Can Squirrels Eat Cheese Safely? Exploring the Facts and Risks

AvatarByTonya Taylor Dairy Recipes & Swaps

Squirrels are curious and adaptable creatures, often seen darting through parks and backyards in search of food. Their varied diet has sparked the curiosity of many wildlife enthusiasts and pet owners alike, leading to an intriguing question: can squirrels eat cheese? This seemingly simple query opens the door to a fascinating exploration of what squirrels can safely consume and how human foods fit into their natural eating habits.

Understanding whether cheese is a suitable snack for squirrels involves more than just a yes or no answer. It touches on the nutritional needs of these small mammals, their digestive capabilities, and the potential risks or benefits of introducing dairy products into their diet. As people increasingly interact with urban wildlife, knowing what to feed squirrels responsibly becomes an important aspect of fostering a healthy coexistence.

In the following sections, we will delve into the relationship between squirrels and cheese, examining the effects of dairy on their health and behavior. This insight will help readers make informed decisions about feeding practices and contribute to the well-being of these lively little creatures.

Potential Risks of Feeding Cheese to Squirrels

While squirrels are known for their adaptability and opportunistic feeding habits, feeding them cheese carries several potential risks. Cheese is a dairy product rich in fats and proteins but also contains lactose, which many adult squirrels cannot digest properly. Unlike humans, many mammals lose the enzyme lactase after infancy, which is necessary to break down lactose in milk and dairy products.

Feeding cheese to squirrels can lead to:

  • Digestive upset: Lactose intolerance in squirrels often results in diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
  • Nutritional imbalance: Cheese is high in saturated fats and sodium, which are not part of a natural squirrel diet and can lead to obesity or organ stress.
  • Addiction to unnatural foods: Regular feeding of cheese may cause squirrels to develop a preference for unnatural foods, reducing their ability to forage effectively in the wild.

It is important to note that squirrels’ natural diet consists primarily of nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasional insects, which provide a balanced nutritional profile suited to their physiology.

Nutritional Content of Cheese Compared to a Squirrel’s Natural Diet

Understanding the nutritional differences between cheese and the typical squirrel diet highlights why cheese should be given, if at all, with caution.

Nutrient Cheese (per 100g) Squirrel Natural Diet (per 100g average) Comments
Protein 25g 10-15g Cheese is higher in protein but from dairy sources.
Fat 33g 5-15g Cheese contains much more saturated fat than natural foods.
Lactose ~2.5g 0g Squirrels do not naturally consume lactose.
Carbohydrates 1.3g 20-30g Natural diet is higher in complex carbohydrates and fiber.
Sodium 600mg 50-150mg Cheese contains significantly more sodium than natural foods.

Because cheese has a significantly different nutritional profile compared to what squirrels evolved to eat, it should not be considered a staple or frequent treat.

Guidelines for Feeding Cheese to Squirrels

If one chooses to feed cheese to squirrels, it must be done with care to minimize health risks. The following guidelines can help ensure the well-being of the animals:

  • Feed in very small amounts: Offer cheese only as an occasional treat, no more than a tiny cube or crumb.
  • Choose low-lactose, mild cheeses: Hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss have lower lactose levels than soft cheeses.
  • Observe the squirrel’s reaction: Monitor for signs of digestive distress such as diarrhea or lethargy.
  • Avoid processed or flavored cheeses: These may contain additives or high sodium levels harmful to squirrels.
  • Do not replace natural food sources: Cheese should never substitute nuts, seeds, or fruits.
  • Feed in a clean environment: Prevent attracting pests or creating dependency on human-provided food.

Alternatives to Cheese for Feeding Squirrels

To support the health and natural behaviors of squirrels, it is preferable to provide foods that closely resemble their natural diet. Some suitable alternatives include:

  • Unsalted nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts)
  • Seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
  • Fresh fruits (e.g., apple slices, berries)
  • Vegetables (e.g., corn kernels, peas)
  • Occasional small insects or larvae (in the wild)

These options provide balanced nutrition without the risks associated with dairy products.

  • Offer a variety of nuts and seeds to simulate natural foraging.
  • Ensure food is fresh and free from mold or contaminants.
  • Provide clean water alongside food offerings.

Dietary Considerations for Feeding Cheese to Squirrels

Cheese is a dairy product primarily made from milk, containing fats, proteins, and lactose. While it is a common human food, its suitability for squirrels requires careful consideration due to their unique dietary needs and digestive systems.

Squirrels are primarily herbivores with diets composed mainly of nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects. Their digestive tracts are adapted to process plant-based materials rather than animal proteins or dairy products.

