Have you ever wondered if squirrels eat vegetables like broccoli? You may have noticed squirrels digging through your garden or rummaging through your trash cans for food. But do these bushy-tailed critters actually eat vegetables like broccoli? Read on to find out!
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Squirrels do not typically eat broccoli. They are primarily herbivores that thrive on nuts, seeds, fruits, buds, and sometimes insects. Broccoli has little nutritional value for them.
The Squirrel’s Diet
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds make up a large portion of the gray squirrel’s diet. They forage for acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, pecans, almonds and more. Squirrels especially love tree nuts that are still green and not fully developed, as they are easier to break open.
Seeds from pine cones, sunflower seeds from bird feeders, and pumpkin seeds are also fair game for these furry creatures. In fact, squirrels can smell nuts and seeds up to a foot underground! Their excellent sense of smell helps them sniff out their favorite treats.
Fruit and Berries
In addition to nuts and seeds, squirrels enjoy eating fruit and berries. They consume tree fruits like apples, pears, peaches, plums and apricots. Squirrels also eat berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and mulberries.
They tend to favor fruits that are just about to ripen, as the sugars have developed but the fruit is still firm. Squirrels have been observed gnawing on and discarding unripe fruit in search of ones that are perfectly sweet and ready to eat.
Tree Parts
Surprisingly, squirrels don’t only eat the nuts and fruits of trees – they also consume parts of the trees themselves! Squirrels chew on tree bark, especially from slender young branches and twigs. They also eat the nutrient-rich cambium layer right below tree bark.
In addition, squirrels consume tree buds in the spring when other food sources are scarce. Tree sap is another component of the squirrel diet, providing them sugars for energy. Squirrels have very sharp teeth that help them gnaw and strip tree bark to get to the moist, sugary sap underneath.
Insects
You may be surprised to learn that squirrels also eat insects from time to time. When animal protein is scarce, squirrels will munch on insects and bugs to supplement their diet. Cicadas, beetles, caterpillars, grubs and treehoppers are all fair game.
Not the most appetizing snack for us, but squirrels will take advantage of this readily available food source! Baby squirrels in particular need extra protein from insects to support their growth and development.
So while nuts and fruits make up the bulk of their diet, squirrels enjoy a bit of insect protein every now and then.
Why Squirrels Avoid Broccoli
Broccoli may be a superfood for humans, but squirrels tend to steer clear of this green vegetable. There are a few key reasons why squirrels avoid adding broccoli to their diets.
Low in Fats and Calories
Squirrels need a high calorie diet to maintain an active lifestyle. With only 31 calories per cup, broccoli is very low in calories compared to nuts, seeds and acorns which offer squirrels the fats and proteins they require. Simply put, broccoli doesn’t provide enough energy.
Contains Toxins
Like other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli contains glucosinolates which produce compounds mammals struggle to digest properly. Isothiocyanates and nitriles made from glucosinolates can deter squirrels and other rodents as they find these sulfur-rich chemicals toxic.
Difficult to Digest
With a digestive system that is designed to break down nuts, berries and some animal products, squirrels lack the enzymes needed to properly digest much of the fiber and cellulose found in broccoli. Their small intestinal tract isn’t equipped to extract enough nutrients from such vegetation.
Research shows most wild squirrels have digestive issues with cruciferous vegetables, leading to stomach pain or other forms of discomfort. So while broccoli offers vitamins and minerals, it does not provide the energy sources and digestive ease most squirrels require from their food.
When Squirrels May Eat Broccoli
In Urban Areas with Limited Food
Squirrels living in urban areas often have limited access to their natural food sources like nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi. As opportunistic eaters, urban squirrels will sample many types of human food waste in their search for calories and nutrients.
Broccoli ends up in compost piles and trash cans, placing it directly in the path of hungry urban squirrels.
Broccoli contains vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that may provide some benefits to squirrels even though it is not part of their natural diet. When natural food sources are scarce, urban squirrels appear willing to try broccoli as an alternative food.
Broccoli is not toxic to squirrels like chocolate or caffeine are. So when the choice is broccoli or starvation, urban squirrels may eat some broccoli to fill their bellies.
Young Squirrels Exploring Foods
Young squirrels are curious and explore their world by tasting many items. When broccoli ends up scattered in yards or parks, juvenile squirrels may sample small pieces out of curiosity. Similar to human toddlers, young squirrels place many items in their mouths as they learn about their environment.
Tasting new foods like broccoli provides learning experiences for baby squirrels.
