Can Squirrels Eat Almonds And Walnuts

Yes, squirrels can eat almonds and walnuts, and both nuts can be a healthy part of their diet when fed correctly.
 

Almonds and walnuts are two of the safest nuts you can offer squirrels, whether you’re feeding the backyard visitors or a pet squirrel.
 

That said, how you prepare and portion these nuts matters a lot more than most people realize.
 

In this post, we’ll cover why squirrels can eat almonds and walnuts, how many they should get, and the mistakes to avoid so your furry friends stay healthy.
 

Let’s get to it.
 

Can Squirrels Eat Almonds and Walnuts?

Yes, squirrels can eat almonds and walnuts, and here’s why these two nuts work so well for them:
 

1. Squirrels Are Natural Nut Eaters

Squirrels are built for eating nuts, and almonds and walnuts fit right into their natural diet.
 

In the wild, squirrels forage for acorns, hickory nuts, beechnuts, and other tree nuts every fall.
 

Almonds and walnuts are nutritionally similar to those wild nuts, so squirrels can eat them without any trouble.
 

That’s why offering a handful of almonds or walnuts feels so natural.
 

2. Both Nuts Pack Healthy Fats and Protein

Walnuts are especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support a squirrel’s heart, skin, and coat.
 

Almonds bring plenty of protein, vitamin E, and magnesium to the table.
 

Those nutrients matter a lot because squirrels burn energy fast, especially during colder months when they’re caching food.
 

So when squirrels eat almonds and walnuts, they get a calorie-dense snack that fuels their busy little lives.
 

3. The Texture Helps Wear Down Their Teeth

Squirrel teeth never stop growing, so they need to gnaw on hard foods to keep them worn down.
 

The crunch of an almond or walnut shell gives their incisors a natural workout.
 

That’s one more reason squirrels can eat almonds and walnuts comfortably, as long as the nuts are raw and unsalted.
 

How to Feed Squirrels Almonds and Walnuts Safely

Knowing that squirrels can eat almonds and walnuts is only half the story.
 

How you serve them matters just as much, so keep these tips in mind:
 

1. Always Go Raw and Unsalted

Raw, unsalted almonds and walnuts are the safest choice for squirrels.
 

Roasted nuts often come coated in salt, oil, or seasoning, and none of that belongs in a squirrel’s diet.
 

Salted nuts can overload a squirrel’s tiny system with sodium, so stick to plain ones.
 

2. Keep Portions Small

Nuts are high in fat, so squirrels should only eat a few almonds or walnuts at a time.
 

A small handful a day is plenty for a wild squirrel, and pet squirrels should get even less.
 

Treat nuts as a snack, not a meal, and let squirrels fill up on their natural foods.
 

3. Skip the Shell If You’re Unsure

In-shell walnuts are fine for wild squirrels, but shelled nuts are easier to monitor.
 

If you’re feeding a pet squirrel, shelled almonds and walnuts let you control the portion precisely.
 

Just make sure the nuts are fresh, because moldy nuts can make squirrels sick.
 

Are Almonds and Walnuts Bad for Squirrels in Any Way?

Almonds and walnuts are safe for squirrels, but there are a couple of caveats worth knowing.
 

1. Too Many Nuts Cause Weight Gain

Squirrels can eat almonds and walnuts, but eating them constantly leads to excess fat storage.
 

Wild squirrels that live near feeders often become overweight and sluggish.
 

Keep portions modest and let foraging do the rest of the work.
 

2. Avoid Bitter Almonds

Sweet almonds are perfectly fine, but bitter almonds contain compounds that are toxic in large amounts.
 

You’ll rarely find bitter almonds in stores, but it’s worth knowing if you ever come across them.
 

Stick with regular sweet almonds and squirrels will be just fine.
 

3. Watch for Allergies and Reactions

Every squirrel is different, and a rare few may have sensitive stomachs.
 

If a squirrel seems uninterested or unwell after eating almonds or walnuts, pull back and offer other foods.
 

That’s a simple way to keep squirrels eating almonds and walnuts safely over the long run.
 

So, Can Squirrels Eat Almonds and Walnuts?

Squirrels can eat almonds and walnuts, and both nuts make a nutritious, crunchy treat when served raw and unsalted.
 

Just remember that portion size matters, because these nuts are rich and calorie-dense.
 

Offer a small handful of almonds or walnuts now and then, skip the salted and roasted varieties, and your backyard squirrels will thrive.
 

Now you know exactly how squirrels can eat almonds and walnuts the right way.