Will Squirrels Eat Almonds

Squirrels will eat almonds, and they’ll happily do it whether the nuts come from a bird feeder, a backyard tree, or your picnic blanket.
 
Almonds are safe for squirrels, they’re nutritious for them in moderation, and most backyard squirrels will treat them like a premium snack.
 
That said, there are a few things worth knowing, like how many almonds a squirrel should eat, whether salted or roasted almonds are okay, and how to offer them in a way that actually keeps squirrels coming back without causing problems.
 
In this post, we’ll look at why squirrels eat almonds, which kinds of almonds are safe, and how to feed them without going overboard.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

Why Squirrels Will Eat Almonds

Squirrels will eat almonds for a few solid reasons, and once you understand why, it’s no surprise they gobble them up so fast.
 

1. Almonds Are a Natural Food Source

In the wild, squirrels eat nuts, seeds, fruits, tree buds, and the occasional insect, so almonds fit right into that menu.
 
Almonds have the same kind of nutrition squirrels already seek out in acorns and other tree nuts, which is why they take to them so quickly.
 
If you’ve ever wondered if squirrels will eat almonds, the answer lies partly in biology: an almond is basically a nut like any other nut a squirrel would naturally crack open.
 

2. Almonds Are Packed with Healthy Fats

Almonds are rich in fats, protein, and fiber, which makes them an energy-dense snack for a squirrel that’s constantly on the move.
 
That high fat content is exactly why squirrels get so excited about almonds, especially during colder months when they’re storing food for winter.
 
For a squirrel, one almond provides a small but meaningful burst of calories for very little effort.
 

3. Squirrels Are Built to Crack Nuts

A squirrel’s teeth are sharp, strong, and constantly growing, so almonds are no challenge for them.
 
That’s also why squirrels will eat almonds shelled or unshelled, since their incisors can get through a shell with almost no trouble.
 
Squirrels enjoy the challenge of opening an almond, which is why unshelled almonds often disappear faster than shelled ones.
 

Are Almonds Safe for Squirrels?

Almonds are safe for squirrels when given in moderation, but some types of almonds are better than others.
 
Here’s what to keep in mind before you hand out a handful.
 

1. Raw, Unsalted Almonds Are Best

If you’re going to feed a squirrel, stick with raw, unsalted, unroasted almonds, since plain almonds are the closest thing to what squirrels eat in nature.
 
Salted almonds contain way too much sodium, and squirrels don’t need or handle that much salt well.
 

2. Skip Flavored or Sugared Almonds

Almonds coated in honey, sugar, or spices aren’t a good idea for squirrels, since extra sugar and artificial seasoning offer nothing but trouble.
 
Stick with plain almonds and squirrels will be more than satisfied.
 

3. Never Give Chocolate-Covered Almonds

Chocolate is toxic to squirrels and other small wildlife, so almonds coated in chocolate should stay far away from your feeders.
 
When in doubt, plain is always the safest route.
 

4. Keep the Amount Small

Squirrels will eat almonds, but too many at once isn’t ideal, since almonds are rich in fat and can cause digestive upset if a squirrel overdoes it.
 
A small handful once in a while is plenty, not a daily feast.
 

How to Feed Almonds to Squirrels

Feeding squirrels almonds is simple, but a few tips can keep things safe and fun.
 

1. Offer Almonds on a Feeder or Ledge

Place almonds on a platform feeder or a flat ledge rather than the ground, and that way the squirrels get a tidy spot to grab a snack.
 

2. Use Unshelled Almonds for Extra Fun

Squirrels will eat almonds in the shell as well, and unshelled ones give them a satisfying task that keeps them busy.
 

3. Don’t Overfeed

Too many almonds in a feeder can attract a crowd, cause squabbles, or pull squirrels away from their natural foraging, so keep portions light.
 

4. Provide Water Nearby

A small dish of fresh water near the almonds is a nice touch, since squirrels appreciate a quick drink after snacking.
 

So, Will Squirrels Eat Almonds?

Squirrels will eat almonds, and almonds make a safe, healthy treat for them in moderation.
 
Best of all, plain, raw almonds give squirrels the natural nutrition they’re already looking for.
 
So the next time you’re wondering if squirrels will eat almonds, go ahead and offer a few, just keep them plain, keep them limited, and enjoy the show.