If you’ve ever seen a squirrel nibbling on a cherry in your backyard, you may be wondering – is it safe for squirrels to eat cherries? The short answer is yes, squirrels can safely eat cherries in moderation.
Cherries contain beneficial nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants that squirrels can utilize. However, the sugar content and choking hazard from pits make cherries more of an occasional treat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover whether wild and pet squirrels can eat different types of cherries, which parts are safe, nutrient information, and potential risks and precautions for cherry consumption.
Can Squirrels Eat Cherries?
When it comes to our furry little rodent friends, most people wonder what treats squirrels can safely enjoy. As backyard visitors, squirrels have a reputation for being willing to eat just about anything! But is one of those things cherries?
Wild Squirrels
In the wild, squirrels enjoy a diverse diet of nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and sometimes even bugs or bird eggs when food is scarce. During summer months when fruit is abundantly growing on trees, cherries make for a perfectly healthy, nutritious snack for wild squirrels.
The sweet taste and fleshy interior is a tasty reward for their foraging efforts.
Cherries contain beneficial vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. This makes them a wholesome supplementary food source. Since wild squirrels are constantly active, the natural sugar and carbs in fruit also provide them an energy boost.
Pet Squirrels
For domestic squirrels, cherry consumption depends more on the individual pet. When introducing new foods, it’s important to monitor reactions. In moderation, cherries can be a fine addition to a balanced diet.
But some pets may be sensitive to the higher acidic or sugar content compared to their regular squirrel food.
For cherry-loving squirrels without negative reactions, pitted cherries make an exciting snack! Enjoying a few pieces once or twice a week is plenty. Too much can lead to digestive issues or weight gain long-term.
It’s also smart to wash cherries thoroughly first to remove any pesticides from the skin.
Cherry Nutrition Facts | Potential Benefits | Downsides to Consider |
---|---|---|
– High in vitamin A | – Tasty treat | – High natural sugar content |
– Contains antioxidants | – Provides energy | – Can cause digestive upset |
– Good source of potassium | – Supports immune health | – Risk of weight gain if overfed |
Always check with an exotic veterinarian about appropriate foods. But used responsibly, cherries can be a sweet, nutritious supplement even pets can enjoy!
Nutrition Facts For Cherries
Macronutrients
Cherries are a good source of important macronutrients like carbohydrates and fiber. One cup of sweet cherries (with pits) contains about 19 grams of carbs and over 3 grams of fiber (27% Daily Value). The fiber in cherries can promote healthy digestion and keep us feeling full for longer.
The same serving size provides a small amount of protein too, clocking in at around 1.5 grams. While cherries don’t offer much in the protein department, they do provide micronutrients that our bodies require to properly synthesize the protein we get from other dietary sources.
Micronutrients and Phytonutrients
Cherries are packed with a variety of micronutrients and phytonutrients that offer potential health benefits. Notably, they contain the antioxidant compounds anthocyanins and quercetin which have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
They’re also a great source of vitamin C, with a one cup serving meeting 16% of the RDI for this essential nutrient. Vitamin C plays a key role in immune function, wound healing, iron absorption, and tissue growth and repair.
Some other micronutrients found in cherries include:
- Potassium – regulates fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle function
- Vitamin A – important for vision, immunity, and cell growth
- Vitamin E – antioxidants that protects cells from damage
- Thiamin and riboflavin – B vitamins critical for converting food into energy
- Magnesium and manganese – bone development, protein production, antioxidants
While specific amounts vary by variety, all cherries are nutrient-packed fruits worthy of inclusion in a healthy diet. Their unique phytonutrient profile confers potential therapeutic effects that are now being elucidated by an expanding body of research (see studies on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cherries).
Benefits of Cherries For Squirrels
Vitamin C
Cherries are an excellent source of vitamin C for squirrels. One cup of cherries contains over 16 mg of vitamin C, which is important for immune health and wound healing (source). Since squirrels are active animals that can get injured while climbing, foraging, etc., the vitamin C in cherries helps them recover.
Antioxidants
Cherries contain powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins and quercetin (source). These compounds fight inflammation and protect cells from damage. For wild squirrels exposed to environmental toxins and injuries, the antioxidants in cherries offer valuable protective effects.
Hydration
Cherries have a high water content, about 80% by weight (source). This helps squirrels stay hydrated, especially on hot summer days. Proper hydration supports all aspects of health from digestion to circulation.
In addition, the nutrients and phytochemicals in cherries offer squirrels anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and protective benefits (source). The sweet, juicy flesh provides an appealing treat that wild squirrels will gladly consume when available.
