If you have a pet squirrel, you may be wondering if squirrels can eat peaches? Like us, squirrels require a balanced diet of nuts, vegetables, and fruits in moderation.
In short, squirrels can each peach; it is a good source of vitamins A and C, which are essential nutrients for humans and animals. However, when feeding squirrels peaches, it’s essential to understand that the pit can pose a hazard. Also, moderation is vital to prevent obesity and other health issues.
If you have a pet squirrel, you know they love eating human food. Their natural instinct is to forage for food and eat pretty much anything. Pet squirrels do not lose this instinct. They still forage for food but rely on their owners to provide a balanced diet.
So let’s look at why squirrels eat peaches, how to feed them, and their nutritional benefits.
Can Squirrels Eat Peaches?
Peaches can eat peaches; it is rich in vitamins and minerals that provide substantial health benefits. It is a great low calorie snack.
Peaches contain natural sugars, which are not bad for squirrels but must be consumed in moderation. Overconsumption can lead to obesity, heart and dental issues.
That said, a squirrel’s diet should consist of a variety of nuts, veggies, and other food sources that can be found in their habitat. Squirrels should be fed peaches in moderation.
Are Peaches Good for Squirrels?
It’s. no secret that peaches contains several health benefits for humans.
While there is no scientific proof that peaches have the same benefits for squirrels as it does for humans. That said, all mammals require essential vitamins and minerals to survive.
Peach Nutritional Information
One medium peach (5.4 ounces or 150 grams) contains the following nutrients.
Nutrient Quantity
- Calories: 58
- Copper: 5% of the DV (Recommended daily value)
- Carbohydrates: 14 grams
- Fat: 0.4 grams
- Vitamin E: 5% of the DV
- Vitamin C: 17% of the DV
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fiber 2 Grams
- Niacin: 6% of the DV
- Sugar: 8.22 grams
- Water: 87 grams
- Fat: 0.24 grams
In addition, peaches are rich in antioxidants such as; flavonoids, beta-carotene, and vitamin C.
Benefits of Peaches for Squirrels
Nutrients are essential to animals and humans because they play vital roles in essential bodily functions and processes.
Here are a few examples of how various nutrients and vitamins aid in maintaining the health of both squirrels and humans.
- Water: is essential for regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, supporting digestion, and transporting nutrients and waste throughout the body.
- Protein: A macronutrient essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting the immune system, and providing energy.
- Carbohydrates: Another macronutrient essential for providing the body with energy. When consumed, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which the body uses as fuel for various bodily functions.
Peaches contain antioxidants that protect blood vessels, organs, and cells from oxidative damage.
Foods with antioxidants help neutralize free radicals before they cause damage, especially with chronic diseases. Squirrels live in the wild and are exposed to several elements that can cause illnesses.
Feeding them foods that help strengthen their immune system is vital.
Will Squirrels Eat Peaches?
There isn’t much that squirrels won’t eat. Like humans, these rodents will develop a preference for certain foods. Squirrels are nervous animals, and it may take time to develop a sweet tooth or crave peaches.
That said, similar to how humans have food preferences, so do squirrels.
These critters will go crazy if you feed them certain foods. Don’t be surprised if you put pieces of peaches at the feeder only to see no one has eaten it.
If squirrels have access to better tasting food, they will likely pass on the fruit.
It doesn’t mean they don’t like the taste; it just means they prefer their regular diet.
Feeding Squirrels Peaches
Peaches are an excellent treat for your pet squirrel because they are low in calories and contain essential nutrients for a balanced diet.
Limit peaches and other fruits to 1-2 pieces per day. Squirrels must consume their daily nutritional needs from a balanced nutritional diet.
When feeding a pet squirrel, wash the fruit properly to ensure there are no harmful pesticides that can be toxic to the rodent.
