Do Squirrels Eat Almonds In The Shell

Squirrels do eat almonds in the shell, and they actually love the challenge of cracking one open to get to the nut inside.
 
If you’ve ever watched a squirrel wrestle with an unpeeled almond, you already know they’re more than capable of getting that shell off.
 
Almonds in the shell are a natural fit for a squirrel’s diet since they’re packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
 
That said, there are a few things worth knowing before you toss a handful of shelled almonds onto your lawn or bird feeder.
 
In this post, we’ll look at why squirrels eat almonds in the shell, whether the shell is safe for them, and how to feed them almonds the right way.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

Why Squirrels Eat Almonds In The Shell

Squirrels eat almonds in the shell, and there are several good reasons why this snack works so well for them:
 

1. The Shell Is An Extra Challenge

Squirrels are natural foragers, and almonds in the shell give them something to work at.
 
Gnawing through a shell keeps their ever-growing teeth trimmed and gives them mental stimulation.
 
A squirrel that has to work for a snack is a happy squirrel.
 

2. The Shell Keeps The Almond Fresh

An almond in its shell stays fresher longer than a shelled one.
 
The shell protects the nut from air, moisture, and bacteria, so the almond inside is still crunchy when the squirrel finally gets to it.
 
For squirrels eating almonds in the shell, that freshness is a big win.
 

3. Great Nutritional Value

Squirrels eat almonds in the shell because almonds are a nutrient-dense food.
 
They’re rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium, which support a squirrel’s energy levels and overall health.
 
For a busy animal that spends its day climbing, running, and caching food, an almond is basically a little energy bar.
 

4. Perfect For Caching

Squirrels are famous for burying or stashing food for later.
 
Almonds in the shell store better than shelled almonds because the shell offers natural protection.
 
When squirrels eat almonds in the shell, they’ll often cache some of them, and the shell helps those almonds stay edible for longer.
 

5. Squirrels Love The Variety

Squirrels can eat lots of nuts, including walnuts, pecans, acorns, and hickory nuts.
 
Adding almonds in the shell to that list gives them variety and makes your yard an even more attractive foraging spot.
 

Are Almonds In The Shell Safe For Squirrels?

Almonds in the shell are safe for squirrels as long as they’re plain and unsalted.
 
Almond shells aren’t toxic to squirrels, and chewing through them is a normal part of foraging.
 
However, there are a few safety points to keep in mind.
 

1. Stick To Plain, Unsalted Almonds

When squirrels eat almonds in the shell, the almonds should be raw or dry-roasted with no seasoning.
 
Salted, roasted, or flavored almonds contain way more sodium and additives than a squirrel should have, so skip anything that’s been processed.
 

2. Watch Out For Flavored Or Processed Shells

Some store-bought almonds in the shell are roasted or salted, which means the shell itself can carry salt and oil.
 
Plain almonds in the shell are the way to go if you want squirrels eating almonds safely.
 

3. Offer Them In Moderation

Squirrels eat almonds in the shell happily, but almonds shouldn’t replace their natural diet.
 
A few almonds a day is enough, and feeding too many can throw off the balance of their diet.
 

How To Feed Squirrels Almonds In The Shell

Feeding squirrels almonds in the shell is simple, and there are a few easy ways to do it right:
 

1. Scatter Them On A Feeder

Put almonds in the shell on a tray feeder or a platform feeder with a squirrel baffle if needed.
 
Scattering them a few feet apart gives squirrels their own space and keeps the peace.
 

2. Use A Squirrel-Safe Snack Routine

Offer a handful every few days rather than every hour.
 
Squirrels eat almonds in the shell, but their bodies are designed for a varied diet.
 

3. Keep The Snacks Dry And Clean

Store almonds in the shell in a dry spot, and only put out what will get eaten.
 
Wet shells and old almonds lose their appeal fast.
 

So, Do Squirrels Eat Almonds In The Shell?

Squirrels do eat almonds in the shell, and it’s a snack that suits them in many ways.
 
The shell keeps the almond fresh, gives squirrels something to gnaw on, and provides solid nutritional value.
 
Just keep almonds plain, unsalted, and offered in moderation, and you’ll have some very happy visitors.
 
Hope this post helped you understand why squirrels eat almonds in the shell and how to feed them this crunchy treat the right way.