orphaned Baby Squirrel
First things first—get the baby warm. Pop it in a box lined with soft fleece, and use a low heat source to keep the temperature steady, somewhere between 95–100°F if it’s really young.
Always use gloves or a towel when you pick it up. That way, you help keep the little one calm and avoid leaving your scent behind.
Only move the kit if you’re sure the mother hasn’t returned for several hours, or if the baby looks injured or feels cold.
Reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as you can. Most states actually require permits for handling wildlife, and honestly, the pros have the right formula, medical know-how, and a plan for release.
While you wait, keep things quiet and dark for the squirrel. Stick to a feeding schedule, but don’t try injections or complicated treatments yourself—it’s just not worth the risk.
If you need to transport the kit, make sure it stays upright and cushioned inside the box. Write down where and when you found it, and add your contact info.
Rehab centers usually give advice over the phone about emergency feeding and what to do next.
