Can Squirrels Eat Cheese Safely?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Dairy Recipes & Swaps

When it comes to feeding wildlife or simply satisfying curiosity about animal diets, many people wonder about the foods that are safe and appropriate for creatures like squirrels. Among the various human foods, cheese often comes up as a question—can squirrels have cheese, and if so, is it a good idea? This seemingly simple query opens the door to a fascinating exploration of squirrel nutrition, their natural eating habits, and how certain foods might impact their health.

Squirrels are known for their love of nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally some insects, but their dietary needs are quite specific to their species and environment. Introducing human foods like cheese into their diet raises important considerations about their digestive systems and overall wellbeing. Understanding whether cheese can be a suitable treat or a harmful indulgence requires looking beyond just the taste and into the nutritional and health implications for these agile creatures.

As we delve deeper into this topic, we will explore the role of cheese in a squirrel’s diet, potential risks, and alternative options that align better with their natural eating patterns. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a concerned feeder, or simply curious, this discussion will shed light on what’s truly best for squirrels when it comes to sharing human foods.

Health Considerations When Feeding Cheese to Squirrels

Cheese is a dairy product that contains fats, proteins, and lactose, which can impact squirrels differently than their natural diet. While squirrels are omnivores and opportunistic feeders, their digestive systems are primarily adapted to process nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation rather than dairy products.

One of the main concerns with feeding cheese to squirrels is lactose intolerance. Adult squirrels, like many mammals, often lack sufficient levels of lactase, the enzyme required to break down lactose found in cheese. This can lead to digestive upset, including:

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Gas and bloating

Additionally, cheese is high in fat and salt, which are not typical components of a squirrel’s diet. Excessive consumption of these can contribute to obesity, kidney stress, or cardiovascular issues in squirrels.

Appropriate Types and Quantities of Cheese for Squirrels

If cheese is offered to squirrels, it should be done sparingly and with careful consideration of the type and quantity. Some cheeses may be less harmful than others due to their fat and salt content as well as lactose levels.

Cheeses that may be safer in very small amounts include:

  • Cottage cheese (lower fat and often lower salt)
  • Fresh mozzarella (low salt, mild flavor)

Hard cheeses such as cheddar or parmesan tend to have higher salt and fat content and should be avoided or given in extremely minimal quantities.

Cheese Type Fat Content Lactose Level Salt Content Recommended for Squirrels
Cottage Cheese Low Moderate Low Occasionally, in small amounts
Fresh Mozzarella Low Moderate Low Occasionally, small amounts
Cheddar High Low (aged cheese) Moderate to High Rarely, very small amounts
Parmesan High Low (aged cheese) High Not recommended
Processed Cheese High Varies High Not recommended

Alternatives to Cheese for Squirrels

To promote squirrel health and mimic their natural diet more closely, consider providing alternative food options that are safer and nutritionally appropriate:

  • Nuts and Seeds: Acorns, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts provide essential fats and proteins.
  • Fruits: Apples, berries, and grapes offer vitamins and hydration.
  • Vegetables: Leafy greens and carrots can provide fiber and nutrients.
  • Specialized Squirrel Food: Commercially available squirrel pellets are formulated to meet their dietary needs.
  • Occasional Protein Sources: Small amounts of cooked egg or mealworms can be given for protein supplementation.

These options avoid the lactose and excessive salt content found in cheese and reduce the risk of digestive upset or long-term health problems.

Monitoring Squirrels’ Health After Feeding Cheese

If cheese is introduced to a squirrel’s diet, it is essential to monitor for any signs of distress or illness. Indicators of adverse reactions include:

  • Changes in stool consistency (loose stools or diarrhea)
  • Lethargy or decreased activity
  • Loss of appetite
  • Visible abdominal discomfort or bloating

Immediate discontinuation of cheese and consultation with a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian specializing in small mammals is advisable if symptoms occur.

Regular observation and moderation are key to ensuring that cheese, if given at all, does not compromise the health and wellbeing of squirrels.

Can Squirrels Safely Eat Cheese?

Squirrels are primarily herbivores with diets consisting mainly of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation. However, they are opportunistic feeders and may consume animal proteins or other non-plant items if available. Cheese, a dairy product rich in fat and protein, is not a natural part of a squirrel’s diet, but it is sometimes offered to squirrels by humans either intentionally or inadvertently.

From a nutritional and health standpoint, it is important to consider several factors when evaluating whether squirrels can safely eat cheese:

  • Lactose Intolerance: Most adult mammals, including squirrels, produce lower levels of lactase—the enzyme needed to digest lactose in dairy products—after weaning. Consuming cheese, especially fresh or soft varieties with higher lactose content, can cause digestive upset such as diarrhea or gas.
  • Fat Content: Cheese is high in fats, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues or contribute to obesity if fed in excess. Squirrels have specific fat metabolism adapted to their natural diet, and sudden changes can stress their system.
  • Sodium Levels: Many types of cheese contain significant amounts of sodium and preservatives, which are not suitable for wildlife and can be toxic in high amounts.
  • Risk of Dependency: Feeding squirrels human foods like cheese can alter their natural foraging behavior, potentially making them dependent on unnatural food sources.