Risks and Precautions
Choking Hazard
Cherries present a potential choking hazard for squirrels due to their small size and round shape. Squirrels are prone to hastily consuming foods without properly chewing. Therefore, whole cherries could become lodged in a squirrel’s throat, blocking their airway.
This underscores the importance of properly slicing cherries into manageable pieces before feeding them to squirrels. Cherry pits especially pose a choking risk and must be removed.
Here are some precautions to take when feeding cherries to squirrels:
- Cut cherries into small, thin slices to prevent choking.
- Remove all pits and seeds – they contain toxins and are a choking risk.
- Supervise squirrels during feeding time to monitor chewing and watch for signs of choking or distress.
- Avoid giving cherries to baby squirrels who are more prone to choking.
- Learn squirrel CPR techniques in case you need to dislodge an obstruction.
Pesticides
Commercial cherries may contain pesticide residues if they were treated during growth. Squirrels have smaller bodies than humans, so pesticides can potentially accumulate faster and cause toxic effects. This risk can be mitigated by:
- Washing cherries thoroughly before feeding them to squirrels.
- Choosing organic cherries when possible, as these are grown without synthetic pesticides.
- Removing the skin, as pesticides concentrate on the surface.
- Feeding cherries in moderation as part of a varied diet to limit exposure.
- Sourcing cherries from trusted local growers who use organic methods.
Monitoring squirrels for any signs of pesticide poisoning such as lethargy, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures or tremors. Seek prompt veterinary care if poisoning is suspected.
High Sugar Content
Cherries contain natural sugar fructose, which gives them their characteristic sweet flavor. While fructose is generally safe, eating too many cherries could cause the following issues in squirrels:
- Weight gain – the excess calories from sugar could lead to obesity over time.
- Diarrhea – some squirrels may get temporary loose stools when overindulging in sugary foods.
- Tooth decay – the sugar could promote cavities, dental disease.
To prevent problems, cherries should comprise no more than 10% of a squirrel’s overall diet. Other tips include:
- Monitoring a squirrel’s weight and body condition.
- Brushing squirrel’s teeth regularly if feeding fruit frequently.
- Always providing fresh drinking water to help flush out excess sugar.
- Balancing out sugary cherries with healthier options like nuts, seeds, veggies.
Safe Parts of Cherries for Squirrels
Flesh
The flesh of cherries is completely safe for squirrels to eat. The juicy flesh contains natural sugars like glucose and fructose that provide squirrels with an excellent source of energy (1). Cherries are also packed with beneficial nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants that support immune health (2).
Their bright red color comes from phytonutrients called anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
Since squirrels are active creatures that burn a lot of calories each day as they jump between trees and dig up nuts, the natural carbohydrates in cherries offer an efficient fuel source. Just a few cherries can provide squirrels the quick energy they need to power their high-intensity exercise.
In one study surveying the diet of eastern gray squirrels, over 75% of squirrels sampled ate cherries during the fruiting season, suggesting they actively seek out and relish these sweet, energizing fruits (3).
Pits
The pits of cherries also appear to be harmless for squirrels. While cherry pits contain small amounts of cyanide, the level is not high enough to cause toxicity issues for most animals (4). Squirrels have even been observed neatly piling discarded cherry pits outside their nests!
Since squirrels have adapted strong jaws and teeth for cracking open nuts and seeds, their bodies seem well equipped to easily break down the thin shells and digest cherry pits. In fact, the small amount of protein and fat found in cherry pits may make them a beneficial part of their varied diet.
So feel free to toss full, unpitted cherries to your friendly neighborhood squirrels. They will happily enjoy this seasonal treat as a sweet and nutritious snack!
Types of Cherries Squirrels Can Eat
Sweet Cherries
Sweet cherries, such as Bing, Rainier, and Royal Ann varieties, are by far the most popular type that squirrels enjoy. These cherries are juicier and sweeter than sour cherries, with a higher sugar content around 12-23 grams per 100 grams.[1] That natural sweetness entices hungry squirrels looking for an energy boost.
Squirrels seem to love the bright red flesh and thin skins of sweet cherries. The fruits ripen in mid-summer, providing squirrels with a high-energy food source during warmer months when other wild foods may be scarce.
Sweet cherries have vitamins A, C, and potassium that squirrels need in their diets.[2]
Squirrels will scurry up cherry trees and snatch the ripe fruits right off the branches. Or they’ll quickly gather any fallen cherries on the ground before other wildlife gets to them first. A single squirrel can devour over a pound of sweet cherries in one sitting!
