Squirrels love fruit, so if you put some in your yard, it will become a fun, lively place with little acrobats with fluffy tails and busy little hands grabbing snacks.
Don’t worry if you’ve ever left fruit outside and then found it missing. Your neighbourhood’s cutest food inspector has already been there!
What fruits do squirrels eat?
You probably want to make sure you’re doing things right if you have a pet squirrel or feed them a lot, so you don’t end up with little sugar addicts in fur coats. So today, you and I are going to talk about which fruits are safe, which ones are dangerous, how much is too much, and how to serve everything like someone who really knows how to feed squirrels.
🐿️ What Fruit Do Squirrels Eat? Everyday Favorites
Squirrels can survive in the wild because they take advantage of any tasty food that comes their way. Nuts are their main source of energy, but fruits are like sweet treats that give them quick energy and interesting Flavors that they usually don’t pass up.
Most American backyard squirrels love to eat fruits like apples, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pears, peaches, plums, and small pieces of banana. These are easy to find at the grocery store, which makes your life easier because you don’t have to look for rare or expensive items.
But here’s the part that a lot of people miss fruit should never be the only thing you eat because too much sugar can cause stomach problems and health problems that last a long time. I like to think of fruit as a dessert after a good meal instead of the meal itself.
🍎 Why Do Squirrels Eat Fruit?
Animals always have a reason for doing what they do and knowing why might help you be a better and more responsible feeder.
Fruit has natural sugars that turn into quick bursts of energy, which is great for animals that spend their days climbing, jumping, digging, and avoiding drama. Fruit gives you more than just energy; it also keeps you hydrated, which is important in the hot American summers when water sources may dry up.
Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants give fruit extra nutritional support, so it can be a helpful addition to your diet if you eat it smartly.
And let’s be honest: almost every living thing with taste buds likes sweet things. If someone gave you candy and plain vegetables, you would at least think about it, right?
🍌 Are Bananas Good for Squirrels?
Bananas are soft, easy to chew, and full of nutrients like potassium that help muscles and nerves work properly. Older squirrels or those with dental problems often find bananas easier to eat than crunchy foods because of their texture.
Bananas are also full of sugar, so it’s very important to control how much you eat to keep your eating habits healthy. Instead of giving a whole banana or half of one, give one or two thin slices mixed with other foods to keep the treat special.
If you give someone too many bananas, they might become a picky eater who won’t eat nuts or greens, which are healthier options. Everyone is happy with moderation.
🍓 Fruits Squirrel Eat vs. Fruits to Avoid
One of the most useful things a squirrel owner can learn is which fruits are safe and which are not. Here’s a clear breakdown that will help you make quick, sure choices every time you make snacks.
| ✅ Safe Fruits (small portions) | ⚠️ Limit Quantity | ❌ Avoid Completely |
| Apple (without seeds) | Banana | Avocado |
| Blueberry | Cherries (remove pits) | Peach pits |
| Strawberry | Grapes | Plum pits |
| Pear | Dried fruit | Moldy fruit |
| Peach Slices | – | Canned sugary fruit |
The most important thing to remember from this table is to always take out seeds and pits before serving. For more info read article What to feed a pet squirrel? 15 powerful foods you must know
🚫 What Fruits Are Toxic to Squirrels?
Squirrels cannot safely handle the natural toxins found in some fruits or parts of fruits because they are too small. Because it contains persin, which can seriously harm small animals’ hearts or digestive systems, avocado is a significant one.
Chewing or cracking the pits of peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries can release compounds that resemble cyanide. So, it is better to avoid those for the safety.
Another silent hazard is moldy fruit, which can cause serious illness in squirrels due to the rapid growth of bacteria and fungi. Nothing should ever get to the feeding spot if it looks suspect or smells off. You should always double check when you are concerned.
🥗 What Food Can I Leave Out for a Squirrel Besides Fruit?
A genuinely supportive feeding schedule incorporates variety that reflects what squirrels would naturally seek out in forests, even though fruit adds excitement. Leafy greens, carrots, pumpkin chunks, sweet potatoes, unsalted nuts in their shells, and occasionally seeds are all great daily choices.