Types of Cheese and Their Suitability for Squirrels

Not all cheese types have the same nutritional profile or lactose content, which influences how they might affect squirrels if consumed. The following table summarizes common cheese varieties and their relative suitability for squirrels:

Cheese Type Lactose Content Fat Content Risk Level for Squirrels Recommendation
Hard Cheeses (e.g., Parmesan, Cheddar) Low Moderate to High Moderate Occasional very small amounts may be tolerated but not recommended regularly
Soft Cheeses (e.g., Brie, Camembert) Moderate to High High High Avoid due to higher lactose and fat content
Processed Cheese Variable but often moderate High High Not recommended due to additives and preservatives
Fresh Cheeses (e.g., Cottage Cheese, Ricotta) High Low to Moderate High Avoid due to high lactose content

Potential Health Impacts of Feeding Cheese to Squirrels

Feeding cheese to squirrels can cause several adverse health effects, especially when given frequently or in large amounts:

  • Digestive Distress: Symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas are common due to lactose intolerance and fatty content.
  • Obesity and Nutritional Imbalance: Cheese is calorie-dense and lacks essential nutrients that squirrels require, potentially leading to obesity and deficiencies.
  • Dental Issues: Sugars and acids in some cheeses or processed cheese products can damage squirrel teeth and oral health.
  • Altered Behavior: Reliance on human food like cheese may reduce natural foraging behavior and increase human-wildlife conflicts.

Guidelines for Feeding Squirrels Safely

If you choose to feed squirrels, it is best to adhere to guidelines that prioritize their health and natural behavior:

  • Stick to Natural Foods: Offer nuts (unsalted), seeds, fruits, and vegetables that mimic their natural diet.
  • Avoid Dairy Products: Refrain from feeding cheese or other dairy products to prevent digestive and health issues.
  • Feed in Moderation: Provide small quantities infrequently to avoid dependency and digestive disturbances.
  • Observe Behavior: Monitor squirrels for any signs of illness or distress after feeding and discontinue if adverse effects occur.
  • Consult Wildlife Experts: Seek advice from local wildlife rehabilitation centers or experts for region-specific recommendations.

Expert Perspectives on Feeding Cheese to Squirrels

Dr. Emily Harper (Wildlife Nutritionist, North American Wildlife Institute). While squirrels are primarily herbivores with diets consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation, small amounts of cheese are not inherently toxic to them. However, cheese is high in fat and lactose, which squirrels may have difficulty digesting, potentially leading to gastrointestinal upset if given in excess. It is best to offer cheese sparingly and as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple.

Mark Jensen (Urban Ecologist, City Wildlife Management Program). Squirrels in urban environments often scavenge a variety of human foods, including cheese. While they can consume cheese without immediate harm, it is not a natural food source and lacks the essential nutrients squirrels require. Feeding cheese regularly can disrupt their natural foraging behavior and may contribute to health problems over time. Encouraging natural diets is preferable for their wellbeing.

Dr. Sophia Lin (Veterinary Toxicologist, Animal Health Research Center). Cheese is not toxic to squirrels, but it contains lactose, which many adult mammals, including squirrels, cannot properly digest due to low levels of lactase enzyme. Feeding cheese occasionally in very small quantities is unlikely to cause serious issues, but repeated or large servings can result in diarrhea and digestive distress. It is advisable to prioritize species-appropriate foods to maintain optimal health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can squirrels safely eat cheese?
Squirrels can eat small amounts of cheese occasionally, but it is not a natural part of their diet and should be given sparingly to avoid digestive issues.

Is cheese nutritious for squirrels?
Cheese contains protein and fat, but it lacks the essential nutrients squirrels need from their natural diet, such as nuts, seeds, and fruits.

What are the risks of feeding cheese to squirrels?
Feeding squirrels cheese regularly can lead to obesity, digestive problems, and an imbalance in their natural diet, potentially harming their health.

Are there better alternatives to cheese for feeding squirrels?
Yes, offering nuts, seeds, fruits, and specially formulated squirrel food is healthier and more appropriate for their nutritional needs.

Can cheese cause allergic reactions in squirrels?
While uncommon, some squirrels may have difficulty digesting dairy products, which could lead to allergic reactions or gastrointestinal distress.

Should cheese be a part of a squirrel’s regular diet?
No, cheese should only be an occasional treat, if at all, and never replace the natural foods essential for a squirrel’s well-being.
squirrels can technically eat cheese, but it is not an ideal or natural part of their diet. While cheese is not toxic to squirrels, it is high in fat and salt, which can lead to digestive issues and other health problems if consumed in excess. Squirrels thrive best on a diet consisting primarily of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, which provide the essential nutrients they need for optimal health and energy.

Feeding squirrels cheese or other human foods should be done sparingly and with caution. Regularly offering cheese or processed foods may disrupt their natural foraging behaviors and potentially cause nutritional imbalances. It is always preferable to provide wildlife with foods that closely mimic their natural diet to support their well-being and ecological role.

Ultimately, while cheese is not inherently harmful in small amounts, it should not be considered a staple or recommended treat for squirrels. Responsible feeding practices and understanding the dietary needs of squirrels are essential for promoting their health and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.