Feeding cheese to squirrels is generally not recommended because of the following reasons:

  • Lactose Intolerance: Most adult squirrels lack the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose found in cheese. Consumption of cheese can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea and stomach pain.
  • High Fat Content: Cheese often contains high levels of saturated fat, which can be difficult for squirrels to metabolize and may contribute to obesity or other health issues if consumed in excess.
  • Salt and Additives: Many types of cheese contain added salt and preservatives that are harmful to squirrels, potentially causing dehydration or toxicity.
  • Nutritional Imbalance: Cheese lacks the essential nutrients squirrels obtain from their natural diet, making it an inappropriate substitute or supplement.

Safe Feeding Practices for Squirrels

When considering supplemental feeding for squirrels, it is important to prioritize their natural dietary preferences and nutritional requirements. The following guidelines promote the health and well-being of squirrels:

Recommended Food Items Reasons for Suitability Feeding Tips
Unsalted Nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, pecans) High in fats and proteins natural to squirrel diets Offer in moderation; avoid shelled nuts to reduce choking risk
Seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds) Rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients Provide in small quantities to prevent overfeeding
Fresh Fruits (e.g., apples, berries, grapes) Source of vitamins and hydration Remove seeds and pits that may be toxic; feed fresh and clean
Vegetables (e.g., carrots, leafy greens) Provide fiber and essential nutrients Wash thoroughly and chop into small pieces

It is advisable to avoid processed human foods, including cheese, to prevent health complications. If you wish to provide protein-rich supplements, consider small amounts of cooked eggs or insects, which are more aligned with the natural diet of some squirrel species.

Potential Health Risks of Cheese Consumption in Squirrels

Introducing cheese into a squirrel’s diet can result in several adverse health effects, some of which may be severe or fatal if not addressed promptly:

  • Gastrointestinal Distress: Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating arise due to lactose intolerance and fat overload.
  • Dehydration: Diarrhea may lead to fluid loss, which is dangerous for small animals like squirrels.
  • Pancreatitis Risk: High fat intake can trigger inflammation of the pancreas, causing pain and digestive failure.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Reliance on cheese may displace essential nutrients from a balanced diet, weakening the immune system.

If a squirrel exhibits signs of illness after consuming cheese or other unsuitable foods, it is important to seek advice from a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian experienced with small mammals.

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, and fruits, small amounts of cheese can be tolerated occasionally. However, cheese is high in fat and lactose, which squirrels do not naturally digest well, so it should never be a regular part of their diet.

James Thornton (Urban Ecologist, City Wildlife Research Center). Cheese is not a natural food source for squirrels and feeding it to them can disrupt their natural foraging behaviors. Additionally, dairy products may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in squirrels, so it is advisable to avoid offering cheese to wild populations.

Dr. Lisa Nguyen (Veterinary Toxicologist, Animal Health and Safety Association). From a veterinary standpoint, cheese poses a risk due to lactose intolerance common in many wild mammals, including squirrels. Occasional exposure might not be harmful, but repeated feeding can lead to gastrointestinal issues and nutrient imbalances, so cheese is generally not recommended as squirrel food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can squirrels safely eat cheese?
Squirrels can eat small amounts of cheese occasionally, but it should not be a regular part of their diet due to lactose content and high fat levels.

Is cheese a natural food for squirrels?
No, cheese is not a natural food for squirrels. Their diet primarily consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation.

What are the risks of feeding cheese to squirrels?
Feeding cheese to squirrels can cause digestive upset, including diarrhea and stomach discomfort, because many squirrels are lactose intolerant.

Are there healthier alternatives to cheese for squirrels?
Yes, healthier alternatives include unsalted nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables, and specially formulated squirrel food available at pet stores.

How often can cheese be given to squirrels as a treat?
Cheese should be given very sparingly, ideally no more than once in a while as an occasional treat, if at all.

Can cheese cause long-term health problems in squirrels?
Regular consumption of cheese may lead to obesity, digestive issues, and nutritional imbalances in squirrels, negatively impacting their overall health.
squirrels can technically eat cheese, but it is not an ideal or natural part of their diet. Cheese is a dairy product that is high in fat and protein, which squirrels do not typically consume in the wild. While small amounts of cheese may not cause immediate harm, it should be offered sparingly and not as a regular food source to avoid potential digestive issues or nutritional imbalances.

It is important to remember that squirrels thrive on a diet primarily composed of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Introducing human foods like cheese can disrupt their natural eating habits and may lead to health problems if given excessively. For those interested in feeding squirrels, it is advisable to provide foods that closely mimic their natural diet to support their well-being and longevity.

Ultimately, while cheese is not toxic to squirrels, it is best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a staple. Responsible feeding practices and an understanding of a squirrel’s dietary needs are essential to ensure their health and safety. Providing appropriate nutrition helps maintain the balance of their natural ecosystem and promotes the overall welfare of these animals.

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.