Oatmeal is a common breakfast food for humans that is made from oats and cooked with water or milk. With its nutty flavor and soft texture when cooked, you may wonder if squirrels can also eat oatmeal.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, squirrels can eat plain oatmeal in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Benefits of Oatmeal for Squirrels
High in Fiber
Oatmeal contains a good amount of fiber, providing 3.4 grams per 1/2 cup serving. The fiber comes from the oat bran, which squirrels can easily digest. Fiber is important for digestive health, keeping the gastrointestinal system functioning properly.
With plenty of fiber, squirrels experience less constipation and bloating. The fiber also helps lower blood cholesterol levels.
Contains Beneficial Carbs
The main nutrient in oats is carbohydrates, making up 66% of the calories. Squirrels use carbs for energy to remain active and power their metabolisms. The carbs in oatmeal are slower digesting, providing longer lasting energy than simple sugars.
The complex carbs keep blood sugar levels stabilized rather than spiking and crashing them.
Oatmeal also contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that forms a thick gel. This delays stomach emptying to promote satiety and regulate appetite. The beta-glucan gel also binds to cholesterol particles in the small intestine to inhibit absorption and lower cholesterol.
Provides Some Nutrients
Oats supply a nutritious source of some vitamins and minerals that squirrels need to stay healthy:
| Manganese | – Whole grains like oats are high in manganese, providing 63% DV per serving. This mineral is essential for bone health and protecting cells from damage. |
| Phosphorous | – Needed for energy production, bone formation, and DNA synthesis. Oatmeal contains 15% DV per serving. |
| Selenium | – An important antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage and inflammation. Oats contain around 31% DV. |
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects help prevent chronic diseases. So with its stellar nutrient profile, oatmeal promotes squirrels’ overall wellbeing.
Risks of Feeding Squirrels Oatmeal
May Cause Digestive Upset
Oatmeal contains gluten and fibers that squirrels are not equipped to digest properly. The starch and carbohydrates can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea in squirrels if consumed in large quantities. Squirrels have a higher tolerance for proteins and fats over carbohydrates.
It’s best to limit oatmeal to small portions or avoid it altogether.
Lacks Essential Nutrients
While oatmeal provides energy from carbohydrates, it lacks many nutrients squirrels need to thrive such as:
- Protein for muscle growth and repair
- Healthy fats for energy and vitamin absorption
- Calcium for strong bones and teeth
- Vitamin D for calcium absorption
Feeding too much oatmeal could lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies over time. It’s better to offer nuts, seeds, vegetables, and limited fruits which contain a balanced nutritional profile.
Can Become Reliant on Handouts
If squirrels grow accustomed to being fed by humans, they may lose their natural foraging abilities and survival instincts. This can make them dependent on unreliable food sources. It’s best not to accustom squirrels to human food, as they are wild animals adapted to find natural foods on their own.
While offering the occasional small amount of oatmeal to squirrels is likely fine, making it a regular part of their diet could be problematic. It’s better to appreciate squirrels from a distance and allow them to forage as nature intended.
Tips for Safely Feeding Squirrels Oatmeal
Avoid Added Sugar and Flavorings
Oatmeal is a healthy snack for squirrels in its plain, unflavored form. When choosing an oatmeal to feed squirrels, be sure to select plain or original oats without any added sugar, salt, or artificial flavors. The natural wholesome oats are perfect for squirrels.
However, sweetened oatmeals have extra calories and sugars that are unhealthy. The added ingredients can also upset a squirrel’s digestive system, which is best adapted to all-natural foods. So stick to plain oatmeal or oats to keep your squirrel friends happy and healthy.
Don’t Give Too Much at Once
While oatmeal makes a nutritious snack, too much at once can lead to digestive issues for squirrels. About 1-2 tablespoons of dry oats per squirrel is a good amount for a single feeding. Offer small portions and avoid dumping large piles of oatmeal.
This prevents any one squirrel from gorging and gives all the squirrels fair access to the food. Monitor how much each squirrel eats and adjust portions accordingly. The key is moderation. Spreading oatmeal across multiple feedings allows squirrels to supplement their diets without overindulging.
Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Whenever you feed squirrels oatmeal, make sure fresh water is available too. Oatmeal absorbs liquid and can cause dehydration if squirrels don’t have enough water. Place a shallow, sturdy bowl of water near the feeding area.
Change the water daily and check to ensure it doesn’t freeze in colder weather. Proper hydration aids digestion and keeps squirrels healthy. You can also offer juicy fruits like oranges or melons along with oatmeal to boost fluid intake. Just don’t leave perishable foods out for prolonged periods.
Conclusion
In moderation, plain oatmeal can be an occasional part of a balanced diet for squirrels. It provides fiber, carbs, and some nutrients they need. But oatmeal lacks key ingredients squirrels require for health, so it should not make up the bulk of what you feed them.
Follow tips on amounts and avoid added sweeteners to prevent digestive issues.
When in doubt, provide squirrels their natural foods like nuts, seeds, fruits, and veggies. This allows them to forage and thrive on their own terms.