After washing the fruit, slice it into small pieces, and remove the pit. Place the pieces in a bowl or hand it to them. Their natural instinct will be to store the food in a cache. Yes, pet squirrels never get rid of the caching behavior.
Peaches are safe for squirrels, but moderation is the key, especially, if you have a pet squirrel that relies on you for food.
Should You Feed Squirrels Peaches?
Some people will continue feeding squirrels peaches and other foods, even though they are not good for them. If this is you, then make sure you feed them a small amount, no more than 1-2 slices. Also, it’s best to only feed a pet squirrel peaches, not wild ones.
Because once a squirrel realizes they have an easy food source, this could make them stop foraging for food since they see you as their food source.
Continuing to feed them foods that are bad for them can lead to obesity and other health issues, making them vulnerable to prey.
Can Squirrels Eat Canned Peaches?
No, canned fruit contains higher amounts of sugar than fresh fruit. One serving of peaches canned in syrup contains 30 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to 7.5 teaspoons of sugar.
If you share your bowl of fruit with your pet, make sure the peaches are packed in water or their own juices. These are lower in sugar but are still not as good as fresh fruit.
Can Squirrels Eat The Peach Pit?
No, the pit can be harmful as it contains a toxic compound called amygdalin. Amygdalin releases cyanide when ingested, which can poison a squirrel.
That said, squirrels can eat poisonous mushrooms without issues; chances are they won’t enough of the pit to affect them. In addition, squirrels will be more interested in eating the fruit’s flesh than the pit.
Can Squirrels Eat Peach Stems And Leaves?
In the wild, squirrels will eat stems and leaves because they provide nutrients and other essential vitamins. However, pet squirrels likely won’t eat the stem. Unlike their wild cousins, they don’t have to worry about eating stems and leaves.
They likely won’t eat the stems and leaves of the fruit, unless they are hungry or bored. The rodents have large incisors that require continuous chewing to prevent them from growing too long.
Can Squirrels Eat Ripe and Unripe Peaches?
In the wild, squirrels will eat ripe and unripe fruit, depending on the availability. Like us, they prefer ripe fruit because it tastes better and is easier to eat.
Ripe fruit is more beneficial because it contains more nutrients than unripe fruit.
Other Fruits Safe for Squirrels To Eat
If your pet squirrel enjoys eating human foods such as fruit, here’s a list of other fruits they can safely eat. Some contain pits and seeds, which may be harmful, so make sure you remove them.
- Persimmons
- Apricots
- Apples
- Plums
- Mangoes
- Nectarines
- Cherries
- Papaya
- Nectarine
As mentioned above, limit fruit servings to 1-2 pieces daily. If you’re unsure how to implement fruit into your squirrel’s diet, consult an avian veterinarian.
Can Baby Squirrels Eat Peaches?
As long as the baby squirrel is old enough to eat solid foods, they can eat small amounts of peaches. Avoid feeding them too much, as peaches contain sugar, which can affect baby squirrels faster than an adult.
If you’ve found a baby squirrel in a nest whose eyes aren’t open yet, you’ll want to feed them Esbilac Powder and hand-feed them.
Many people choose to rehabilitate baby squirrels back to health. However, it’s important to understand how to care for a baby squirrel, especially, if you’ve never had one.
Final Word
Squirrels love peaches, and they are a great source of essential nutrients and antioxidants. When feeding your pet, remove the pit, as it contains a toxic compound that can be harmful.
The most important thing to remember is that rodents need a balanced diet.
To ensure that squirrels receive their recommended daily allowance of essential nutrients, fruit, and other snacks should make up only 5-10% of their overall diet.
Related Articles
- How to Make Squirrel Food for Squirrels
- How Far Do Squirrels Travel From Their Nest For Food?
- What Are Squirrel Blocks?
- 10 Squirrel Treats For Pets and Wild Squirrels
- Do Squirrels Eat Lettuce?
Sources
https://www.henryspets.com/content/HealthyDietJan2014Print.pdf