However, broccoli is not a preferred food source for squirrels at any age. The young squirrels will likely ignore broccoli once they have sampled it or will only eat it sparingly. Curiosity leads them to taste the broccoli, but the flavor and texture ensure they do not consume large quantities.
Young squirrels have a strong natural drive to seek out and eat their normal foods like acorns when available.
Accidentally Ingesting Small Amounts
Squirrels are often seen digging through compost piles that contain vegetable scraps like broccoli. When foraging through compost, squirrels may accidentally ingest bits of broccoli as they search for more desirable morsels.
Similar accidental consumption could occur with broccoli scattered on the ground in gardens and parks.
The small amount of broccoli eaten accidentally provides some nutritional value and is unlikely to cause issues given the low toxicity of broccoli for squirrels. However, the taste and texture of raw broccoli are not appealing to squirrels.
This limits the amount of accidental consumption, as the squirrels will avoid eating more broccoli after sampling it initially.
Can Broccoli Harm Squirrels?
Indigestion and Diarrhea
Broccoli contains complex sugars called raffinose oligosaccharides that can cause gas, indigestion, and diarrhea in some animals if eaten in large quantities. Squirrels have a shorter digestive tract compared to larger animals, so they may be more prone to these issues when eating broccoli.
However, broccoli is not considered toxic to squirrels. Small amounts should be fine, but feeding large volumes of raw broccoli regularly could lead to an upset stomach or digestion problems. It’s best to limit broccoli to occasional treats rather than a daily vegetable for outdoor squirrels.
Toxicity Concerns
There are no components of broccoli that are poisonous to squirrels. Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family, which also includes kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. None of these vegetables contain toxic compounds for squirrels.
Some people worry whether broccoli contains oxalates or goitrogens that could harm kidneys or thyroid function. However, broccoli has very low levels of oxalates compared to other vegetables. Goitrogens are not a concern unless eaten in extremely high quantities over a long period of time.
So broccoli is not toxic, poisonous, or hazardous to squirrels. It’s an all-around safe vegetable to share in moderation.
Choking Hazard
Because squirrels have smaller mouths, broccoli florets present a potential choking risk depending on the size. Large, hard pieces of broccoli could become lodged in a squirrel’s throat and block their airway.
It’s best to cut broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces before feeding it to squirrels. Avoid giving whole broccoli stalks which are difficult for squirrels to break down. Pay attention while squirrels are eating to make sure they are properly chewing pieces.
Chopped broccoli is safer for squirrels to eat. Monitor them while eating and do not leave large pieces unattended or near burrows. Proper preparation and supervision can prevent choking incidents.
Better Vegetable Options for Squirrels
Squash and Pumpkins
Squash and pumpkins are nutritious fall vegetables that provide excellent sources of vitamins and minerals for squirrels preparing for winter. The seeds are a particularly good source of protein and healthy fats.
According to wildlife experts, squirrels enjoy eating seeds and flesh from acorn squash, butternut squash, pumpkin, and ornamental gourds.
A recent study from the University of Vermont found that squirrels actively seek out and cache pumpkin seeds to eat during winter months. Researchers observed squirrels carrying whole pumpkins weighing over a pound to stash seeds for later.
The bright orange squash are easy for squirrels to spot in autumn yards and gardens.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are another good veggie option for squirrels in the fall season. Like squash, they provide essential vitamins like A, C, and B6. Sweet potatoes also contain iron, calcium, selenium, and lots of beneficial antioxidants.
The tubers can be left raw, or cooked to soften them up for squirrels without teeth.
The Wildlife Care Association in the UK recommends leaving out small pieces of cooked sweet potato for red squirrels. This shows even wild squirrels will eat the orange root vegetables. Just make sure to offer bite-sized raw or cooked pieces that squirrels can easily nibble on.
Carrots
Crunchy carrots are packed with nutrition to benefit squirrels before winter. They contain beta carotene that squirrels can convert to vitamin A, plus vitamins K and C, fiber, potassium, manganese, and antioxidants. Carrots support healthy eyes, bones, teeth, muscles, and digestion in squirrels.
Raw baby carrots or sliced large carrots can be served. For elderly squirrels with worn teeth, cooked softened carrots are easier to eat. The SD Humane Society suggests mixing mashed steamed carrots with nuts and seeds to tempt fussy or underweight squirrels needing to gain weight before the cold months.
Conclusion
In summary, broccoli is not a natural part of the squirrel diet. While squirrels may sample small amounts, broccoli offers little nutritional value and could potentially cause digestive upset. Squirrels thrive best on nuts, seeds, fruits, buds, and other parts of trees.
If you want to offer vegetation, stick to more calorie-dense produce like squash, sweet potatoes, or carrots.