Squirrel Formula

What Formula to Feed Baby Squirrels

Safe, Nutritionally Balanced Feeding for Growing Squirrels

Feeding a baby squirrel is one of the most important—and rewarding responsibilities you’ll have as a squirrel parent. Whether you’re caring for an orphaned baby or continuing the nurturing process after adopting a hand-raised juvenile, proper nutrition is absolutely essential to support healthy growth, strong bone development, and balanced digestion especially during those delicate early weeks of life.

Unlike many mammals, squirrels have specific dietary needs that change rapidly as they grow. Feeding them the wrong formula even with the best intentions can result in bloating, diarrhea, malnutrition, or even life-threatening conditions like Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). That’s why it’s critical to choose the right formula, follow safe mixing instructions, and understand how to transition between stages properly.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to confidently nourish your baby squirrel from day one.

Best Formula for Baby Squirrels

We recommend Fox Valley Animal Nutrition’s Day One Formulas, developed specifically for small mammals like squirrels, opossums, and cottontails.

Use the correct formula based on age:

  • Fox Valley 32/40: Ideal for squirrels under 4 weeks of age
  • Fox Valley 20/50: Best for squirrels over 4 weeks or those with eyes opened

Both formulas provide the proper balance of fat, protein, calcium, and essential vitamins that squirrels need during different stages of development.

How to Mix and Store Formula

Ingredients:

  • Fox Valley 32/40 or 20/50 (as appropriate)
  • Fresh, filtered water

Mixing Instructions:

  1. Combine 2 parts very hot water with 1 part formula powder
  2. Stir thoroughly until fully dissolved
  3. Let the formula sit for at least 20 minutes to cool and allow air bubbles to settle
  4. Store any leftover mixed formula in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours

🧊 Always warm refrigerated formula to body temperature before feeding. Do not microwave directly—use a warm water bath.

Supporting Digestive Health

To promote healthy digestion—especially during transitions—you may mix in:

  • 1/8 teaspoon of acidophilus powder per ¼ cup of prepared formula, OR
  • Plain, full-fat yogurt (unsweetened)

This can help ease tummy upset and restore gut flora balance, especially if your squirrel has loose stools or is recovering from illness.

Emergency Formula Options (Short-Term Use Only)

If you don’t yet have Fox Valley formula on hand, you can prepare a temporary emergency formula using ingredients available at most grocery or health food stores.

This is not a complete diet and should only be used for a few days until the correct formula arrives.

Homemade Interim Formula:

  • ¾ cup fresh goat’s milk
  • ¼ cup plain full-fat yogurt (or a pinch of acidophilus powder)
  • 1/8 to ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

📝 Start with a small amount of whipping cream and gradually increase. It’s harder to digest but necessary for healthy fat content.

Rehydration Before Formula Feeding

Before introducing formula to a new baby squirrel, be sure the squirrel is fully hydrated. Most young or rescued squirrels arrive in a dehydrated state.

Use an infant rehydration fluid (such as Pedialyte®) for at least 12 hours—longer if signs of dehydration persist.

Signs of dehydration:

  • Wrinkled or dry skin
  • Sunken eyes
  • Lethargy
  • Little to no urine or dark urine

Once the squirrel is hydrated, you can begin formula feedings.

Transitioning From Emergency Formula to Fox Valley

When switching from goat’s milk formula to Fox Valley formula, do not switch all at once. Gradual transitions help avoid digestive upset.

Use this 6-feeding transition plan:

  1. Feedings 1–2: 2 parts goat’s milk mix + 1 part Fox Valley
  2. Feedings 3–4: 1 part goat’s milk mix + 1 part Fox Valley
  3. Feedings 5–6: 1 part goat’s milk mix + 2 parts Fox Valley
  4. Feeding 7 and beyond: Full-strength Fox Valley formula

⚠️ What to Avoid (Unsafe Milk & Formula Alternatives)

The following items should never be fed to squirrels of any age:

🚫 Cow’s milk
🚫 Evaporated milk
🚫 Human baby formula
🚫 Plant-based milks (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
🚫 Sugary drinks or fruit juice
🚫 Diet beverages
🚫 Puppy or kitten formula (unless absolutely necessary in emergencies)

Feeding inappropriate milk replacements can lead to:

  • Severe diarrhea
  • Malnutrition
  • Bloat
  • Death

🐶 About Puppy Formula (For Last-Resort Emergencies Only)

If nothing else is available and the squirrel is at risk, puppy milk replacer (NOT kitten formula) may be used temporarily.

Keep in mind:

  • It may not contain enough fat
  • It can cause diarrhea in many young squirrels
  • Add plain yogurt or acidophilus to support digestion
  • Add small amounts of heavy cream for fat content

This option should be replaced with Fox Valley formula as soon as possible.

Where to Buy Squirrel Formula and Supplies

While we don’t provide product links here, we highly recommend the following reputable wildlife supply retailers:

  • Fox Valley Animal Nutrition
  • Chris’s Squirrels and More
  • Henry’s Healthy Pet Foods
  • The Squirrel Store

You’ll find formulas, syringes, nipples, and other squirrel care essentials.

📝 Final Tips for Feeding Success

✅ Always feed warmed formula, not cold
✅ Use a proper nipple and syringe for controlled feeding
✅ Never feed a cold, dehydrated, or lethargic squirrel
✅ Clean all feeding tools thoroughly after each use
✅ Track feeding times and amounts