Fruits & Veggies for Adopted Squirrels
A healthy diet starts with the right balance
At Adopt a Squirrel Now, we emphasize feeding your adopted squirrel a nutritionally complete diet that mirrors what they’d naturally forage but with all the safety and convenience of a home environment. In addition to a high-quality rodent block, fresh fruits and vegetables are key for maintaining health, variety, and enrichment in your squirrel’s daily routine.
However, not all produce is created equal. Squirrels are sensitive creatures, and their diets must be carefully balanced to prevent issues like Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)a painful, life-threatening condition caused by calcium deficiency.
Choosing the Right Produce
When selecting fruits and veggies, aim for fresh, raw items that are rich in calcium and low in phosphorus. The ideal calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio should be around 2:1 or 1:1. Foods with an imbalanced ratio can still be offered but only in moderation.
Make sure everything is:
- Washed thoroughly
- Free of pesticides, chemicals, or spoilage
- Served raw (no canned or cooked items)
If you wouldn’t eat it yourself, don’t feed it to your squirrel.
Safe Fruits & Veggies List
Some great options with good nutritional profiles include:
- Leafy greens: Kale, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens
- Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, squash, bell peppers, carrots
- Fruits (in moderation): Apples (no seeds), pears, blueberries, grapes, papaya
- Calcium-rich treats: Figs, dandelion greens, orange segments, raspberries
Always offer a small portion first to monitor tolerance, and rotate options regularly.
Precautions: What to Limit
Even safe foods can become harmful if given too frequently. Here are some items to offer only occasionally:
- Fresh corn* – very high in phosphorus
- Tomatoes* – acidic, may cause irritation
- Bananas, peaches, melons, mangos* – high in sugar
- Spinach or beets* – may interfere with calcium absorption
Too much sugar, acid, or phosphorus can unbalance the squirrel’s nutritional needs, even in healthy individuals.
Keep it Fresh, Keep it Varied
Squirrels are curious eaters with evolving preferences. A food they love today may be ignored tomorrow. Keep them engaged and nutritionally supported by rotating produce choices every few days.
At Adopt a Squirrel Now, we recommend never repeating the same produce within a 3-day cycle to promote:
- Greater vitamin diversity
- Stronger foraging instincts
- Longer-term interest in food
Think of it as squirrel fine dining with new specials every day.
Foods to Avoid Completely
Some foods marketed as “critter snacks” are actually harmful in large quantities. Avoid giving:
- Dried fruits or vegetables
- Peanuts (raw or roasted)
- Sunflower seeds
- Generic “squirrel mixes” or trail mixes
These are the equivalent of junk food and can lead to obesity, malnutrition, and tooth issues over time.
When in Doubt, Ask
Your squirrel’s diet is critical to their lifelong health. If you’re ever unsure about what to feed your squirrel or if your adopted pet has special needs consult a wildlife-savvy veterinarian or experienced caregiver.
For more care guides, food lists, and adoption support, visit our Contact Us directly.