Squirrels are the cute members of the rodent family. They are definitely more loved and adored than their family members rats and mice. Well, to the average homeowner they are.

Humans offer squirrels food because they are so cute. Squirrels eat a variety of foods including human food. So do squirrels eat popcorn? This article looks into it

Squirrels eat popcorn and they enjoy it too. Popcorn contains vitamins and minerals such as copper, manganese, vitamin B1 vitamin B3, zinc, and others. Popcorn is also a good source of fiber.

Do squirrels eat popcorn?

If you find a squirrel in your area and are looking to feed it you may be thinking of feeding them nuts. But squirrels are omnivores and eat much more than nuts. In fact, they can eat popcorn as well.

Feeding these cute animals as they play in your garden is a generous thing to do. If you don’t have any nuts or seeds handy then you can go ahead and feed them some popcorn.

Nutrients in popcorn:

Popcorn is a whole grain food, it is packed with various nutrients and minerals including vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and manganese.

Popcorn also contains high amounts of fiber, it is one of the best sources of fiber per gram.

Note: Just as with any food, moderation is key, you should not be feeding squirrels just popcorn and popcorn shouldn’t be the bulk of what you feed these animals.

Popcorn is a great snack to give to a squirrel, but because these animals are omnivores, and have other nutritional needs, they need more than just popcorn to live a healthy life.

Feeding these animals only popcorn will cause the animal to suffer from malnutrition.

How to serve popcorn to squirrels:

You need to set up a squirrel feeding station in a way that lets squirrels know that this feeding station is for them. This will keep them from eating out of your trash or from eating out of bird feeders, this is how to do it:

1. Pick a location that isn’t close to bird feeders or garbage cans. Pick a location where squirrels frequent in your yard
2. Fill a bowl or squirrel feeder with your cooked popcorn and leave it in your designated squirrel feeding area.
3. Leave the feeder out and don’t move it. Let the squirrels come and go as they please. This will get them used to the idea that this is a place that they can freely eat. The squirrels will keep away from your garbage cans and bird feeders.
4. Remember to keep filling the bowls frequently. Add another bowl if more squirrels come.

NB: Feed the squirrel from the bowl, don’t use your fingers. The squirrel can bite your finger on accident as you feed it. This can result in a rabies infection or other disease if the squirrel is sick.

What to avoid when feeding popcorn to squirrels:

Popcorn is a great squirrel food and squirrels love it too. This food is healthy for squirrels as long as it isn’t drenched in butter or spice.

The popcorn you serve squirrels should be free of salt, the addition of sodium to a squirrel’s diet will result in an increased heart rate. This could lead to the squirrel’s early death. Popcorn is one of the most healthy snacks when no additions are added.

What else do squirrels eat?

In addition to the popcorn that you may be giving your squirrels, you also need to give your squirrel other foods. This will ensure that the squirrel has a varied and nutritious diet.

They eat a mixture of plants and animals including insects, amphibians, bird eggs, small mammals, nuts, tree flowers, tree buds, elm, cedar, dogwood, butternut, and hemlock. They also love to eat seeds.

Other foods that humans can offer squirrels (that may not be a part of their regular diet) include corn, pumpkin, pistachios, strawberries, peas, zucchini, and grapes.

What to avoid giving squirrels:

One of the things that you should avoid giving squirrels is peanuts. Squirrels love nuts but peanuts are not actually a nut. Peanuts are actually legumes.

Peanuts contain aflatoxin, this fungal toxin results in damage to the squirrel’s liver, the toxin has the same effect on birds as well. The raw peanuts also contain a trypsin inhibitor. Trypsin allows the body to absorb protein. In addition, peanuts have a pretty low nutrient content.

Also, avoid giving squirrels banana peels. Find out why here.

 

Conclusion:

If you want to give a squirrel a delicious snack then you can go ahead and feed it some popcorn. Popcorn offers squirrels vitamins and minerals, it is delicious as well.

To avoid getting bitten by squirrels serve the popcorn in a bowl for the squirrels to eat. Avoid giving them popcorn that is salted, spiced, or has butter as this is not good for their health.

Another treat that you can give your squirrel is unsalted peanut butter, this is a delicious treat you can give them using a spoon. Don’t give your squirrels raw peanuts.

Remember to give the squirrel other foods, this will ensure that the squirrel has a balanced diet. Don’t give squirrels too much bread, it has salt and sugar which is not good for the squirrel’s health and it is not so easy to digest.