Squirrels are small, furry rodents that have been the focus of many children’s stories. They are known for being mischievous and clever, but do they eat meat? If you share the popular opinion that our furry little friends are herbivores, then you will be surprised to hear that it turns out that they do indeed enjoy a little bit of animal protein every now and then.
This blog post will provide information about the eating habits of squirrels as well as other interesting facts about these fascinating animals.
Squirrels Are Omnivores
Squirrels are omnivores who enjoy a wide variety of protein sources. The reason they eat meat is that it allows them to live in many different habitats because meat provides them with the nutrients that their bodies require.
That being said, squirrels do not solely rely on meat to survive. They also consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts to meet their nutritional needs.
How Squirrels Hunt As Predators
Squirrels are predators that hunt other small creatures in order to survive. They do this by using their sharp teeth and claws to catch their prey. Since they have extremely fast reflexes, it’s hard for their prey to escape.
Just like humans, squirrels have different ways of eating meat. Some squirrels will chew on a piece of meat until it is liquefied before swallowing it. Other squirrels will simply bite into a piece of meat and swallow it whole.
The Reason Why Squirrels Eat Meat
There are several reasons why squirrels eat meat. One reason is that eating meat helps them to survive in habitats where there are no trees or plants to provide the nutrients they need. Another reason is that protein provides them with more energy than any other food source, which allows them to do things like run faster and jump higher.
Furthermore, some scientists believe that squirrels started eating meat because it allowed their ancestors to reproduce twice as fast compared with herbivores of similar size!
The Types of Meat that Squirrels Eat
Squirrels do not only eat the meat of small animals. They will also consume the meat of larger creatures, such as rabbits and birds. In addition to eating the flesh of other animals, some squirrels will also eat their brains! This might seem gross to us humans, but it is actually a very common practice for squirrels.
Here’s a list of animals that squirrels hunt.
- Birds
- Lizards
- Snakes
- Small rodents
- Rabbits
- Bats
- Caterpillars
How You Should Feed Meat to Your Pet Squirrel
Do you own a pet squirrel? Then here’s all you need to know about how to feed meat to your furry friend.
The Three Things You Need to Ensure
When feeding meat, there are three things you need to ensure:
- Never feed your squirrels rotten meat. It can induce a variety of digestive issues and might even lead to more serious problems. So always make sure the meat you’re feeding is fresh.
- Avoid going large pieces of meat to your squirrel. Most squirrels don’t like being fed large pieces of meat because it’s difficult for them to hold their food and slice it at the same time. So, offer them small pieces instead.
- Always provide fresh water for your squirrel to drink with meat. It will help ensure they don’t choke on their food.
Different Ways of Feeding Meat to Squirrels
There are three main ways of feeding meat to squirrels:
- Offering them a piece of meat that they can hold in their paws and chew on.
- Cutting the meat into small pieces, mixing it with some healthy veggies, and placing the food directly into their mouths.
- Adding the meat to water and making it into a broth for your squirrel to drink.
The last method is usually the best way to go, especially if your squirrel is not very cooperative when it comes to eating meat.
When You Shouldn’t Feed Meat to Squirrels
While meat is super healthy food for squirrels, there are certain cases where you shouldn’t feed it to your furry friend. Some of those cases include:
- When the squirrel is less than ten weeks old.
- When the squirrel is pregnant or nursing.
- When the squirrel has a medical condition that requires them to eat a special diet that specifically prohibits the consumption of meat.
Some Meat Alternatives for Squirrels
Are you a vegan who doesn’t like the idea of feeding meat to your squirrel? Then here are some meat alternatives that will help fulfill the protein requirements of your furry little friends.
1. Nuts
Nuts are a great source of protein for squirrels and can be found in most grocery stores. Just make sure that the nuts you purchase do not have any added salt or sugar, as those ingredients are bad for squirrels’ health.
2. Beans
Beans are another good source of protein for squirrels. They come in many different varieties, so there’s sure to be one your pet will love. Like with nuts, just make sure to avoid buying beans that have been pre-seasoned with salt or sugar.
3. Tofu
If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative to meat, tofu is a perfect choice for feeding your squirrel. Tofu is made from soybeans and is a rich source of protein for squirrels.
4. Seaweed
Another good alternative to meat is seaweed, which can be found in most Asian grocery stores. Seaweed is a great source of vitamins and minerals, as well as protein. It’s also low in calories, making it a perfect choice for overweight squirrels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, squirrels are relatively inactive omnivores who rarely hunt other animals. Since they require protein to survive, you can either feed your pet meat or one of the vegan protein sources mentioned in this post.