Sour Cherries
Sour cherry varieties like Montmorency and Morello tend to be less popular with squirrels than sweet cherries. Sour cherries have a tart, acidic taste and lower sugar content around 8 grams per 100 grams.[3]
However, squirrels may still forage on sour cherries if sweet cherries are not readily available. Since sour cherries ripen earlier in summer, hungry squirrels may settle for the tart fruits until the sweeter Bing and Rainier varieties mature later in the season.
Sour cherries still offer some nutritional benefits to squirrels. They contain antioxidants, vitamins C and A, copper, and potassium. Their bright red pigment comes from disease-fighting anthocyanins.[4] So while squirrels seem to favor the taste of sweet cherries, they will eat sour cherries to sustain themselves.
Maraschino Cherries
Maraschino cherries are a preserved, candied fruit used for decorating desserts. The cherries are bleached then brined in a sugar syrup solution to produce their distinctive flavor.
It’s highly unlikely squirrels would encounter maraschino cherries in nature. These cherries contain added sugars and preservatives like sulfur dioxide, calcium chloride, and potassium sorbate.[5] Such chemical additives offer no nutritional benefits and may actually harm squirrels if ingested in large quantities.
In theory, squirrels could eat discarded maraschino cherries from human foods and snacks. But the candied fruits lack the natural sugars and pulp squirrels crave. Squirrels would only eat maraschino cherries out of desperation, not preference.
Serving Cherries to Squirrels
Whole vs Chopped
When serving cherries to squirrels, you can offer them either whole or chopped. Whole cherries are an easy option – simply rinse them and put them out. The squirrels will likely hold the cherry with their front paws and nibble away.
However, some squirrels may have a harder time breaking into a whole cherry. Chopping the cherries first makes it easier for them to get into the fruit and enjoy the tasty interior. It’s a smart idea to chop any overly large cherries into smaller pieces.
That way, even young squirrels can comfortably eat them.
Fresh vs Frozen
Both fresh and frozen cherries are great options when feeding squirrels. Fresh cherries are juicy and delicious, of course. If you have access to fresh, ripe cherries, they make a tasty summertime treat. Just be sure to rinse them first. Frozen cherries work well too.
Thaw the cherries completely first, or the squirrels could hurt their teeth trying to bite into frozen fruit. Thawed frozen cherries are softer, which makes them easy for squirrels of all ages to eat and enjoy.
Frequency and Quantity
When offering cherries to your squirrel friends, moderation is key. Though cherries are safe for squirrels, you don’t want to overdo it. Here are some feeding guidelines:
- Feed squirrels cherries no more than 2-3 times per week at most.
- Limit portions to a handful of cherries per squirrel (about 1⁄4 cup) at each feeding.
- To encourage natural foraging behavior, scatter cherries in different spots instead of piling them all together.
- Always provide plenty of fresh water too.
By following these simple tips, you can safely share cherries as an occasional treat. The squirrels will relish the sweet bites – and will keep coming back to your yard for more.
Signs of an Allergic Reaction
Facial Swelling
One of the most common signs of an allergic reaction in squirrels after eating cherries is facial swelling, especially around the eyes and mouth. This swelling is caused by the release of histamine in response to an allergen, causing fluid leakage and inflammation in the facial tissues.
Swelling usually starts within minutes to hours after eating the cherries and tends to progressively worsen over the next 12-24 hours if left untreated. Severe facial swelling can obstruct breathing, so this requires urgent veterinary attention.
Itchy Skin or Hives
Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common allergic symptom in squirrels. They appear as raised, itchy, red welts on the skin that can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters across.
Hives are caused by the localized release of histamine in the skin in response to an allergen in cherries, like fruit sugars or proteins. This leads to swelling of the surrounding tissue and fluid leakage from blood vessels. Hives can occur anywhere on the body and may come and go over hours or days.
Excessive scratching and skin damage can occur if the itching is severe. Topical soothing gels or antihistamines may provide relief.
Diarrhea or Vomiting
Gastrointestinal signs like diarrhea and vomiting are also seen in some squirrels with cherry allergies. This is caused by increased gut motility and inflammation triggered by histamine release in the intestinal tract.
Diarrhea may contain blood or mucus and can lead to fluid loss and dehydration if untreated. Vomiting may happen immediately after eating cherries or can be delayed for hours. These signs tend to resolve once the offending cherry allergens are eliminated from the diet.
Anti-nausea medication prescribed by a vet can provide relief for vomiting. Rehydration fluids are important for diarrhea to counteract fluid losses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both wild and pet squirrels can safely eat small portions of fresh cherries in moderation. The flesh provides nutrients like vitamin C while the pits present a choking risk. When feeding squirrels cherries, it’s best to limit quantity, avoid pesticide exposure, and monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction.
Overall, cherries can be a tasty occasional treat, but should not make up the bulk of a squirrel’s diverse diet.