Protein, fiber, and good fats from these foods help maintain healthy bones and steady energy levels. Switching options helps you avoid boredom and nutritional imbalance exactly how seasoned wildlife feeders keep regular visitors healthy.
Consider balance rather than a buffet.
🌟 How Much Fruit Is Too Much?
Despite their love of sweetness, squirrels should not be overfed with fruity treats all the time. Fruit should typically make up between 10 and 20 percent of the total food you serve, according to experts.
It guarantees that they continue to consume foods high in nutrients that promote survival, growth, and repair.
Too much sugar can cause dental issues, obesity, and a decreased desire for healthier foods. Adorable creatures should have sensible boundaries.
🎯 The Best Way to Serve Fruits Squirrel Eat
Because preparation has an impact on cleanliness and safety, serving fruit correctly is just as important as selecting the right kind. Fruits should be cut into bite-sized pieces so squirrels can carry them without choking or falling from heights.
Produce should always be cleaned, any seeds or pits removed and then placed on a sanitized surface or special feeder. Since squirrels require food in their natural state, stay away from seasoning, salt, and artificial sweeteners.
The ideal is simple, fresh, and free of chemicals.
🧠 What Professionals Want Owners to Remember
Animal nutrition experts and wildlife rehabilitators frequently reiterate a point that every backyard feeder should commit to memory. Fruit should never take the place of the primary nutritional building blocks; rather, it is an enrichment that brings variety and enjoyment.
Minerals, protein, and fats are more important for long-term health than sweetness. By putting balance first, you can actively support wildlife populations that are more robust and resilient. You should be proud of that.
Source: https://spca.bc.ca/news/dont-feed-wildlife/
❤️ A Backyard Moment Worth Sharing
I once saw two squirrels that came in every day, and even though they had the same food options, their tastes were entirely different. While the other calmly chose apple slices before experimenting with anything sweet, one always rushed toward bananas.
The apple lover maintained better physical condition and seemed more energized after a few weeks. Seeing animals make different decisions can teach us important lessons about instinct and moderation.
Nature teaches in silence.
🛑 Common Mistakes Even Caring Owners Make
Because they don’t understand how treatments should work, many well-meaning people unintentionally cause health issues.
Common mistakes include feeding fruit frequently, neglecting hidden seeds, thinking natural sugar is safe, or substituting fruit for nuts.
The good news is that routine adjustments are simple and satisfying once you have a better understanding.
Care is improved by continuous practice and knowledge.
🏡 Seasonal Feeding Makes a Big Difference
In the summer, juicy fruits help keep you hydrated, but you should still watch how much you eat, even though they are more tempting.
During the fall, squirrels look for foods that are high in calories, so nuts should be the main food, and fruit should only be eaten sometimes.
Winter takes even more energy, so high fat foods are important and sweet treats are rare.
Spring brings back lighter varieties as activity levels rise.
🤝 Building Healthy Trust Without Needing It
Squirrels learn where it is safe to go when you feed them consistently and respectfully. It also encourages them to look for food on their own. You might see them waiting nearby or slowly walking up to you, which makes for magical moments of connection.
But keeping some distance keeps them wild, strong, and free. Give them help, but don’t make them rely on you.
📌 Quick FAQ Recap
What kind of fruit do squirrels like to eat?
They like small pieces of bananas, apples, berries, grapes, pears, and peaches.
Why do squirrels like to eat fruit?
Fruit gives you energy, keeps you hydrated, gives you nutrients, and tastes great.
Are squirrels able to eat bananas?
Yes, but only in small, controlled amounts.
Which fruits are bad for squirrels?
Avocado, pits, seeds, and moldy things.
What food can I leave out for a squirrel?
Nuts, vegetables, seeds, and some fruit that isn’t salted.
🧭 Final Thoughts for Smart Owners
Feeding squirrels is fun, makes you feel more connected to nature, and makes you happy.
But the snacks you pick out carefully are important because they can have a bigger effect on their health than you might think.
You can really trust wildlife when you know what fruits squirrels eat, how much they can eat, and how to make sure their diets are balanced